Marshfield, Vermont – On a piece of property cornered next to two sections of Groton State Forest in Marshfield, Vermont, a stream originates from a spring south of Peabody Pond, flows through Molly’s Falls Pond, then joins the Upper Winooski River.
John M. has owned this 200-acre property for twenty years, moving there in 2006.
He felt that having a stream on the property provided added benefit as he uses the property primarily to protect habitat for wildlife.
The land exists in a natural state and has not been actively managed in John’s time stewarding the property. There are many old growth trees and blankets of moss cover the forest floor.
John first heard about Stream Wise through Front Porch Forum and contacted Friends of the Winooski River for a free, voluntary, and non-regulatory property assessment.
Heather Murphy, former Watershed Restoration Specialist with Friends of the Winooski River, joined John on his property in September 2023.
“The assessment went very well, we enjoyed a good walk in the woods!” remarked John.
On their walk they discussed what it means to be Stream Wise, looking at various metrics within the first fifty feet from the brook’s edge.
“Their property is an ideal example for Stream Wise. The buffer is much greater than the 50-foot width requirement. The landowners have done their part to preserve this landscape and promote biodiversity for generations to come,” said Heather.
John’s Stream Wise Award sign now hangs at the end of his driveway. “I’m glad you guys are doing this, and I hope you do a good job getting the word out,” he said.
If you are interested in learning more about your streamside property, sign up for an assessment at streamwisechamplain.org/contact