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We’re excited to share a new way to stay connected to Smokey House Center throughout the year while helping sustain the work you care about most.

We’re launching Forest & Field Notes, our recurring monthly giving program. When you give $20 or more each month, you’ll receive a small piece of Smokey House Center in your mailbox:

- a typed letter from a staff member (yes, it's actually hand-typed on our office typewriter!), sharing seasonal reflections and tidbits from the forests and fields,
- along with that month's desk calendar featuring a photograph from Smokey House Center and a quote inspired by the season.

Monthly giving helps us plan ahead and respond to the land and community as the seasons change—welcoming school groups, caring for orchards and forests, training apprentices, and growing food for local families. It’s steady, reliable support that makes day-to-day work possible.

If you’d like to join Forest & Field Notes as a monthly donor, simply click the link in our bio. We’d love to have you with us.

Thank you for being part of Smokey House Center and for helping this place—and the people who learn and grow here—thrive all year long.

We’re excited to share a new way to stay connected to Smokey House Center throughout the year while helping sustain the work you care about most.

We’re launching Forest & Field Notes, our recurring monthly giving program. When you give $20 or more each month, you’ll receive a small piece of Smokey House Center in your mailbox:

- a typed letter from a staff member (yes, it's actually hand-typed on our office typewriter!), sharing seasonal reflections and tidbits from the forests and fields,
- along with that month's desk calendar featuring a photograph from Smokey House Center and a quote inspired by the season.

Monthly giving helps us plan ahead and respond to the land and community as the seasons change—welcoming school groups, caring for orchards and forests, training apprentices, and growing food for local families. It’s steady, reliable support that makes day-to-day work possible.

If you’d like to join Forest & Field Notes as a monthly donor, simply click the link in our bio. We’d love to have you with us.

Thank you for being part of Smokey House Center and for helping this place—and the people who learn and grow here—thrive all year long.

A while ago, we girdled several ash trees at Smokey House Center. Girdling sends out stress signals that attract insects like the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), allowing us to monitor when it arrives in an area. This week, we revisited those trees with Lars Lund, removed the bark, and looked for evidence of EAB presence.

The good news: we didn’t find any signs yet. The reality: we know EAB’s arrival is only a matter of time.

This work helps us prepare, not react. Stay tuned to learn more about our Ash Stewardship research project launching in 2026.

A while ago, we girdled several ash trees at Smokey House Center. Girdling sends out stress signals that attract insects like the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), allowing us to monitor when it arrives in an area. This week, we revisited those trees with Lars Lund, removed the bark, and looked for evidence of EAB presence.

The good news: we didn’t find any signs yet. The reality: we know EAB’s arrival is only a matter of time.

This work helps us prepare, not react. Stay tuned to learn more about our Ash Stewardship research project launching in 2026.

The perfect sunset to end a great year. We are excited for 2026 and all of the new things it will bring Smokey House Center—Happy New Year!

The perfect sunset to end a great year. We are excited for 2026 and all of the new things it will bring Smokey House Center—Happy New Year!

It’s not too late to be part of the hive. Your tax-deductible donation to Smokey House Center supports education, land stewardship, and a thriving community. Give today.

www.smokeyhouse.org/donate

It’s not too late to be part of the hive. Your tax-deductible donation to Smokey House Center supports education, land stewardship, and a thriving community. Give today.

www.smokeyhouse.org/donate

The ❄ Winter Wonderland Solstice Party ❄ was a lovely way to welcome the season—making woodland ornaments, decorating a tree for wildlife, and sharing time with friends and neighbors. Grateful for community and the chance to celebrate the solstice together at Smokey House Center.

The ❄ Winter Wonderland Solstice Party ❄ was a lovely way to welcome the season—making woodland ornaments, decorating a tree for wildlife, and sharing time with friends and neighbors. Grateful for community and the chance to celebrate the solstice together at Smokey House Center.

We had a great time hosting the @vwatreefarm for a conifer ID hike and wreath-making workshop last weekend. Thanks to everyone who joined us—we hope you enjoyed the day and are loving your wreaths!

We had a great time hosting the @vwatreefarm for a conifer ID hike and wreath-making workshop last weekend. Thanks to everyone who joined us—we hope you enjoyed the day and are loving your wreaths!

Join Lauren Kelly, Smokey House Center’s Education Coordinator, and Krissy Kristensen for a joyful celebration of the Winter Solstice at Smokey House Center. Families are invited to gather for a cozy reading of Night Tree by Eve Bunting around a campfire, followed by hands-on crafting of woodland ornaments and natural decorations.

We’ll end the day with an easy hike to decorate a special solstice tree for the birds and wildlife on the Smokey House landscape for a moment in honoring the season, the land, and the creatures we share it with.

This event is free, and small snacks will be provided. Children must attend with a caring adult. Registration is required. Visit our website for details.

Join Lauren Kelly, Smokey House Center’s Education Coordinator, and Krissy Kristensen for a joyful celebration of the Winter Solstice at Smokey House Center. Families are invited to gather for a cozy reading of Night Tree by Eve Bunting around a campfire, followed by hands-on crafting of woodland ornaments and natural decorations.

We’ll end the day with an easy hike to decorate a special solstice tree for the birds and wildlife on the Smokey House landscape for a moment in honoring the season, the land, and the creatures we share it with.

This event is free, and small snacks will be provided. Children must attend with a caring adult. Registration is required. Visit our website for details.

We love hearing from students after they’ve visited Smokey House Center—especially when they share what they learned and noticed. These notes came from school groups who helped plant the Community Orchard this fall. Small words, big impact. 🌳💚

We love hearing from students after they’ve visited Smokey House Center—especially when they share what they learned and noticed. These notes came from school groups who helped plant the Community Orchard this fall. Small words, big impact. 🌳💚

We had a wonderful community planting day in the new orchard last month and officially finished the field. Thank you to everyone who came out to dig, plant, and lend a hand—this orchard was built with many hands and a lot of care. We’re looking forward to enjoying the fruits of this labor together in the years ahead.

We had a wonderful community planting day in the new orchard last month and officially finished the field. Thank you to everyone who came out to dig, plant, and lend a hand—this orchard was built with many hands and a lot of care. We’re looking forward to enjoying the fruits of this labor together in the years ahead.

This weekend is the perfect time for a winter walk at Smokey House Center. Bring friends or family, borrow our snowshoes, and enjoy the trails. Snowshoes are located behind the woodshop—please return them after use so others can enjoy them too. Kids’ sizes available. Enjoy the snow!

This weekend is the perfect time for a winter walk at Smokey House Center. Bring friends or family, borrow our snowshoes, and enjoy the trails. Snowshoes are located behind the woodshop—please return them after use so others can enjoy them too. Kids’ sizes available. Enjoy the snow!

Smokey House Center is a 5,000-acre working landscape in rural Danby, Vermont where land, people, and purpose come together. We combine education, sustainable agriculture, forest stewardship, and climate-adaptive research to support working lands, create opportunities for youth, and build resilient communities.
This short film offers a glimpse into how Smokey House functions as a living lab—engaging students, apprentices, farmers, researchers, and community members in hands-on work that benefits both people and the land.

Thank you to Jim Rogalski of Rogue Media, a former member of the Smokey House team, for producing this piece. You can see more of his work at www.jimrogalski.com.

👉 Learn more: www.smokeyhouse.org
🌱 Support or get involved: info@smokeyhouse.org

Smokey House Center is a 5,000-acre working landscape in rural Danby, Vermont where land, people, and purpose come together. We combine education, sustainable agriculture, forest stewardship, and climate-adaptive research to support working lands, create opportunities for youth, and build resilient communities.
This short film offers a glimpse into how Smokey House functions as a living lab—engaging students, apprentices, farmers, researchers, and community members in hands-on work that benefits both people and the land.

Thank you to Jim Rogalski of Rogue Media, a former member of the Smokey House team, for producing this piece. You can see more of his work at www.jimrogalski.com.

👉 Learn more: www.smokeyhouse.org
🌱 Support or get involved: info@smokeyhouse.org

We had such a great time hosting Game of Logging this fall that we’re bringing it back—with expanded offerings for 2026! Courses are now live on our website and spots are already filling quickly for Game of Logging Level 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Secure your place today, and join us for hands-on chainsaw safety and skills training on our 5,000-acre working landscape. Overnight housing and camping are available.

Register at smokeyhouse.org

We had such a great time hosting Game of Logging this fall that we’re bringing it back—with expanded offerings for 2026! Courses are now live on our website and spots are already filling quickly for Game of Logging Level 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Secure your place today, and join us for hands-on chainsaw safety and skills training on our 5,000-acre working landscape. Overnight housing and camping are available.

Register at smokeyhouse.org

Hello winter! ❄️

Hello winter! ❄️

It’s #GivingTuesday and your gift to Smokey House Center goes twice as far!

As a Lawson’s Finest Liquids Sip of Support recipient, every donation today helps us reach a $1,000 match from Lawson’s.

Give securely through social media or at smokeyhouse.org/donate and help our land and learning programs thrive.

It’s #GivingTuesday and your gift to Smokey House Center goes twice as far!

As a Lawson’s Finest Liquids Sip of Support recipient, every donation today helps us reach a $1,000 match from Lawson’s.

Give securely through social media or at smokeyhouse.org/donate and help our land and learning programs thrive.

500 students. 400 trees. One new Community U-Pick Orchard taking root at Smokey House Center.

This fall, students from preschool to high school helped plant the new orchard. They dug holes, moved some very large rocks, hauled mulch, water, and compost, worked as teams, and planted persimmon, plum, elderberry, mulberry, hazelnut, and peach trees. A solid start to this next phase of growing at SHC!

500 students. 400 trees. One new Community U-Pick Orchard taking root at Smokey House Center.

This fall, students from preschool to high school helped plant the new orchard. They dug holes, moved some very large rocks, hauled mulch, water, and compost, worked as teams, and planted persimmon, plum, elderberry, mulberry, hazelnut, and peach trees. A solid start to this next phase of growing at SHC!

It's not too late to pick up what you need for Thanksgiving at the Farm Stand. @yoderfarm has it stocked with the essentials—garlic, carrots, potatoes, squash plus locally made goods perfect for hostess gifts and Smokey House Center maple syrup.

426 Danby Mountain Rd

It's not too late to pick up what you need for Thanksgiving at the Farm Stand. @yoderfarm has it stocked with the essentials—garlic, carrots, potatoes, squash plus locally made goods perfect for hostess gifts and Smokey House Center maple syrup.

426 Danby Mountain Rd

@uvmfemmesinforestry and @umass.femmesinforestry recently hosted a Women in Forestry potluck at Smokey House Center. We were so glad to provide a place for conversation, connection, and good food to come together. Thanks to everyone who joined us! 🌲💚

@uvmfemmesinforestry and @umass.femmesinforestry recently hosted a Women in Forestry potluck at Smokey House Center. We were so glad to provide a place for conversation, connection, and good food to come together. Thanks to everyone who joined us! 🌲💚

Want to spend the summer at Smokey House Center learning forestry, land stewardship, and what it means to connect deeply to this place and community? Applications are now open for the 2026 Future Foresters Apprenticeship!

Apply and learning more through the link in our bio or by clicking here: https://www.smokeyhouse.org/jobs

Want to spend the summer at Smokey House Center learning forestry, land stewardship, and what it means to connect deeply to this place and community? Applications are now open for the 2026 Future Foresters Apprenticeship!

Apply and learning more through the link in our bio or by clicking here: https://www.smokeyhouse.org/jobs

This year, Smokey House Center is helping gather items for the Community Share Project! We are looking to gather the following food pantry items that will be distributed to local families in December. Donate through the link in our bio or drop off food items at the Farm Stand collection basket.

Cranberry sauce in cans
Cans of green vegetables
Cans of veggies (not green)
Cans of soup
Bag of stuffing
Cans of fruit
Cookie/Brownie mixes
Plastic bottles of juice
Packages of coffee or tea
Packages of hot chocolate
Containers of oatmeal
Boxes of cereal
Boxes of pasta
Plastic jars of pasta sauce
Pancake mix
Cans of tuna
Plastic jars of mayo
Jar of peanut butter
Jar of jam
Cans of gravy

Save a trip and purchase an item that will ship directly to us through the link in our bio. Items must be received by December 11.

Thank you!

This year, Smokey House Center is helping gather items for the Community Share Project! We are looking to gather the following food pantry items that will be distributed to local families in December. Donate through the link in our bio or drop off food items at the Farm Stand collection basket.

Cranberry sauce in cans
Cans of green vegetables
Cans of veggies (not green)
Cans of soup
Bag of stuffing
Cans of fruit
Cookie/Brownie mixes
Plastic bottles of juice
Packages of coffee or tea
Packages of hot chocolate
Containers of oatmeal
Boxes of cereal
Boxes of pasta
Plastic jars of pasta sauce
Pancake mix
Cans of tuna
Plastic jars of mayo
Jar of peanut butter
Jar of jam
Cans of gravy

Save a trip and purchase an item that will ship directly to us through the link in our bio. Items must be received by December 11.

Thank you!

Some pretty neat clouds over Smokey House Center this afternoon!

Some pretty neat clouds over Smokey House Center this afternoon!

Last month, @burrandburton students enjoyed a wonderful writing workshop with author @kaithomasauthor. This special session for the Creative Writer’s Class focused on nature and place-based writing, inviting students to connect deeply with their surroundings and creativity.

A huge thank you to Kai Thomas for leading such an inspiring experience, and to the BBA students for spending a day in the woods with us at Smokey House Center.

This event was proudly sponsored by @vthumanities.

Last month, @burrandburton students enjoyed a wonderful writing workshop with author @kaithomasauthor. This special session for the Creative Writer’s Class focused on nature and place-based writing, inviting students to connect deeply with their surroundings and creativity.

A huge thank you to Kai Thomas for leading such an inspiring experience, and to the BBA students for spending a day in the woods with us at Smokey House Center.

This event was proudly sponsored by @vthumanities.

Join UVM and UMass students for a Women in Forestry Potluck!

Saturday, November 15 from 5PM - 7PM. Grills and grillables provided by Smokey House Center, please bring a dish to share.

If you're planning to attend, please RSVP through the website at smokeyhouse.org/happenings

Join UVM and UMass students for a Women in Forestry Potluck!

Saturday, November 15 from 5PM - 7PM. Grills and grillables provided by Smokey House Center, please bring a dish to share.

If you're planning to attend, please RSVP through the website at smokeyhouse.org/happenings

We recently welcomed the @sovtarts painters for their fall retreat. They braved the chilly weather to connect to the land through art—and the results were outstanding!

We recently welcomed the @sovtarts painters for their fall retreat. They braved the chilly weather to connect to the land through art—and the results were outstanding!

Join us for a Fall Volunteer Day at Smokey House Center!

We’ll be planting our new Community U-Pick Orchard in the former Christmas tree field—and we need your help to bring it to life!

All ages are welcome, no experience required—bring a water bottle, we have work gloves and tools.

Saturday, November 15 from 1pm - 4pm

Join us for a Fall Volunteer Day at Smokey House Center!

We’ll be planting our new Community U-Pick Orchard in the former Christmas tree field—and we need your help to bring it to life!

All ages are welcome, no experience required—bring a water bottle, we have work gloves and tools.

Saturday, November 15 from 1pm - 4pm

Join Smokey House Center at the @manchestercommunitylibrary tomorrow, Oct 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM for a discussion, reading, and Q&A with novelist @kaithomasauthor, author of In the Upper Country—a sweeping, powerful story set at the terminus of the Underground Railroad, where the fates of two unforgettable women—one beginning a journey of reckoning and self-discovery, the other completing her life’s last vital act—intertwine.

Kai will also share reflections on The Light Pirate, the 2025 Vermont Reads selection from @vthumanities, exploring themes of place, resilience, and community.

Free and open to the public. Presented in partnership with Smokey House Center and the Manchester Community Library. Sponsored in part by Vermont Humanities.

Following the talk, students from BBA’s Creative Writing class will read original work developed in a workshop with Kai at Smokey House Center the day before.

Join Smokey House Center at the @manchestercommunitylibrary tomorrow, Oct 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM for a discussion, reading, and Q&A with novelist @kaithomasauthor, author of In the Upper Country—a sweeping, powerful story set at the terminus of the Underground Railroad, where the fates of two unforgettable women—one beginning a journey of reckoning and self-discovery, the other completing her life’s last vital act—intertwine.

Kai will also share reflections on The Light Pirate, the 2025 Vermont Reads selection from @vthumanities, exploring themes of place, resilience, and community.

Free and open to the public. Presented in partnership with Smokey House Center and the Manchester Community Library. Sponsored in part by Vermont Humanities.

Following the talk, students from BBA’s Creative Writing class will read original work developed in a workshop with Kai at Smokey House Center the day before.

Have you read @the_natural_farmer cover story yet?

This summer’s issue features our Partner Farmer, Caleb Smith of @dorsetpeaksheepco, and his journey from dairy farming to rotationally grazing sheep on the land he stewards at Smokey House Center.

It’s a wonderful piece about resilience, regeneration, and the future of farming in Vermont.

Read the full article here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/uhauf/vbuj/

Have you read @the_natural_farmer cover story yet?

This summer’s issue features our Partner Farmer, Caleb Smith of @dorsetpeaksheepco, and his journey from dairy farming to rotationally grazing sheep on the land he stewards at Smokey House Center.

It’s a wonderful piece about resilience, regeneration, and the future of farming in Vermont.

Read the full article here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/uhauf/vbuj/

“He who plants a tree plants a hope.”—Lucy Larcom

Last week, @redfoxcommunityschool and Floodbrook Elementary kicked off our fall field trip season at Smokey House Center! 🍁

This fall, students are helping us plant hundreds of new fruit and nut trees in our Community U-Pick Orchard including hazelnut, serviceberry, persimmon, mulberry, pears, peaches, and plums.

We’re so grateful to have the help of local schools and community members as we grow this orchard together—planting not just trees, but hope for future generations.

“He who plants a tree plants a hope.”—Lucy Larcom

Last week, @redfoxcommunityschool and Floodbrook Elementary kicked off our fall field trip season at Smokey House Center! 🍁

This fall, students are helping us plant hundreds of new fruit and nut trees in our Community U-Pick Orchard including hazelnut, serviceberry, persimmon, mulberry, pears, peaches, and plums.

We’re so grateful to have the help of local schools and community members as we grow this orchard together—planting not just trees, but hope for future generations.

We are hiring!

Smokey House Center’s Property Manager will oversee the maintenance and management of facilities and grounds, in collaboration with the Co-Directors and other staff, and acts as the direct supervisor for the Grounds & Property Assistant. This position manages maintenance of program and leased facilities and grounds through basic construction, grounds work, and coordinates the work of contractors to achieve repairs and maintenance goals. The Property Manager is a proactive and positive core team member who is self-directed and eager to contribute to our mission of conservation, agriculture, forestry, and education.

Learn more and apply on our website: https://www.smokeyhouse.org/jobs

We are hiring!

Smokey House Center’s Property Manager will oversee the maintenance and management of facilities and grounds, in collaboration with the Co-Directors and other staff, and acts as the direct supervisor for the Grounds & Property Assistant. This position manages maintenance of program and leased facilities and grounds through basic construction, grounds work, and coordinates the work of contractors to achieve repairs and maintenance goals. The Property Manager is a proactive and positive core team member who is self-directed and eager to contribute to our mission of conservation, agriculture, forestry, and education.

Learn more and apply on our website: https://www.smokeyhouse.org/jobs

For @burrandburton Service Day, students joined SHC staff in prepping forest botanical beds and transplanting asparagus in our farm fields. Thanks for sending the day with us and putting in the hard work!

For @burrandburton Service Day, students joined SHC staff in prepping forest botanical beds and transplanting asparagus in our farm fields. Thanks for sending the day with us and putting in the hard work!

Calling local maple producers looking to expand operations!

Smokey House Center is looking for a partner-maple producer to lease our 6000-tap, 174 acre Dorset Peak Sugarbush on a per-tap basis. This sugarbush is part of our Climate Adaptive Maple Research Program. The first 1,700 taps will be installed in time for the 2026 sugaring season. The remaining taps can be installed by Glenn Goodrich and his team with your design input in summer 2026 or you can be paid to install them yourself.

The sugarbush includes twelve, 3-4 acre silvicultural research treatment blocks (approximately 40 acres in total). Each treatment block will be plumbed with its own main line, flow meter, and releaser that will feed into the main collection tank. Smokey House staff members will monitor the sugar content and volume of the sap coming from each treatment block as part of our long-term research. The partner-maple producer will be responsible for tapping every tree over 12” in diameter within the treatment blocks and monitoring the vacuum system for any leaks (with the help of a farm block vacuum monitoring system.) The remaining 130 acres of sugarbush will function as a normal, production sugarbush.

What we are looking for in a producer:
- High level of attention to detail, cleanliness, and record keeping
- Capacity to haul sap daily or more frequently from our 8,000-gallon sap tank to be boiled off site
- Enthusiasm for participating in long-term research
- Competitive per-tap bid

Other appreciated skills/attributes
- Organic certification of your operation
- Bird-friendly recognition of your operation
- Interest in interacting with visitors/participating in education and outreach programs

Please contact rose@smokeyhouse.org for more information.

Calling local maple producers looking to expand operations!

Smokey House Center is looking for a partner-maple producer to lease our 6000-tap, 174 acre Dorset Peak Sugarbush on a per-tap basis. This sugarbush is part of our Climate Adaptive Maple Research Program. The first 1,700 taps will be installed in time for the 2026 sugaring season. The remaining taps can be installed by Glenn Goodrich and his team with your design input in summer 2026 or you can be paid to install them yourself.

The sugarbush includes twelve, 3-4 acre silvicultural research treatment blocks (approximately 40 acres in total). Each treatment block will be plumbed with its own main line, flow meter, and releaser that will feed into the main collection tank. Smokey House staff members will monitor the sugar content and volume of the sap coming from each treatment block as part of our long-term research. The partner-maple producer will be responsible for tapping every tree over 12” in diameter within the treatment blocks and monitoring the vacuum system for any leaks (with the help of a farm block vacuum monitoring system.) The remaining 130 acres of sugarbush will function as a normal, production sugarbush.

What we are looking for in a producer:
- High level of attention to detail, cleanliness, and record keeping
- Capacity to haul sap daily or more frequently from our 8,000-gallon sap tank to be boiled off site
- Enthusiasm for participating in long-term research
- Competitive per-tap bid

Other appreciated skills/attributes
- Organic certification of your operation
- Bird-friendly recognition of your operation
- Interest in interacting with visitors/participating in education and outreach programs

Please contact rose@smokeyhouse.org for more information.

SOMETHING TOLD THE WILD GEESE
by Rachel Field
Something told the wild geese
It was time to go.
Though the fields lay golden
Something whispered, -- "Snow."
Leaves were green and stirring,
Berries, luster-glossed,
But beneath warm feathers
Something cautioned, -- "Frost."
All the sagging orchards
Steamed with amber spice,
But each wild breast stiffened
At remembered ice.
Something told the wild geese
It was time to fly, --
Summer sun was on their wings,
Winter in their cry.

SOMETHING TOLD THE WILD GEESE
by Rachel Field
Something told the wild geese
It was time to go.
Though the fields lay golden
Something whispered, -- "Snow."
Leaves were green and stirring,
Berries, luster-glossed,
But beneath warm feathers
Something cautioned, -- "Frost."
All the sagging orchards
Steamed with amber spice,
But each wild breast stiffened
At remembered ice.
Something told the wild geese
It was time to fly, --
Summer sun was on their wings,
Winter in their cry.

Happy Autumn Equinox! Yesterday’s @sundayofaction event was a wonderful way to welcome fall—thank you to everyone who joined in and helped make it such a fun community-centered day.

Happy Autumn Equinox! Yesterday’s @sundayofaction event was a wonderful way to welcome fall—thank you to everyone who joined in and helped make it such a fun community-centered day.

There are no bad views at Smokey House Center but this one takes the cake! 🌟 💫

There are no bad views at Smokey House Center but this one takes the cake! 🌟 💫

🌞 This week’s weather looks perfect for a walk at Smokey House Center! While you’re out exploring, be sure to pause at our new field bench—handcrafted this summer by Future Foresters Apprentice, Dan. He also hung new trail signs around the pond loop to help guide your way. Big thanks to Dan!

🌞 This week’s weather looks perfect for a walk at Smokey House Center! While you’re out exploring, be sure to pause at our new field bench—handcrafted this summer by Future Foresters Apprentice, Dan. He also hung new trail signs around the pond loop to help guide your way. Big thanks to Dan!

Celebrate the Autumn Equinox at Smokey House Center!

Bring a dish to share and join us for a Sun Day Celebration at Smokey House Center. Fun for the whole family, the day will include kids’ activities, arts and crafts, storytime for little ones, and a community potluck to enjoy together. Come celebrate the turning of the seasons with good food, nature, and neighbors!

Sunday, September 21 1pm -3pm

Celebrate the Autumn Equinox at Smokey House Center!

Bring a dish to share and join us for a Sun Day Celebration at Smokey House Center. Fun for the whole family, the day will include kids’ activities, arts and crafts, storytime for little ones, and a community potluck to enjoy together. Come celebrate the turning of the seasons with good food, nature, and neighbors!

Sunday, September 21 1pm -3pm

Explore Smokey House Center: Vermont’s Forest Health

Saturday, September 28 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join Lars Lund, Protection Forester with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, for a deep dive into the health of Vermont’s forests. This interactive walk and talk will cover pressing challenges facing our woods today, including non-native aggressive insects and diseases such as Emerald Ash Borer, Beech Leaf Disease, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, and the newly observed Elm Zigzag Sawfly. Lars will also highlight native insect and disease activity seen this year, as well as the impacts of ongoing drought conditions.

Participants will learn about the state’s monitoring, trapping, and treatment efforts, including the North American Maple Project research plots located here at Smokey House Center. This program is free and open to the public.

Explore Smokey House Center: Vermont’s Forest Health

Saturday, September 28 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join Lars Lund, Protection Forester with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, for a deep dive into the health of Vermont’s forests. This interactive walk and talk will cover pressing challenges facing our woods today, including non-native aggressive insects and diseases such as Emerald Ash Borer, Beech Leaf Disease, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, and the newly observed Elm Zigzag Sawfly. Lars will also highlight native insect and disease activity seen this year, as well as the impacts of ongoing drought conditions.

Participants will learn about the state’s monitoring, trapping, and treatment efforts, including the North American Maple Project research plots located here at Smokey House Center. This program is free and open to the public.

The pumpkins are coming along nicely. They will be ready for kids from Currier to pick soon!

The pumpkins are coming along nicely. They will be ready for kids from Currier to pick soon!

One month away! Forest Farming with Botanicals Hands-On Workshop at Smokey House Center

October 7 1pm-5pm

Utilizing forests and woodlots to grow non-timber products can diversify your enterprise and build ecological resilience. Join us at the Smokey House Center to explore the nuances of successfully establishing production-scale forest botanical polycultures. This workshop will cover the role forest farming can play within forest management plans, how to identify and evaluate sites for forest farming potential, and approaches for establishing perennial polycultures to meet existing markets. Together, participants will identify, prepare, and plant a ¼ acre site with botanicals, including ginseng and ramps.

These workshops are a collaboration among the University of Vermont, Smokey House Center, NOFA-VT, VT Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, Northeast Forest Farmers Coalition, and USDA Northeast Climate Hub.

This workshop earns one RAP Agricultural Water Quality education credit.

This workshop is free, thanks to generous support from the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).

This work is supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2024-70027-42540.

Register through the link in our bio.

One month away! Forest Farming with Botanicals Hands-On Workshop at Smokey House Center

October 7 1pm-5pm

Utilizing forests and woodlots to grow non-timber products can diversify your enterprise and build ecological resilience. Join us at the Smokey House Center to explore the nuances of successfully establishing production-scale forest botanical polycultures. This workshop will cover the role forest farming can play within forest management plans, how to identify and evaluate sites for forest farming potential, and approaches for establishing perennial polycultures to meet existing markets. Together, participants will identify, prepare, and plant a ¼ acre site with botanicals, including ginseng and ramps.

These workshops are a collaboration among the University of Vermont, Smokey House Center, NOFA-VT, VT Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, Northeast Forest Farmers Coalition, and USDA Northeast Climate Hub.

This workshop earns one RAP Agricultural Water Quality education credit.

This workshop is free, thanks to generous support from the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).

This work is supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2024-70027-42540.

Register through the link in our bio.

This little bird wants you to know… 🐦
We’ve got a late-summer bird walk tomorrow at Smokey House Center! Join local birder Lee Allen as we explore the woods and fields in search of late-summer and early fall birds. The walk begins at 8am and will last a few hours—bring binoculars if you have them, or borrow a pair from us.

This little bird wants you to know… 🐦
We’ve got a late-summer bird walk tomorrow at Smokey House Center! Join local birder Lee Allen as we explore the woods and fields in search of late-summer and early fall birds. The walk begins at 8am and will last a few hours—bring binoculars if you have them, or borrow a pair from us.

A wonderful way to close out the summer—our Smokey House team met up with the staff from @merckforest for a day of basketball and timber games! Last year we hosted them for ultimate frisbee and a picnic, and this year they returned the invite with a hay ride, delicious food, and the chance to try our hands at wood chopping and sawing.

We’re so grateful for their hospitality, great conversation, and the chance to keep building this fun tradition together. We can’t wait to welcome MFFC back up to Smokey House next summer.

Happy 75th Anniversary, Merck Forest & Farmland Center! Here’s to many more years of community, land stewardship, and friendship.

A wonderful way to close out the summer—our Smokey House team met up with the staff from @merckforest for a day of basketball and timber games! Last year we hosted them for ultimate frisbee and a picnic, and this year they returned the invite with a hay ride, delicious food, and the chance to try our hands at wood chopping and sawing.

We’re so grateful for their hospitality, great conversation, and the chance to keep building this fun tradition together. We can’t wait to welcome MFFC back up to Smokey House next summer.

Happy 75th Anniversary, Merck Forest & Farmland Center! Here’s to many more years of community, land stewardship, and friendship.

Inebriate of air – am I –
And Debauchee of Dew –
Reeling – thro' endless summer days –
From inns of molten Blue
-Emily Dickinson

Inebriate of air – am I –
And Debauchee of Dew –
Reeling – thro' endless summer days –
From inns of molten Blue
-Emily Dickinson

A week from today! Register with the link in our bio.

Please join Smokey House Center, Women and our Woodlands, and @audubonvermont on Sunday, September 7th from 10am to 3pm for a women-centered workshop on sugarbush silviculture. While it may seem like sugar production and forest management are at odds, they couldn’t be more connected. Smokey House Center is launching a new research and demonstration sugarbush on the side of Dorset peak to answer some of the questions that foresters and sugarmakers wonder about managing a forest for both timber and sugar production. For instance, what are the impacts on sap volumes and sugar levels after a harvest in the short and long term? What is the ideal gap size to promote regeneration of multiple tree species? Workshop is free and lunch is provided.

A week from today! Register with the link in our bio.

Please join Smokey House Center, Women and our Woodlands, and @audubonvermont on Sunday, September 7th from 10am to 3pm for a women-centered workshop on sugarbush silviculture. While it may seem like sugar production and forest management are at odds, they couldn’t be more connected. Smokey House Center is launching a new research and demonstration sugarbush on the side of Dorset peak to answer some of the questions that foresters and sugarmakers wonder about managing a forest for both timber and sugar production. For instance, what are the impacts on sap volumes and sugar levels after a harvest in the short and long term? What is the ideal gap size to promote regeneration of multiple tree species? Workshop is free and lunch is provided.

Join us for late summer birding walk this September led by local birder and forester Lee Allen as we explore the diverse habitats of Smokey House Center. Learn to identify local and migratory bird species, discuss habitat conservation, and discover how our land management practices support biodiversity. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just getting started, this walk is a great opportunity to connect with nature and deepen your appreciation for Vermont’s bird populations. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from us!

This event is free and open to the public. Meet at the Conference Barn at 426 Danby Mountain Rd.

This event is co-sponsored by the Rutland County Audubon Society.

Join us for late summer birding walk this September led by local birder and forester Lee Allen as we explore the diverse habitats of Smokey House Center. Learn to identify local and migratory bird species, discuss habitat conservation, and discover how our land management practices support biodiversity. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just getting started, this walk is a great opportunity to connect with nature and deepen your appreciation for Vermont’s bird populations. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from us!

This event is free and open to the public. Meet at the Conference Barn at 426 Danby Mountain Rd.

This event is co-sponsored by the Rutland County Audubon Society.

What an incredible morning last week with Spencer Hardy of @vtecostudies! We didn’t have to go far to find an amazing variety of pollinators—carpenter bees, half-black bumblebees, gold digger wasps, mining bees, sweat bees, and even a native bee that lays its eggs inside dead raspberry canes.

Spencer shared that there are over 20,000 species of bees worldwide, 353 of which live here in Vermont. About 25% of our native bees are pollen specialists, meaning they depend on just a few types of plants for survival.

So, what does a native bee–friendly garden look like? Think willows, blueberries, ground cherries, thistles, sunflowers, goldenrod, asters, evening primrose, squash, bergamot, violets, and tomatillos. The more diversity, the better!

Huge thanks to Spencer for helping us better understand the vital role native bees play in Vermont’s ecosystems—and how we can all support them.

What an incredible morning last week with Spencer Hardy of @vtecostudies! We didn’t have to go far to find an amazing variety of pollinators—carpenter bees, half-black bumblebees, gold digger wasps, mining bees, sweat bees, and even a native bee that lays its eggs inside dead raspberry canes.

Spencer shared that there are over 20,000 species of bees worldwide, 353 of which live here in Vermont. About 25% of our native bees are pollen specialists, meaning they depend on just a few types of plants for survival.

So, what does a native bee–friendly garden look like? Think willows, blueberries, ground cherries, thistles, sunflowers, goldenrod, asters, evening primrose, squash, bergamot, violets, and tomatillos. The more diversity, the better!

Huge thanks to Spencer for helping us better understand the vital role native bees play in Vermont’s ecosystems—and how we can all support them.

We are so grateful to the Future Foresters Apprentices for spending the last 10 weeks with us at Smokey House Center! Over the summer they completed independent projects, measured trees, explored the woods, and shared their knowledge with our community. Their final week was filled with celebration—a staff lunch, handmade t-shirts, and a simple closing ceremony where they each shared what they’ll carry forward from their experience.

In true apprentice fashion, they surprised staff by hauling a Christmas tree from the fields to the main campus—so we snuck some gifts underneath it for them! Each apprentice left with their own forestry vest, ready for the next step in their journey.

Thank you, Future Foresters—you’ll always have a home here at Smokey House Center. 🌲

We are so grateful to the Future Foresters Apprentices for spending the last 10 weeks with us at Smokey House Center! Over the summer they completed independent projects, measured trees, explored the woods, and shared their knowledge with our community. Their final week was filled with celebration—a staff lunch, handmade t-shirts, and a simple closing ceremony where they each shared what they’ll carry forward from their experience.

In true apprentice fashion, they surprised staff by hauling a Christmas tree from the fields to the main campus—so we snuck some gifts underneath it for them! Each apprentice left with their own forestry vest, ready for the next step in their journey.

Thank you, Future Foresters—you’ll always have a home here at Smokey House Center. 🌲

We gave the apprentices disposable cameras this summer… this is how it went!

We gave the apprentices disposable cameras this summer… this is how it went!

Hi, I'm Dan. I am an incoming senior at UMass Amherst majoring in Natural Resource Conservation with a concentration in Forest Ecology Conservation. I am interested in all things ecology and conservation, with a background in Atlantic White Cedar restoration and wildlife tracking with the New England Wildlife Monitoring Network. I came to Smokey House Center as a Future Forester Apprentice this summer and I was passionate to learn about forest farming, sugar maple production and management, and public recreational use of forests. I hope to secure a job in sustainable forestry after I graduate in 2026.

Throughout the summer, I’ve been working to restore Smokey House Center’s trail network to its former glory. Overgrown weeds and tall grasses on and around the old trails had created ideal conditions for ticks—especially concerning during one of the worst tick seasons in recent memory. Invasive plant species, some armed with sharp thorns, were also choking out many of the trail’s beloved native plants. This posed a risk to both two-legged and four-legged visitors. I also worked to develop an ongoing maintenance plan that will ensure Smokey House Center’s trail system is maintained for decades to come.

Hi, I'm Dan. I am an incoming senior at UMass Amherst majoring in Natural Resource Conservation with a concentration in Forest Ecology Conservation. I am interested in all things ecology and conservation, with a background in Atlantic White Cedar restoration and wildlife tracking with the New England Wildlife Monitoring Network. I came to Smokey House Center as a Future Forester Apprentice this summer and I was passionate to learn about forest farming, sugar maple production and management, and public recreational use of forests. I hope to secure a job in sustainable forestry after I graduate in 2026.

Throughout the summer, I’ve been working to restore Smokey House Center’s trail network to its former glory. Overgrown weeds and tall grasses on and around the old trails had created ideal conditions for ticks—especially concerning during one of the worst tick seasons in recent memory. Invasive plant species, some armed with sharp thorns, were also choking out many of the trail’s beloved native plants. This posed a risk to both two-legged and four-legged visitors. I also worked to develop an ongoing maintenance plan that will ensure Smokey House Center’s trail system is maintained for decades to come.

Hello, I'm Peter. I was born and raised in Washington, DC, and am currently an undergraduate student studying Forestry at the University of Maine in Orono and will be graduating in 2026. I come from a background in the federal government, having spent the last two summers working for the Forest Service in northern Arizona. Related to forestry, I am interested in silviculture and forest health, particularly in planning for future changes to the forested environment.

These photos are my perspective as a day in the life of a Future Forester Apprentice at Smokey House Center working on the Forest Inventory Project. Enjoy some of the encounters with the wonders of the forest that I've had!

Hello, I'm Peter. I was born and raised in Washington, DC, and am currently an undergraduate student studying Forestry at the University of Maine in Orono and will be graduating in 2026. I come from a background in the federal government, having spent the last two summers working for the Forest Service in northern Arizona. Related to forestry, I am interested in silviculture and forest health, particularly in planning for future changes to the forested environment.

These photos are my perspective as a day in the life of a Future Forester Apprentice at Smokey House Center working on the Forest Inventory Project. Enjoy some of the encounters with the wonders of the forest that I've had!

Hi! My name is Carmen, a future forester apprentice TAKING OVER THE INSTAGRAM!! I’m about to enter my senior year at the University of Vermont studying forestry, and I’m giving you a glimpse into the life at Smokey House.

Today I commandeered the gator to collect ramp seeds. Ramps (Allium tricoccum) are a forest botanical species that have recently risen in popularity due to their unique taste that rivals garlic. Along the way, I found a party of trout, a big ole basswood, the perfect spiderweb, wakerobin seed, and the most gorgeous river! And to top it all off, I returned to main campus to find my fellow apprentices had put up a spruce tree to celebrate Christmas in August. What a perfect day!

Hi! My name is Carmen, a future forester apprentice TAKING OVER THE INSTAGRAM!! I’m about to enter my senior year at the University of Vermont studying forestry, and I’m giving you a glimpse into the life at Smokey House.

Today I commandeered the gator to collect ramp seeds. Ramps (Allium tricoccum) are a forest botanical species that have recently risen in popularity due to their unique taste that rivals garlic. Along the way, I found a party of trout, a big ole basswood, the perfect spiderweb, wakerobin seed, and the most gorgeous river! And to top it all off, I returned to main campus to find my fellow apprentices had put up a spruce tree to celebrate Christmas in August. What a perfect day!

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@smokeyhousecenter

Working Lands • Research • Education

Smokey House Center

426 Danby Mountain Road

Danby, Vermont 05739

802-293-2300

© 2025 Smokey House Center

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