Wiessner Woods - Conserved 1992

Click here to view the Wiessner Woods trail map

Please use the Wiessner Woods parking lot, which is to the left as you drive in.  We ask that you do not park alongside the road.  Thank you. 

Muriel S. Wiessner, known as Moo Moo, knew for years that she wanted to conserve the 104-acre parcel she owned located off Edson Hill Road.  Twenty years before beginning negotiations with Stowe Land Trust, Ms. Wiessner and her husband, Fritz, had looked into various means to preserve the land but they were unable to establish a deal that met their needs.  The Wiessners, residents of Stowe for 40 years, were ardent conservationists and wanted to ensure that their land would be maintained perpetually in the way that they saw fit.  After Fritz died in 1988, Moo Moo continued to pursue the idea of conserving the property as a tribute to Fritz’s life and accomplishments. 

The first meeting between SLT and Moo Moo occurred in March 1991.  At this meeting both parties recognized the characteristics that make Wiessner Woods a special place.  It is a very scenic parcel, whether one is enjoying the view from within or looking at the property from afar.  The landscape of Wiessner Woods is diverse and is made up of mixed forests, wetlands, open meadows and streams.  The habitat diversity and variety of water sources (including natural springs) make the property home to an abundance of wildlife.

Wiessner Woods is recreationally important as well.  An extensive network of trails wind through the property and connect to other trails systems in the area, including the Catamount Trail and the Edson Hill Trail system.  The trails are clearly marked with color coded trail signs.  On any given day a number of people enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other outdoor activities in Wiessner Woods.

The flexible conservation tools available to land trusts, including conservation easements and actual fee ownership, allowed a deal to be structured that was beneficial to all parties involved.  Moo Moo conveyed 92 acres of the 104-acre parcel to SLT.  SLT placed a conservation easement on the 92 acres, which was then subdivided into three lots.  Two small lots with conservation easements that restrict any development were sold to neighbors of the Wiessner Property.  SLT retained 79 acres of Wiessner Woods.  The sale of the two small lots allowed SLT to create a perpetual stewardship endowment fund to ensure that Wiessner Woods will be appropriately maintained.  This fund has allowed SLT to create a network of trails, a parking lot for hikers, and the Howard Carroll Memorial Bridge to commemorate a former Board Member that was very active at Wiessner Woods.        

Wiessner Woods is a wonderful place to walk the dogs on a leash, cross-country ski, or enjoy a relaxing hike in any season.