Birdwatching in Vermont, p. 55.

The Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington is one of Vermont’s outstanding birding destinations. The Center is one of 17 Important Bird Areas in Vermont and is listed among the “Hotspots” in the Vermont eBird database. For many years the members of the Green Mountain Audubon Society have performed bird surveys at two locations at the Center: the Old Meadow trail behind the office building and the Peeper Pond trail. During this time the Meadow has been managed to provide early succession habitat for a variety of breeding warbler species such as Chestnut-sided Warblers and Mourning Warblers.

Nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains, the 250-acre Green Mountain Audubon Center offers outstanding opportunities for exploration and discovery of the natural world of Vermont. Five miles of trails wind their way through a variety of natural communities including, northern hardwood forest, hemlock swamp, and the Huntington River.

The diversity of natural communities provides breeding and wintering habitat for over 100 species of birds including the Hermit Thrush, Blackburnian Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Wetlands offer critical breeding areas for amphibians such as Spotted Salamanders and Wood Frogs as well as a year-round residence for beavers. During the spring, the forest floor bursts forth in early wildflower color, while in the fall, the forest canopy puts on a show of brilliant foliage.

Throughout the year there are several seasonal areas of interest to visit. As winter fades into spring, stop by the Sugarhouse to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of maple sugaring time. During the summer months, the butterfly garden, located next to the Barn, may provide a glimpse of native butterfly species or even a hummingbird! Lookout Rock offers spectacular views of the Green Mountains to the east at any time of the year.

Audubon Center trails are open to the public year-round. Visit seven days a week from dawn until dusk. Donations are appreciated.

The TrailFinder website has a description and map of a hike at Green Mountain Audubon Nature Center.

Green Mountain Audubon Nature Center (Birdability) webpage