With support from the Habitat Stamp, the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps worked directly with state wildlife biologists to improve habitat on the state’s newest wildlife management area, Windsor Grasslands WMA. More than five years in the making the Windsor Grasslands WMA restoration project was first envisioned to restore wetlands affected by past agricultural uses. Under the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s new ownership, the health of the property’s wetlands, streams, and forests, are being restored. These efforts will benefit the entire watershed downstream.

“The young people working for the VYCC spent a full week battling invasive plants and working to establish a mix of native, wildlife-friendly trees and shrubs in their place,” said Chris Bernier, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department biologist who manages this WMA.

“Habitat stamp donors should take pride in knowing these funds are helping to restore fish and wildlife habitat, protect water quality, and engage youths in conservation. This collaboration demonstrates how, when the will and funding come together, we can improve our environment,” said Bernier.

Members of the community also lent a hand planting trees and improving habitat during a volunteer day in late October. Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter joined the crew to lend a hand and to thank them for their efforts on this important project

This article comes from the 2018 Habitat Stamp from the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife

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