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Valcour Bog

The Valcour Bog property links two other important natural areas - the Morristown Bog Natural Area and Joe's Pond - and creates a protected, contiguous habitat for wildlife, as well as a much needed buffer for the unique bog community. 

The Valcour property consists of 29 acres of bog and agricultural land. The 18.5 acre bog is part of an ecological complex that contains portions of Joe’s Pond to the north, and Morristown Bog Natural Area. This ecological complex, east of Route 100, together with the Molly Bog wetland complex to the west of Route 100, is a remnant of glacial Lake Champlain. At one time, these bogs were located at the edge of the lake. As the waters of the glacial lake receded, these peatlands remained.

The property contains portions of three exemplary natural communities, including an uncommon hardwood swamp, and the rare dwarf shrub bog and black spruce-tamarack woodland bog. In addition, two rare and one uncommon plant species are known to exist on the property - southern twayblade (Listera authralis), white fringed orchid (Plantanthera blepharglottis) and dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum).

The 10.6 acres to the east of the bog and wetland complex consists of a funnel-shaped agricultural field with statewide soils. The highly productive agricultural land aids in protecting the bog while also protecting its buffer from development.

Public Access

The property is available to the general public for all types of non-motorized dispersed recreational and education purposes including, but not limited to, bird watching, botanizing, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, walking, and wildlife observation. Hunting and trapping are only permitted in the agricultural portion of the property, not in the bog.

Access to the property is available via the existing VAST trail (in winter); via the right of way from Gray Farm Road; via the Joe’s Pond property, which has access and signage on Stancliff Road; and via the Morristown Bog Natural Area, which has access off of Route 100.

Directions

The Valcour property is located on Gray Farm Road in Morristown, VT. From the intersection of Route 100 and Route 108 in Stowe Village, head north on Route 100 for 3.0 miles. Turn right onto Randolph Road and travel for 1.8 miles. Turn left onto Gray Farm Road. Google street view of the access drive.

Alternative access via Joe’s Pond: Joe's Pond is located just over the Stowe line in Morristown. From the intersection of Route 100 and Route 108 in Stowe Village, head north on Route 100 for 5.2 miles. Turn right onto Stancliff Road. Travel 0.5 miles down Stancliff Road until you spot the Stowe Land Trust sign on your right. There is no established parking area—visitors should park along Stancliff Road taking care not to block any driveways. Walk through the edge of the field to the left of the Stowe Land Trust sign until you reach the treeline in order to avoid interfering with the agricultural operations.

Facts

  • 29 acres
  • Privately owned
  • Conserved in 2007
  • Morristown

I am totally tickled that so many nice people cared enough about this project to make it happen. The bog is an amazing secret world and a joy to discover. Don Avery, Morristown resident