Happy Earth Day!

Hi, Friends. Earth Day is today, April 22. This reminds me of the many Vermonters I've recently interviewed for our upcoming Summer magazine issues. A recurring theme in our conversations—and not for the first time—is "stewardship."

Whether it's the owners who lovingly maintain historic properties, feeling a sense of both pride and duty to preserve our state’s history, or our local farmers cultivating the land, there is an ever-present commitment to preservation that runs deep. Vermonters see themselves as stewards of the buildings, businesses, institutions, and land that define their home state.

Peter Kurtzer of Orvis at the 2025 Battenkill Fly Fishing Festival in Arlington

This commitment is adhered to all year long, not just on Earth Day, but today is still a reminder to all of us that we are stewards of the planet upon which we live. As you scroll through this week’s issue, you’ll see some events and updates that align with the spirit of Earth Day, starting with the 5th Annual Battenkill Fly Fishing Festival hosted by the Arlington Common from April 30 through May 2. Proceeds from the event will go toward the Battenkill Fund, which promotes responsible environmental stewardship. 

Earth Matters’ “ Celebrate Earth Week” launched on April 17 and continues through April 26, with many events highlighting clean renewable solutions such as energy efficiency, portable solar, smart housing, and regenerative agriculture. Avi Salloway & Friends will perform a concert TONIGHT, April 22, at Paradigm in Manchester at 6pm as part of the celebration.

The Battenkill Fly Fishing Festival is dedicated to celebrating the beauty and ecological importance of the Battenkill River while supporting crucial conservation efforts. Through the festival, they aim to raise awareness and funds for the Battenkill and the Arlington Common, fostering a community committed to the sustainability of these vital resources. The festival's efforts are channeled into supporting the newly established Battenkill Fund, created to finance initiatives that address human impact on the river and promote responsible stewardship.

Earth Matters’ Celebrate Earth Week events

https://www.vtflyfest.com/battenkill-fund

The Battenkill Fund is a pivotal element of our festival's mission. Established in partnership with the Arlington Common, this fund is dedicated to supporting programs that mitigate the human impact on the Battenkill River, ensuring it remains a pristine environment for all to enjoy. The fund prioritizes projects that enhance river health, support sustainable recreational activities, and educate the public about the river's significance in our ecosystem and community.

Funded by the Battenkill Fund, the Battenkill Riverkeeper Initiative embodies the commitment to preserving, protecting, and enhancing the Battenkill River. This initiative is focused on fostering river stewardship, promoting sustainable recreation, and educating the public about the river’s ecological and cultural importance.

The first major effort under the Riverkeeper Initiative is the launch of a Public Waste Management & Education Program, aimed at providing essential waste disposal services along the Vermont stretch of the Battenkill. This includes installing facilities at key public landings, such as the Covered Bridge in West Arlington and the Arlington Rec Park, to ensure the river remains clean and accessible. Each location will also feature educational kiosks, offering visitors insights into the river’s history and ecosystem and encouraging responsible recreation.