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Educational & Networking Events, Act 181 & Act 59 Listening Sessions, Other Upcoming Events

The Bennington County Conservation District is hosting several educational and networking events this summer for municipal leaders, board members, and engaged residents interested in the future of land use, housing, conservation, and community resilience in our region. These events are designed to support your work, gather local perspectives, and strengthen our abilities to serve our communities.

ACT 181 & ACT 59 LISTENING SESSIONS: These sessions will provide a brief overview of Act 181 and Act 59, followed by open group discussions. Your participation helps ensure that local perspectives are represented in statewide land‑use modernization and regional conservation planning. 
Woodford: May 26, 4pm — Prospect Mountain Ski Area
Arlington: May 28, 4pm — The Arlington Common
Rupert: June 4, 4pm— Merck Forest & Farmland Center
Winhall: June 9, 4pm — Winhall Community Arts Center
Pownal: May 19, 3pm — Hill Top Farm Store
Bennington: June 8 — American Legion Post 13
 
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE WORKSHOP (PILOT): This workshop will bring together municipal staff, board and commission members, emergency responders, local organizations, and community leaders from Pownal and surrounding towns to explore practical strategies for building resilience through local governance. The session includes a presentation from our friends at Community Resilience Organizations facilitated discussions, resource sharing, and opportunities for cross‑town collaboration. Stipends are being offered for participation. Please visit our Event Page for more details.

June 5, 2026, 2:00–6:00 PM —  EarthFire Abbey

 

Other Upcoming Events
4/14 - How to Love a Forest: Join us on April 14, 5:30–7:00 PM at the Manchester Community Library for an evening with Vermont forester, bestselling author, and digital storyteller Ethan Tapper. This event is part of the NEA Big Read, celebrating creativity, connection, and community through the lens of our shared landscape.
4/25 - Small Scale Cover Cropping WorkshopPlease join us at the Gardens at Yellow Barn Farm on April 25th from 10AM-1PM for a workshop on cover cropping on a small scale. 
Volunteer Days Coming Soon!
As the growing season ramps up, we’ll be announcing several volunteer days across the county. Stay tuned for opportunities to get your hands dirty and support local conservation projects. Find us on the Bee app!
Don't have the time? Consider donating instead!