FAQ

• Yes.

• There are 913 acres.

• GMC owns the Deer Run Nature Preserve property and the Vermont Land Trust and Vermont Housing and Conservation Board hold conservation easements on the property that will protect it in perpetuity.

• The property purchased in 2019 is in current use. The GMC has developed a required conservation management plan to continue its current use status. Application has been filed for the parcel that was added in 2021.

• The property will be managed by the Green Mountain Conservancy.

• The Green Mountain Conservancy has an endowment fund to cover the cost of taxes.

• The Deer Run Nature Preserve is open to the public for allowed activities including walking, hiking, snowshoeing, birdwatching and educational programs. Given the terrain, the trail is not well-suited to cross country skiing.

• The trailhead is well-marked is located at 940 Camp Arden Road, Dummerston, VT. It is located just under 2 miles from the Dummerston Covered Bridge on the right-hand side of the road. From Route 30, cross the bridge and turn left onto Camp Arden Road. From the East West Road, go straight onto Camp Arden Road, passing by the bridge. There is a gated area for parking.

Visit here for further information and maps.

• Yes, with written permission.  Contact the Green Mountain Conservancy for permission. Please see our Hunting Policy for more information.

• No.

• No.  People are asked to carry out all trash. People are asked to take only pictures and leave only footprints.

• No, not at this time. The Green Mountain Conservancy is considering the development of several wilderness campsites.

• Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the Deer Run Nature Preserve, except for emergencies or essential property management.

• The current trails were designed for use by pedestrians only and will not be open to bicycles or horseback riding due to the fragility of the terrain. Trails for use by bicyclists and horseback riders may be developed in the future.

• No. Roots, rocks and the width of the trail preclude the use of wheelchairs. But the trails are low gradient to accommodate people who have walking limitations.    

• The GMC is planning to build more hiking trails on the property over time. 

• There is no provision for green burials at this time. The soils are rocky and not well suited to burials. There will be no mining, gravel removal or commercial logging of the Deer Run Nature Preserve.

• No.

• Yes. To help with trail building and maintenance, invasive removal, inventorying, fundraising or administrative and other tasks, please e-mail info@greenmountainconcervancy.org

• It raises funds through the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, foundations, corporations, service clubs, fundraising events and individuals.  You can contribute to the Green Mountain Conservancy through Paypal or mail checks made out to the Green Mountain Conservancy to: Green Mountain Conservancy to Green Mountain Conservancy, PO Box 301, West Dummerston, VT 05357.

• You can call (802) 257-0012, e-mail info@green mountainconservancy.org or write Green Mountain, PO Box 301, West Dummerston, VT 05357.