Out-Doors
by Elizabeth Bassett,
April 21, 2011, page 14.....

Take heart, spring is on the way. With it comes lots of opportunities to enjoy and celebrate our region and to lend a hand in keeping it healthy.

Saturday, April 23
Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge Shrub Planting
Volunteers will plant 425 native plants as part of a riparian buffer. A $5,000 federal water quality grant supports the protection of the headwaters of Holmes Creek. Holmes Creek passes under the covered bridge near the Town Beach and into Holmes Bay in Lake Champlain. Its water quality has been impaired by runoff from Route 7 as well as the planting of corn on property that drains into the creek.
So what exactly is a riparian buffer? It is vegetation – shrubs, grasses, trees – designed to intercept surface runoff and subsurface flow. These buffers have been shown to be effective in controlling pollution by removing nutrients, especially nitrogen, and sediment.

UVM Horticultural Farm, Perennial Garden “Wake Up,” 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Help “Wake Up” the perennial garden in time for the May 21 Bloomtime Festival. For more information visit uvm.edu/~hortfarm
This 97 acre haven on Green Mountain Drive in South Burlington is used for agricultural research and instruction for UVM classes as well as for gardening groups and professional plant organizations. More than 700 kinds of ornamental trees and shrubs grow beside one of the largest known mature ornamental crabapple collections in the Northeast.

Saturday, May 7 - Green Up Day
Vermont was the first state to designate a day to clean up the entire state. Started in 1970 by Governor Deane C. Davis, this unique tradition continues with thousands of Vermonters picking up trash along the roadsides. John Quinney has orchestrated Charlotte’s efforts since 2004, overseeing the 100 to 150 volunteers annually who stoop to collect heaven-knows-what and carry it in bright green bags to waiting trucks at the Quonset Hut.
Over the years, Charlotters have collected from 1.8 to 3.0 tons of trash, 2.2 in 2010. They have hauled as much as 8.0 cubic yards of metal. “Among the strangest things we’ve put into the truck,” John Quinney says, “are a fire bellows and a bra!” For more information on this two-day event, see page 2.

Raven Ridge Wildflower Walk,
10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
After you’ve filled your Green Up bag, take a wildflower walk at Raven Ridge with the Nature Conservancy’s Joan Allen, Associate Director of Land Protection, and Rose Paul, Director of Science and Stewardship. The property is a rich mix of geological and biological wonders and has stunning views of the Champlain Valley. Meet at the entrance on Rotax Road in Monkton, rain or shine, for this moderate to strenuous outing. Bring a picnic lunch.

UVM Horticultural Farm, Perennial Garden Maintenance, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Lend a hand to help tidy up this fabulous garden. Work beside (and learn from) Brian Vaughn, Perennial Garden Curator. Learn proper techniques for dividing perennials and take home a free one.

Wednesday, May 11
UVM Horticultural Farm,
Tree Walk, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Craig Lambert, South Burlington City Arborist, tours the Horticultural Farm discussing species selection and tree maintenance. Bring your questions.

Sunday, May 15
Shelburne Museum’s Lilac and Garden Sunday
Celebrate the bounty of spring. More than 400 lilacs in 90 varieties bloom across the museum’s rolling acreage. The annual event features lilac tours, gardening tips, demonstrations and live music. Lois McClure has made it possible for Vermont residents to visit the museum for half price. Better yet, become a member and visit as often as you wish. Out of state guests of members will receive a $5 discount per person.