Centennial Woods (UVM Natural Area)

Centennial Woods (UVM Natural Area)

Burlington, Vermont 05401

Official Website
Centennial Woods map

Tips for Birding

Birdwatching in Vermont, pp. 54-55.

There are two official trailhead signs, one located on Catamount Drive and the other off Grove Street in Burlington. Catamount Drive can be found by driving behind the Double Tree Hotel and turning right to the end, where you will find a large parking lot. Park there and walk west along Catamount Drive for about 1000 feet to the trailhead sign. Another way to access Catamount Drive is from the East Avenue intersection, driving to the end, where you can park your vehicle and walk back about 1000 feet. The trailhead off Grove Street in Burlington can be seen across from the entrance to the Bayberry Common Apartments. The best place to park your vehicle would be at the Schmanska Park parking lot off Grove Street in Burlington. 
From Green Mountain Audubon Society article, Centennial Woods, by Fernando Corrada

Birds of Interest

Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglets, Brown Creeper, White- and Red-breasted Nuthatches, Carolina and Winter Wrens, Veery, Chipping Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Ovenbird, Pine Warbler, and Yellow-rumped Warbler.

Some uncommon birds for this very cosmopolitan location have also been reported over the past decade or so, including Ruffed Grouse, Bald Eagle, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Philadelphia Vireo, Brown Thrasher, Swainson’s Thrush, Evening Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, Fox Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Orange-crowned Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, and Indigo Bunting. 

About this Location

Centennial Woods is one of the most frequently visited UVM natural areas. This area contains over 65 acres of mature conifer stands, mixed hardwoods, fields, streams, and wetland areas. Within the city limits of Burlington and adjacent to the UVM campus, this area serves as an excellent natural laboratory to study the region’s plants, animals, and natural processes, as well as cultural history.

A well-developed trail system wanders through Centennial Woods, offering visitors samples of the natural communities and landscape features thriving here. Students in Environmental Studies, Botany, Zoology, Forestry, Recreation Management, and Education use this area extensively for academic study. Upon your arrival to Centennial Woods please take a moment to sign in and look over the important information listed on the kiosk. Please feel free to provide any feedback or simple comments regarding your visit to the area.

Parking for the Catamount Drive entrance to East Woods is limited to a few metered parking spaces in front of the UVM Research Annex building.

Notable Trails

The TrailFinder website has a description and map of a hike at Centennial Woods.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Official Website

Last updated January 15, 2024