The Nature Conservancy’s 4,010-acre Helen V. Buckner Nature Preserve is one of the most important reserves of biological diversity in Vermont. Located in West Haven, this preserve contains no less than six natural communities of statewide significance. The large preserve protects a diverse collection of endangered species including the Timber Rattlesnake, the Five-Lined Skink, the Channel Darter, and the Fragile Papershell Mussel. The Preserve offers two hiking trails, as well as a connector trail between the two, that are open to the public whenever the roads to this remote preserve are passable.
Directions
From the South:
Take US Route 7 N. Take a left on US Route 4 W and follow for about 24 miles. Turn right on County Rd 9A Turn left to continue following County Rd 9A (N Williams Rd). Take the first right onto Doig St and follow for half a mile. Keep left to continue on County Rd 10 (E Bay Rd). Turn left to remain on E Bay Rd and then turn left onto Galick Road. The one-car parking are will be on your right about half a mile further. If this spot is taken, you may turn around and park at the larger parking area on Galick Road just after the road leaves the bank of the Poultney River. Please note: Galick Road often floods in the spring and is impassible.
From the North:
Take US Route 7 S. Turn right on VT 22A S. After about 42 miles, turn right to merge onto US Route 4 W. After about 7 miles, turn right onto County Rd 9A. Turn left to continue following County Rd 9A (N Williams Rd). Take the first right onto Doig St and follow for half a mile. Keep left to continue on County Rd 10 (E Bay Rd). Turn left to remain on E Bay Rd and then turn left onto Galick Road. The one-car parking are will be on your right about half a mile further. If this spot is taken, you may turn around and park at the larger parking area on Galick Road just after the road leaves the bank of the Poultney River. Please note: Galick Road often floods in the spring and is impassible.
History
The Bald Mountain Nature Preserve has been a long-standing project of the Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy purchased and still own the 4,010 acres that make up the Helen W. Buckner Memorial Preserve. The Nature Conservancy, previous partners of the Lake Champlain Land Trust on several key lakeshore projects, donated a 1,369-acre conservation agreement (also known as a conservation easement) to the Lake Champlain Land Trust in 2009.
Partners
The Nature Conservancy brought together numerous partners in the establishment of the Helen W. Buckner Memorial Preserve. The Lake Champlain Land Trust is pleased to assist in holding a conservation easement on a key portion of the preserve.
