City and VLT partner to conserve woods, wetlands, streams and open land
South Burlington’s largest natural area is now permanently protected. On December 3, the City of South Burlington conserved nearly 105 acres of the centrally located Wheeler Nature Park with VLT to safeguard the park as a vital community resource for residents of the city and neighboring towns into the future.
The effort will keep the land open for outdoor recreation, education, and other community uses, and protect the property’s biodiversity, wildlife habitat, water resources, forestland and fields.
South Burlington City Council Chair, Tim Barritt, said: “Since the summer of 2016 when a taskforce was convened to start the process of conserving the Wheeler Nature Park, the Council’s objective has been to secure this jewel of our public open space for future generations to enjoy without the fear of development. From the insights that Council gained during Interim Zoning, we understand the value of this land for its passive recreation, positive effects on water quality, and its carbon benefits. As our city adds housing and infill development, this property will always be a refuge for us and our wildlife.”
The park was acquired by the City in the 1990s and is a green space open to all. It boasts an extensive trail system developed over the decades that winds through the wooded areas as well as the open land, with signage, boardwalks, stream crossings, and bridges. The property is also used by students and teachers for outdoor education.
The conservation effort began after a 2016 task force of city committees and the South Burlington Land Trust (SBLT) was brought together to chart a course for the permanent protection of Wheeler Nature Park.
“This treasured community asset provides easy access to the natural world close to where people live, all in Vermont’s second largest city,” said Bob Heiser, Project Director for Vermont Land Trust. “We are excited to be part of ensuring it remains a place for nature to thrive and for people to connect with it.”
The park will continue to be owned and managed by the City within the limitations of a permanent conservation easement held by VLT.
“After decades of advocacy by the South Burlington Land Trust, this wonderful natural area is now permanently protected through a conservation easement,” said SBLT’s Michael Mittag. “It will remain a prized ecological preserve and a source of wonder and enjoyment for generations to come.”
After the closing on December 3, back row, L to R: Erica Quallen, Karen Ryder, Allan Strong, Penne Tompkins, Bob Heiser, Janet Bellavance, Fran MacDonald, Colin McNeil, and John Bossange. Front row, L to R: Michael Mittag, Jessie Baker, and Elizabeth Fitzgerald.
Beyond the conserved acreage, the park also contains the area around the Wheeler Homestead, which contains the historic farmhouse, parking, community gardens and a dog park. The conserved acreage does not include a seven-acre parcel next to the park, at the intersection of Dorset Street and Park Road, that was once part of the park but that the city no longer owns.
Forest, streams, wetlands, and open land protected for wildlife, biodiversity and clean water
The conservation effort permanently protects over 35 acres of forest, 65 acres of open land, and streams and wetlands. The wooded areas include a former sugarbush with sugar maples, a stand of white pine, and hardwood trees such as shagbark hickory which provide food and habitat for wildlife.
The protected streams include tributaries of Potash Brook, which flows into Lake Champlain. The protected streams and wetlands will boost clean water in the Lake Champlain watershed, and the parcel’s diverse terrain will foster biodiversity and continue to provide space for wildlife.
