Get up close to agriculture and nature at the VYCC campus.
VYCC land is open for public use including hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, trapping, and wildlife viewing. We welcome you to come explore our trails and enjoy food from our farm stand.
Approximately 400 acres of land make up the Thomas L. Hark Leadership Campus. VYCC owns and maintains the property while Richmond Land Trust, Vermont Land Trust, Preservation Trust of Vermont, and Vermont Housing Conservation Board hold conservation easements on the land.
VYCC is a member of the Chittenden County Uplands Conservation Project – a collaborative effort that has conserved 8,000 acres between Mount Mansfield State Forest and Camels Hump State Park. This land is a critical part of Vermont’s core wildlife habitat and the essential wildlife corridors linking the Green Mountains to the Champlain Valley. Protecting this pristine area is an important strategy to improving and maintaining the health of the Lake Champlain watershed.
Hunting and Shooting
Hunters may only use the property with written permission from VYCC.
One “safety zone” designated as a no shooting area encircles eight lean-tos associated with the VYCC’s youth and education activities. This zone is posted with white “safety zone” signs.
For the safety of youth and staff, and to ensure the enjoyment of hunters, hunting and shooting are not allowed when VYCC programming is taking place on the land. We therefore require all visitors interested in these activities contact VYCC in advance to obtain permission. To obtain permission, please contact Greg Switz, Campus Logistics Coordinator at Greg.Switz@VYCC.org.
Motorized Vehicles
VYCC does not condemn nor promote the use of ATVs and other motorized recreational vehicles. However, in partnership with the easement holders of the property, VYCC denies land access to motorized vehicle use with two exceptions:
Vermont Association of Snow Travelers trails cross the northern part of the property. VYCC allows VAST trail users to cross the property on the developed and marked VAST trails. VYCC asks that VAST trail users limit their use to the developed trails and appreciates VAST members’ cooperation in this matter.
VYCC utilizes motorized vehicles to operate its Farm program and maintain its trail network.
Active Farming
The Food and Farm Program raises a variety of livestock including pastured poultry, laying hens, and cows. Electric fencing is present on the property and visitors are advised to use caution when walking near fencing.