On the Ground in the Green Mountains
Vermont’s foresters are charged with overseeing conservation and land management projects in the Green Mountains. That means they get a lot of face time with the stars of Vermont’s renowned fall foliage show, the trees, including red and sugar maples, poplars, beech, and oak. Here, a handful of foresters share their view from the woods as leaves change from green to red, orange, and yellow.
Name: Emily Potter
County: Lamoille (plus the Caledonia County towns of Hardwick and Walden)
How long have you been a forester? Since 2012; in Lamoille County since 2020
What drew you to this career? I wanted to be able to work outdoors and spend my life working in a field that would benefit the planet. While studying Forestry, I realized the humbling fact that being a Forester means continuously learning and thinking in “forest time.” Forest time occurs over a much longer time period. The actions we take in the forest today will resonate long after we’re gone.
What makes your region of Vermont forest unique from other areas of the state? Lamoille County is in what’s called the Northern Green Mountains biophysical region. This region of Vermont is distinguished by its upper elevation forests (including Vermont’s highest mountain, Mount Mansfield at 4,393 feet), coldest climate, and greatest annual precipitation. The large undeveloped blocks of forests in Lamoille County are important corridors for wildlife dependent upon remote, unfragmented habitats, and interior forest conditions.
How is the foliage in your region right now? Forests in Lamoille County are warming up to the idea that fall is around the corner. Red maples have started to show off their flashy reds and sugar maples and ash trees are hinting at their golden and purplish hues, respectively. I suggest higher elevation areas to see the first colors of fall. Heading toward Eden and Belvidere is usually a good bet for early color, as is traveling around Mount Mansfield from Cambridge and Stowe. Route 12 between Worcester and Elmore is another area worthy of a drive by just because of the expansive forest.
What do you like to do in your off time in area? I enjoy running year-round, swimming, hiking and biking in the summer; the fall is great for cooler hikes, longer bike rides, rounds of golf. In winter I have a blast cross country skiing and, when winter temperatures are cold enough, ice fishing. My goal is usually just to get outside to enjoy the beauty of Vermont in all seasons; the activity isn’t as important as just being able to appreciate how lucky I am to have the privilege to live in such a gorgeous place.
Where are your favorite places to visit in your area? Paddling on the Lamoille River and at Green River Reservoir State Park; running, walking or biking on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail; going out to lunch with friends in Stowe or Morrisville; visiting one of the many Farmers’ Markets in Lamoille County; golfing at Copley Country Club or any of the other golf courses in Lamoille County; sampling Vermont beers at any of the many breweries scattered about; or generally just touring the county by car – you won’t find yourself anywhere that isn’t beautiful.
