Hazelwood Forest Garden and Riverwalk Trail
Just across the tracks from bustling White River Junction is a little oasis of serenity, with paths winding through a forest garden and around the bend of the Connecticut River. Birdsong replaces the sound of traffic, there are trees instead of trash, and you can slow down. Our vision is to make the forest garden and trail wheelchair-friendly, welcoming all to this special place with access from Ratcliffe Park and Latham Works Lane.
About the Hazelwood Forest Garden and Riverwalk Trail
Here, at the confluence of the Wôbitekw and Kwanitekw (White and Connecticut rivers), the Hazelwood forest garden is a testament to eons of Abenaki stewardship and recent tending by neighbors and volunteers. Fifteen years of work parties have re-opened old paths through thickets alive with sipsak (birds) and other animals; and have made space for Bagonozio (Butternuts) and other native trees to thrive. We’ve planted food bearing trees and bushes, already producing fruits and berries free for all species.
Please click on the map to view a larger version.
Important information for visitors:
This is a natural sanctuary space for flora, fauna and friends, a private project in progress—for public enjoyment dawn to dusk
Please leave no trace: carry out your trash and do not leave items behind
No camping or fires
Foot or bicycle traffic only
Please treat this private property respectfully
Know before you nibble. Is it an edible and ripe?
Closed dusk to dawn
Please read our Land Acknowledgment.
Project Highlights
We have seasonal work parties for major trail clearing and tree planting and pruning projects. Anywhere from five to twenty-five explorers and experts attend, to learn and help tend and enjoy a bonfire and potluck. We use hand tools—mostly shovels, clippers, wheelbarrows and elbow grease.
We have begun a sign project to identify the native and introduced species with an Abenaki name and English name. In line with our educational mission, we’ve hosted the Hartford Tree Board, Vermont Ecostudies, and permaculturists and tree specialists for tours and workshops.
Our annual project wheel includes:
Winter—Pruning and Propagating
Spring—Hedge Planting, Pollinator Beds
Summer—Orchard Garden Structures: espalier, reform beds and paths, remediation plantings
Fall—Harvest, Processing Party, Medicine making
Get Involved
We welcome all volunteers to join our effort, at a work party or by appointment. Please email uppervalleyapplecorpsvt@gmail.com if you are interested in being on our email list. It would help to know your special interests or expertise and time frames that may work.
To visit the forest garden, please park at Ratcliffe Park. Visitors are welcome on the public Riverwalk trail any time!
