Mission: Environmental Programs are an integral component of the cooperative mission "to protect and preserve the forests and mountain ecosystem of Stark mountain." These educational programs seek to inform the public about our unique alpine environment and promote the stewardship of Mad River Glen for recreation, wildlife, and healthy forests. Our programs offer an interpretive understanding of the mountain environment in order to connect people on an individual level with the special character of Mad River.

History: Environmental education programs at Mad River Glen began in the fall of 1996, under the guidance of staff naturalist, Sean T. Lawson. Winter programs range from naturalist guided snowshoe treks to special events led by visiting experts. Summer and fall bring the opportunity for ecology hikes and our popular Nature Camp for children.

The Mad River Experience: The MRG Cooperative represents one of the most unique organizations in entire country. We are owned and operated by skiers who share a passion for a mountain that is entirely different from the ski "industry". Mad River Glen offers a separate reality, where our single chairlift gives a quiet and reflective ride and our pristine alpine environment brings an opportunity to reconnect with nature.

Advance Registration is required for all events. Please register for all programs by calling the main office at (802) 496-3551.

Wildlife Tracking Workshop with Susan C. Morse of Keeping Track©
RESCHEDULED

Friday, February 13th 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Join us for a full day of tracking in Phenn Basin. Learn how to identify and interpret sign of numerous species of wildlife, with Sue Morse of Keeping Track. Participants will travel through and study the different habitats of Vermont. Field trip limited to 12 people. Fee: Full Tracking workshop, $30.

Winter Ecology Workshop - January 17 and 18, 1998 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

A weekend-long, field based workshop focusing on the winter environment and the adaptations of plants and animals to the extreme cold and snow in the Green Mountains. Register by January 11. Fee : $25 per day

Backcountry Cooking Seminar - February 7, 1998 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Learn how to make delicious meals from simple and inexpensive ingredients which provide balanced nutrition for your energy needs in the backcountry. Participants will cook their own dinner. Register by February 1. Fee: $30 includes dinner.

Landscapes of Alaska slide show - February 21, 1998 7:00 PM

Naturalist Sean Lawson will present his slides from a NOLS Outdoor Educator course and summer journey throughout Alaska, presenting the natural history and ecology of this magical and wild land. Accompanied by flute music. Fee : $5

Winter Camping Expedition - Weekend of March 1, 1998

Brave the wintry weather for this weekend backpacking adventure on the Long Trail. Participants meet for an evening class on trip preparation and equipment before the weekend outing. Four-season camping techniques and safety will be covered. Register by February 21. Fee: $50

Wildlife Tracking by Snowshoe - December 27, January 3, February 16, 10:00AM-3:00PM

Participants will hike into the Phenn Basin Wilderness area to explore the habitat of Vermont's forest wildlife. Learn about the various techniques for interpreting and tracking sign of numerous species. We will travel through and study a variety of forest ecosystems and learn about local conservation efforts in this full-day outing. Fee: $25

Full Moon Snowshoe on Stark Mountain

December 12,13, 7:00PM January 10,11, 7:00PM February 10,11, 7:00PM March 12,13 7:00PM

A naturalist led night-time snowshoe hike on Stark Mountain. We will explore the beautiful woods and trails of Mad River, while searching for sign of nocturnal wildlife. Fee: $10

Mad River Glen slide show - Evening of January 3 & February 14, 7:00 PM

Images of accomplished local photographer T.J. Greenwood grace the screen with scenes of Mad River Glen and the Green Mountains in four seasons. Donation: $5

Wilderness Cross-Country Skiing Tour - January 31, February 15, 11:00AM-3:00PM

Journey into the wilds of Phenn Basin on cross-country skis. Join our mountain naturalist for a guided tour of this area protected by conservation groups in 1995. Fee: $15

Snowshoe in the Northern Forest - January 4 , February 14, 10:00AM-2:00PM

Explore the woods of Stark Mountain on snowshoes! Learn about the boreal and northern hardwood forests, tree identification, and forest stewardship. Fee: $15

Junior Naturalist Program - January 25, February 21, March 7, 12:00-2:30 PM

A series of programs designed just for kids! Each week will have a different theme - wildlife, forests, winter ecology, and more. Kids can explore Stark Mountain by snowshoe, while learning about our environment. Fee: $8

All events meet at the Mad River Glen Base Lodge, unless otherwise noted.

Cooperative shareholders receive a 20% discount on all programs.

Snowshoe Rentals will be available with preregistration.

Advance Registration is required for all events. Please register for all programs by calling the main office at (802) 496-3551.

e-mail us at ski@madriver.com