Calendar of events – February – March 2022

Please email your event listings to Mary Landon.
Some events will be canceled due to COVID and weather. Guidelines for venues are available on individual websites.

Thursday, Feb. 24, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Dr. Serhy Yekelchyk, professor and author of The Conflict in Ukraine, gives a Zoom talk called The War Over History: Russia and Ukraine on the Brink of Defining Their Identities. This free event is sponsored by the Rohatyn Center for Global Affairs at Middlebury College. Click to register.

Thursday, Feb. 24, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Osher Life Long Learning (OLLI) at the University of Vermont presents an online talk called The Her-story of Birding: The Lost Legacy of Women in Ornithology. The speaker is Bridget Butler, known locally as the Bird Diva and proponent of Slow Birding. In her talk, she breaks down current research on gender and birding and related topics. This Zoom class requires registration. For more info, call Lora at 802-656-5817.

Friday, Feb. 25, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
The University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program hosts 2022 Dairy Webinar Series, featuring experts from Vermont and elsewhere discussing a range of dairy-related topics. The first free Zoom webinar features Dr. Heather Darby and Sara Ziegler,   UVM Extension, providing updates on UVM forage and dairy research projects, including forage  trials for variety evaluations, stockpiling studies, and interseeding. They will also discuss alternative milking strategies and forages. No registration required. Click for more information.

Friday, Feb. 25, 4-7 p.m.
The Outer Limits, a select group of studios at The Soda Plant on Pine Street in Burlington, is hosting a get-to-know-you open house. The menagerie of artists includes Pepper Lee CBD, Privateyez Tattoo Studio, Cato and Company plantable handmade paper cards, Stash Fabrics and Kat Whitledge Bespoke Clothing. Go up the stairs next to Tomgirl Juice Company. Please wear masks. For more info on these artists visit the website.

Saturday, Feb. 26, 8–9 a.m.
Early birds and birdwatchers, meet for an Early Birders Morning Walk at the Birds of Vermont Museum in Huntington. Walk is led by experienced birders. Bring binoculars and appropriate outdoor clothing and shoes for forest and meadow trails. Appropriate for adults and children aged 10 and over, inviting all levels of experience. Free. Click for more info or call 802-434-2167.

Saturday, Feb. 26, 10-11:30 a.m.
You might wonder what goes on in an animal barn during the cold winter. Find out at How Now, Winter Cow?, an outside program for all ages at Shelburne Farms. Visit the farm’s herd of Brown Swiss cows and their flock of sheep. Learn from Farmer Mo all about farm work and animal care during the winter months. Dress to be outside on a farm. Appropriate for ages five and up, with accompanying adult. Click to register, or for more info.

Saturday, Feb. 26, 10:30 a.m.–noon
Many New Englanders have French-Canadian family ties. Learn more about researching your northern roots with the Vermont Genealogy Library’s Zoom webinar on Getting Started with French-Canadian Genealogy. Presenter Jane Duchesneau Whitmore provides an overview of  resources to begin building a family tree. She includes a discussion of Quebec history and how  it influenced our ancestors’ lives. Click to register, or for more info.

Saturday, Feb. 26, 6-8 p.m.
Native Plant Trust, based in Framingham, Mass., offers a live, virtual Botany Story Slam. The evening features a group of top botanists and horticulturists as they recount memorable plant stories from their diverse professions. Speakers include Jonathan Drori, author of the bestseller Around The World in 80 Plants. To register, or for more info, see nativeplanttrust.org. Native Plant Trust is a rich source of plant information, classes and field studies, and is home to Garden in the Woods, a botanic garden with native plants.

Saturday, Feb. 26, 7-9 p.m.
Folk musician Ethan Stokes Tischler presents his debut album, Across the Waking Skies, at a release show. Tischler is joined by other talented musicians for this evening of his original songs. The performance is at the Charlotte Congregational Church; doors open at 6:30. Click for tickets or more info.

Sunday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Intervale Center will host a Catamount Trail Association Free Ski Day with free equipment rentals and basic instruction. Snowshoeing encouraged as well. This event, in partnership with the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, is free; no pre-registration required. Explore  the three-mile network of Intervale trails. Weather-dependent. For more info, see @catamounttrail on Facebook or call 802-864-5794.

Sunday, Feb. 27, 12-4 p.m.
Hike through the Goshen woods, hopefully on snowshoes or cross-country skis, and partake in  a Love Trek put on by Adventure Dinner. Blueberry Hill Inn hosts this adventure in the woods. Participants enjoy four fire-cooked gourmet courses, thanks to Chef Frank Pace, with drinks by fires along the trek. Weather-dependent. For tickets, or more info, visit the website or call 248-224-7539.

Monday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m.
The Vermont Historical Society hosts a free Zoom talk called Whose History is Preserved? Presenters are historian Cyndy Bittinger and Lindsay Houpt-Varner, Executive Director of Rokeby Museum. The discussion focuses on regional inequities in preserving stories of minorities, women activists and Indigenous people. Pre-registration is appreciated. Click to register, or for more info.

Tuesday, March 1, 1-2:30 p.m.
Explore the history of a dairy farm turned into a premier public garden in Lee, NH. Bedrock Gardens: An Oasis of Art, Horticulture and Inspiration is a free Zoom talk, sponsored by the Hanover Garden Club and the Montshire Museum of Science. Listen to the garden’s Executive Director John Forti as he shares a visual story of the garden’s development, including the plants and art contained within. To register, or for more info, visit the website or call 802-649-2200.

Wednesday, March 2, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
The University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program hosts the 2022 Dairy Webinar Series, featuring experts from Vermont and elsewhere discussing a wide range of dairy-related topics. Today’s topic is Greenhouse Gas Emissions on Organic Dairies. Participants learn about research on seaweed feeding of cows to reduce methane emissions. Presenter is André Brito, University of New Hampshire. Dr. Horacio Aguirre-Villegas, University of Wisconsin-Madison, will talk about his work evaluating manure management practices and technologies to reduce environmental impacts of organic dairy systems. No registration required. For more info, visit the website.

Wednesday, March 2, 6-7 p.m.
As part of its Naturalist Journeys Online Presentation Series, the North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier is pleased to present a free Zoom talk with author and terrestrial ecologist Tom Wessels. Wessels talks about his recent book, New England’s Roadside Ecology, and highlights some of the spectacular and accessible natural sites he explores. Pre-registration appreciated. To register, or for more info, visit the website or call 802-229-6206.

Thursday, March 3, 9 a.m.-noon
Enjoy a few hours at Mallets Bay access area participating in an Ice Fishing Clinic offered by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. All ages and experience levels are encouraged to learn about regulations, techniques, fish identification, ice safety and more. Equipment provided for this free event in Colchester. Dress for being outside on the ice. Bring a warm drink and a bucket to sit on, if desired. For more info, call 802-505-5562. Pre-registration required. Event may be cancelled if ice is not adequate.

Friday, March 4, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
The University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program hosts the 2022 Dairy Webinar Series, featuring experts from Vermont and elsewhere discussing a wide range of dairy-related topics. Today, Dr. Glenda Pereira, University of Maine Cooperative Extension dairy specialist, speaks to Genetic Considerations for Organic Dairy Herds. She will share information on crossbreeding rotations, feed efficiency of crossbreds, and polled and disbudding management. No registration required. Visit the website for more information.

Friday, March 4, 6 p.m.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, Vermont Works for Women presents Lunafest, a film festival of award-winning short films by and about women. Virtual screening begins on March 4 at 6 p.m.; paid viewers have until Sunday, March 6, at 6 p.m. to watch the films. A live outdoor screening will take place on Friday, Aug. 5, at The Essex Experience. Click for more info, or to buy virtual access tickets, see or call 802-655-8900.

Saturday, March 5, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Birds of Vermont Museum in Huntington hosts Green Mountain Woodcarver David Tuttle for a Cedar Waxwing Carving class. In one day, participants can carve and paint a delightful bird. Wood and paint are provided; bring tools, mask, gloves and lunch. All levels of carvers welcome; appropriate for adults and teens. Younger children require parental permission. Pay and register in advance at or call 802-434-2167 for more info.

Saturday, March 5, 10 a.m.­–2 p.m.
There’s another opportunity to support Charlotte Girl Scout Troop 30066 by buying their cookies at Tractor Supply in Shelburne. Stock up and support the local Girl Scouts.

Saturday, March 5, 7:30 p.m.
Vocalist Gina Coleman is joined by the Misty Blues Band for a performance of classic blues at the Vergennes Opera House. Coleman’s program is called Queens of The Blues, featuring memorable classics of four female jazz legends. The Misty Blues Band was nominated for two Grammy awards in 2021. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Click for tickets, or more info, or call 802-877-6737 for COVID guidelines.

Sunday, March 6, 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Wintervale is a family-oriented outdoor winter festival taking place at Burlington’s Intervale Center. Celebrate the Intervale’s recreational, educational and community-centered opportunities. Outdoor equipment rentals available, as well as food and beverages for purchase. Free and open to all. Click for more info or call 802-660-0440.

Monday, March 7, 5:30–7 p.m.
Join Heike Meyer, baker at Brot Bakehouse School and Kitchen in Fairfax, for the first in a four-part series on all things sourdough. City Market presents this free Zoom class where participants learn the sourdough process, from creation and feeding of a sourdough culture to making sourdough bread and cake. Free, but please pre-register, and see other March sourdough class dates.

Wednesday, March 9, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
The University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program hosts the 2022 Dairy Webinar Series, featuring experts from Vermont and elsewhere discussing a wide range of dairy-related topics. The final topic of this series is Cost of Production in Organic Dairy Systems. Jen Miller, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, speaks about the different dairy management systems and costs of production on 100-percent, grass-fed dairy farms and organic dairy farms. Sarah Flack, a Fairfield grazing consultant, will provide UVM grass-fed dairy research data on production on 100-percent, grass-fed dairy farms in the Northeast. No registration required. Click for more info.

Wednesday, March 9, 5:30–7 p.m.
Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is pleased to present a virtual talk with professor Doug Tallamy of the University of Delaware. In his talk, Nature’s Best Hope, Tallamy speaks to the declining biodiversity of our planet and the significant role each of us plays in the future of our natural world. We are nature’s best hope, and it starts in our own backyard. Free; donation to VINS suggested. To pre-register, or click for more info or call 802-359-5000.

Wednesday, March 9, 6–7 p.m.
The North Branch Nature Center presents a free Zoom talk with biologist and author Heather Holm. Holm’s talk, Attracting Bees and Beneficial Insects with Native Plants, illustrates the positive impact that most insects have in our landscapes. Native plants can be selected to encourage these insects on our properties. Learn about the predator-prey relationships of these flower-visiting, beneficial insects and how they help keep problem insect populations in balance. To register, or for more info call 802-229-6206.

Wednesday, March 9, 7–8 p.m.
Vermont Conservation Design (VCD) for Landowners is a free webinar for any landowner wishing to better understand their woods, waters and wildlife. Find out how a plot of land fits into the ecology of Vermont. The webinar is led by Andy Wood of the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife. Participants leave with tools and resources for mapping their land as well as accessing VCD data. Please pre-register.

Thursday, March 10, 10–11 a.m.
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Community Wildlife Program presents a free Zoom webinar called Climate Action-Planning: What Should Towns Do to Address Climate Change? Participants learn from, and ask questions of, natural resources experts. Discuss what climate-related projects are appropriate for Conservation Commissions and towns to tackle. Webinar repeats on April 26. Pre-register, or learn more.

Friday, March 11 deadline for entries
Students in grades K-8 are encouraged to enter the Growing Works of Art Contest hosted in partnership with University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation. Students submit a short story and a piece of art related to a personal experience or memory involving trees. March 11 is submission deadline. Click for more info and rules.

Sunday, March 13, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Get Out, Give Back 5k is a live (or virtual) race to celebrate Women’s History Month. RunVermont organizes the event which benefits the Vermont Women’s Fund. Location is TBD in Burlington. To register, or for more info call 802-863-8412.