Get ready for an abundance of spring events blooming – April 21 – May 6, 2022

Listings may be sent to The Charlotte News Calendar at least two weeks in advance of the event. Weather cancellations and COVID guidelines are available on individual websites.

With spring coming there’s an abundance of events, near and far. It is hard to include all the diverse offerings. Please send in your suggestions of preferred events.

What are timberdoodles?
Thursday, April 21, 7-8:30 p.m.
Join the Friends of the Missisquoi and Green Mountain Audubon as they welcome Liam Berigan in a talk exploring his work tracking the American woodcock, including some birds tagged in Vermont. Berigan covers the ecology of this forest-dwelling shorebird and discusses the evolving understanding of woodcock migration. Please register for this free Zoom event.

‘No Other Lake’ movie Thursday, April 21, 7-8:30 p.m.
This showing is possibly cancelled due to COVID; please call Main Street Landing in Burlington for details at 802-540-3018.

Musical recitals
Thursday, April 21-Tuesday, May 10
The Music Department at the University of Vermont (UVM) offers a series of vocal and instrumental student performances to highlight their year-long studies. All recitals are free and open to the public; venue is the UVM Recital Hall near Redstone Campus. These performances are highly recommended and showcase the students’ hard work and love of their art. Sunday, April 24 from 3–4 p.m., the UVM Catamount Singers perform Sacred and Profane, their first concert since December 2019. It will be the final performance of the group under the direction of founding director David Neiweem, featuring music from four centuries. David is enthusiastic, dynamic, and brings out the best in his students. Click for the complete calendar.

Spring Quilt Show
Friday–Sunday, April 22-24
Enjoy the colorful and artistic works of 100 accomplished members of the Champlain Valley Quilt Guild of Vermont. Vote for a favorite in this friendly competition. Show also features many sewing craft vendors. Held at Holy Family Parish Hall in Essex Jct. from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Admission at door. For more info, see cvqgvt.org.

Art Opening in Brandon Saturday, April 22, 5-8 p.m.
The Compass Music and Arts Center is pleased to announce the opening of an art installation by Frobertan: a collaboration between artist Fran Bull and architect Robert Black. The installation, called “We’re All at a Party Called Life on Earth,” includes figurative sculpture and works on paper. Portrayed are a variety of characters inspired by Commedia Dell’arte, Shakespeare’s fools and Carnival.

Pandas!
Friday, April 22, 7-8:30 p.m.
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee screens an IMAX documentary about researcher Ben Kilham, who forms a bond with Qian Qian, a captive-born panda about to experience nature for the first time. Meet the filmmaker after this in-person screening. Tickets at the website or call 802-359-5000.

Earth Day family movie Friday, April 22, 3:30-5 p.m.
All ages will enjoy the popular and informative film, “Flight of the Butterflies,” shown at the Carpenter-Carse Library in Hinesburg. Free and no registration required. Please wear masks. More info at 802-482-2878.

Saturday, April 23 deadline Watercolor exhibition
The 10th Annual Green Mountain Watercolor Exhibition will take place at Red Barn Galleries in Waitsfield in June and July. The Call for Artists deadline is April 23. Direct questions to Gary at 802-583-2224.

Burlington Choral Society Saturday, April 23, 7:30-9 p.m.
Schubert’s Mass in E-flat major is his final mass, written in the last year of his short life. It is a dramatic masterpiece for chorus and full orchestra. Several other works are included in this concert at the Elley-Long Music Center at St. Michael’s College in Colchester. Tickets and info available.

Lilac Clean-up Workday
Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m.-noon
Help the Friends of the University of Vermont Horticulture Research Center (UVM Hort Farm) remove invasives from the farm’s extensive lilac collection off of Shelburne Rd. Many hands make light work. Bring tools, gloves and some energy for invasive removal.

Backyard Composting 101
Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m.-noon
Red Wagon Plants in Hinesburg hosts a workshop covering the basics of the science, technique, upkeep and process of backyard composting. Registration required.

Draft Horse Clinic
Saturday and Sunday, April 23-24
In this two-day hands-on clinic, beginner drivers work with experienced teamsters from the Green Mt. Draft Horse Association and their horses. Work on safety, harnessing, pulling carts, an obstacle course and general skills. For hours of this adult clinic and to register.

Singing in the Spring
Saturday, April 23, 7:30-9 p.m.
Social Band presents its April weekend of joyful choral performances. Known for a diverse repertoire and robust harmonies, Social Band sings works by Vermont composers, shape-note and traditional tunes, and Renaissance music, with fervor and camaraderie. Saturday performance at Congregation of Temple Sinai in S. Burlington. A second performance at the Charlotte Congregational Church on Sunday, April 24, 3-4 p.m. Suggested donation: $18 at the door. Both venues wheelchair accessible. Audience masks required.

Women Who Bird
Sunday, April 24, 9-11 a.m.
This birding event in Huntington celebrates coming together and watching for April avian arrivals. Co-hosted by Audubon Vermont and the Pride Center of Vermont, this women-only event is for all levels of birder. The community is inclusive and accessible to all. Dress for being outside. Click for more info and tickets.

Olmsted talk
Sunday, April 24, 2-4 p.m.
Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted’s roots are planted in New England, and it is this upbringing, 200 years ago, which influenced many of his designs on the land. He partnered with Calvert Vaux on the design of Central Park in New York City; later projects include Boston’s Emerald Necklace and the pastoral Shelburne Farms landscape. This Zoom presentation, with Ann McEntee, is hosted by the Deborah Rawson Memorial Library in Jericho. Registration is required. Click for more info.

Access CVU classes
Monday, April 25 and beyond
A wealth of classes is just beginning at Champlain Valley Union High School the week beginning April 25. It’s not too late to broaden your knowledge taking an Access class. Whether you want to cook an ethnic dish, try tai chi or learn about a car engine, there is a class for everyone. Check out the schedule. Call 802-482-7194 or email for more info.

Wildflowers in the Woods
Tuesday, April 26, 1 p.m.
Ecologist and botanist Liz Thompson, Director of Conservation at the Vermont Land Trust, speaks at the Burlington Garden Club’s meeting at Faith United Methodist Church on Dorset St. Free and all are welcome. Click for more info.

Climate Action Planning
Tuesday, April 26, 2-3 p.m.
This is a repeat presentation. Vermont’s first Climate Action Plan has been released. What are appropriate climate-related projects for Vermont’s towns to tackle? Join Marian Wolz, the Agency of Natural Resources Global Warming Solutions Act Coordinator, and Jens Hilke of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s Community Wildlife Program, to learn more about what is in the Plan and what local towns can do to address these issues. Free Zoom presentation. Ask questions of two of Vermont’s natural resource experts. Click to Register or call 802-828-1294 if you have trouble finding info.

Broccoli Bonanza
Tuesday, April 26, 5:30-7 p.m.
Local food writer Melissa Pasanen leads a virtual class about broccoli and its relatives. Learn recipes and new ways of enjoying this vegetable staple. Free class requires pre-registration. Click to register.

Reptiles and Amphibians
Wednesday, April 27, 6-7:30 p.m.
Monkton and its neighboring towns host a high diversity of frogs, salamanders, snakes and turtles, some of which are rare or unusual. Presenter Jim Andrews is a Vermont herpetologist and wildlife biologist. Much of his life’s work has been in conservation of Vermont wildlife. His in-person talk is at the new Monkton Town Hall, and may also be watched via Zoom. For more info, see the calendar.

Family Education Series
Wednesday, April 27, 6:30-8 p.m.
Join this discussion group, organized by Four Winds Nature Institute, to explore the importance of nature-based play and adventure for children of all ages. The talk is based on the book, “Adventure, Play, Peace” by Nancy Bower, available to borrow at the Carpenter-Carse library in Hinesburg. Join with other families in nurturing a sense of wonder in children. A second meeting takes place Wednesday, May 18, and a follow-up family playgroup will TBD. For more info, or to sign up, see carpentercarse.org.

Spring Wildflowers
Wednesday, April 27, 7-8 p.m.
The Vermont Land Trust invites nature-lovers to join ecologist Liz Thompson for a virtual wildflower walk. This free webinar features abundant flower information and photos for identification. Pre-register.

Gardening workshop
Thursday, April 28, 5-6:30 p.m.
Learn how to maximize your garden efforts to benefit bees and birds in a talk by Gwen Causer of Audubon Vermont. Held at Red Wagon Plants in Hinesburg, the workshop includes a birding walk on the nursery property. Learn about native plants and insects that bees and birds rely on to flourish. For more info, or to register, see Events.

Wine and Cheese Pairing
Thursday, April 28, 5:30-7 p.m.
Taste a variety of local cheeses paired with wines from Shelburne Vineyard. This class, for ages 21 and over, is presented by City Market at the Vineyard building. Hear about Vermont’s emerging wine industry and how to use a discerning palate when tasting wines. Click for more info, or tickets.

Three Great Guitars
Friday, April 29
The University of Vermont hosts three revered acoustic guitarists in concert: John Jorgenson, Frank Vignola and Martin Taylor. As a group, they specialize in jazz, bluegrass, gypsy jazz and swing, with some classical thrown in, too. Held at the UVM Recital Hall. Tickets and more info at uvm.edu/laneseries.

Homestead Weekend
Friday-Sunday, April 29-May 1
Wildroots Community Farm in Bristol hosts a weekend gathering revolving around primitive skills, homesteading practices, herbal tonics, cooking with fire, and related workshops. Camping is encouraged; Saturday and Sunday events are between 9:30 a.m-5 p.m. Click for more info and tickets.

Early Birding
Saturday, April 30, 7:30-10 a.m.
Join birders from the Green Mountain Audubon Society on a free morning birding walk of up to two miles through the varied habitat and terrain at Shelburne Farms. Click for more info, or to pre- register.

Day in the Dirt
Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m.-noon
This is a statewide event to help prepare 21 school and community gardens for the season. It’s a fundraising event for the Vermont Garden Network. Volunteers may or may not choose to raise pledges for their volunteer hours. The event is rain or shine; no experience necessary, and tools are provided. Also taking place Saturday, May 7. Join or start a team today, and make a valuable contribution to a community effort. Click for more info, or to register or call 802-999-5368.

Repair Cafe
Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
A joint effort by Sustainable Charlotte, the Charlotte Library and the Charlotte Grange, the Cafe aims to repair broken items, keep them out of the junk bin, and promote community interaction. Bring items to the Charlotte Congregational Church and let a friendly volunteer fix your item for free. A food or monetary donation to the Charlotte Food Shelf is encouraged. Lunch available for a $5 donation. Click for more info.

Tree Planting Event
Saturday, April 30, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
In partnership with Friends of the Winooski River, friends and supporters of the North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier will be planting hundreds of trees and shrubs. Any help is appreciated. Bring gloves and shovels if you have them. Rain date is May 1. To sign up, please email Kerry.

Jazz in Vergennes
Saturday, April 30, 7:30 p.m.
LC Jazz is a Vergennes-based, 17-piece big band with vocalists and a whole lot of heart and talent. They play music of the greats in this free Winter Thaw community concert at the Vergennes Opera House. Donations are welcome and benefit local students involved in music education. Doors open 6:30 with cash bar; must show proof of vaccination and wear a mask. Click for tickets or more info.

Mt. Philo Hill Climb
Saturday and Sunday, April 30-May 1
The Mt. Philo State Park road and hiking trails will be closed to the public from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. The Sports Car Club of Vermont hosts a hill climb event on the mountain road, with drivers racing against the clock.

Natural History Workshop
Sunday, May 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
We live at the meeting point of the boreal forest, extending north and the temperate deciduous forest, extending south. This diverse area has its own distinct character, which is the topic of this workshop with Jonathan Shapiro of Fox Paw School in Hardwick. Shapiro is a North Woods tracker, naturalist and teacher of woods skills. The group meets at North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier. Expect to end the day with a bird’s-eye view of the region’s natural history and the life within our northern forests. Click for more info or to register.

East Meets West
Sunday, May 1, 3 p.m.
The Vermont Youth Orchestra presents an evening of works from the West, alongside their Eastern European counterparts. The program includes one piece from Ukraine; a portion of funds raised will benefit Ukrainian refugees from the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. This special event is on the Flynn Theater main stage. Vaccinations and masks required. Click for tickets or more info.

Chicken Breakdown
Monday, May 2, 5:30-7 p.m.
Chef Michael Clauss shows how to debone a bird into useful cuts, utilizing the entire animal. This virtual class is free. For more info or to pre-register, see Events on the website.

Young Tradition Vermont
Monday-Sunday, May 2-8
The motto of Young Tradition Vermont is “Receive it, carry it, pass it on.” This organization’s mission is to expose young people to traditional music and dance, to make instruments available to them, and to give them instruction and opportunities to perform — all at the lowest cost possible, or even free. It is an absolute treat to watch the young musicians, singers and dancers as they perform. This week marks the Young Tradition Festival, during which there are numerous recitals, concerts, visiting artists, flash mobs, contests and opportunities for sharing good music with joyful performers. Most events held at Contois Auditorium or in other Burlington locations. Highly recommended family entertainment. Click for more info about schedule and tickets.

Designing with Ferns
Tuesday, May 3, 1-2:30 p.m.
The Hanover Garden Club hosts Leslie Duthie in an in-person presentation about the diversity of ferns, held at the Montshire Museum of Science. Topics include using ferns in home landscapes, and the ecological role of ferns in nature. Program is free; pre-registration required.

Clean Energy and Wildlife
Tuesday, May 3, 7-8 p.m.
Kara Belinsky asks the question: How can we design better suburbs, forest preserves, and clean energy infrastructure for wildlife and humans? The Vermont Center for Ecostudies hosts a free Zoom webinar addressing the options. Click to register or call 802-649-1431 for more info.

Spongy Moth Caterpillars
Wednesday, May 4, 12-1 p.m.
Vermont Coverts, a Vergennes organization that focuses on keeping Vermont’s forests and wildlife healthy and productive, hosts a Zoom webinar on the history and biology of spongy moth caterpillars — formerly known as gypsy moths. Josh Halman of the Vermont Department of Forests, Park and Recreation discusses ways that property owners can cope with a caterpillar outbreak. Free. Click to pre-register.

Vergennes Arts Festival
through Friday, May 6
Stores, banks, restaurants, the library and other businesses in Vergennes are displaying local Vermont artists’ works starting April 15. The festival culminates in an art walk on Thursday, May 26, as well as a silent and live auction at the Vergennes Opera House. Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club and Vergennes Partnership. More info: call 802-388-7951.