Lake Bomoseen/Hubbardton Marshes IBA

Lake Bomoseen/Hubbardton Marshes IBA

Hubbardton, Vermont 05735

Official Website
Bomoseen State Park Official Website
Bomoseen State Park map

Tips for Birding

The marshes can be reached by kayak or canoe from the Evanoika Fishing Access on Johnson Spooner Road. After launching head north under the Float Bridge Road. The marshes can also be viewed from Route 130 south of the Hubbardton Congregational Church. There is a small pull-off on the opposite side of the marsh from Route 130. Use caution crossing the road. A spotting scope is helpful. There is an outhouse at the fishing access.

Birds of Interest

Its diverse mosaic of habitat types hosts a colorful variety of important bird species. Many have Vermont High Conservation Priority Species status and several are either endangered or threatened including the state-endangered Common Loon. In addition to breeding Pied-billed Grebes (S2), Common Moorhen (S2), Sora (S2), and at times hundreds of Wood Ducks, this Important Bird Area provides breeding habitat to the rare and elusive Least Bittern (S1). Osprey, Bald Eagles, and Peregrine Falcon have all been sighted here as well.

About this Location

This Class 1 wetland and adjacent upland forest is located at the northwest end of Lake Bomoseem in the town of Hubbardton. The lakes large size coupled with the extensive marsh ecosystems make this IBA an ideal location for waterfowl and marsh birds Vermont Natural Community types include Deep Broadleaf Marsh and Mesic Maple-Ash-Hickory-Oak Forest.

About Bomoseen State Park

See all hotspots at Bomoseen State Park

Bomoseen State Park, 3,576 acres, is located in the Taconic Mountains on the shores of Lake Bomoseen, the largest lake entirely within Vermont’s borders. The Taconics are the slate-producing region of Vermont, and the area’s history parallels the rise and fall of Vermont’s slate industry. The park contains several quarry holes and their adjacent colorful slate rubble piles as reminders of this period. These quarries provided slate for the West Castleton Railroad and Slate Company, a complex of 60 to 70 buildings that stood between Glen Lake and Lake Bomoseen. Several slate buildings and foundations remain in the park. A self-guided Slate History Trail leads hikers through remnants of this bygone era.

Part of the area comprising the park was owned by the Lake Shore Slate Company, owned and operated by Samuel L. Hazard. When Mr. Hazard passed away in 1929 the remaining property was left to his stepdaughter, Martha Warren. Mrs. Warren lived there year-round, before making it her summer home. In 1959 she donated approximately 365 acres of land and included buildings to the State for recreational purposes and as a refuge and sanctuary for wildlife. A collection of historical objects is located in Mrs. Warren’s former home, which also includes the Park Ranger’s quarters.

First opened to the public in 1960, the park boundaries encompass more than 2,000 acres surrounding nearby Glen Lake and forested land comprising the camping area that is Half Moon State Park. Several hiking trails, including one to Half Moon, provide great hiking and wildlife-viewing opportunities. Boating, fishing, and swimming are popular in Lake Bomoseen and nearby Glen Lake.

The park has a beach for swimming and a picnic area. Several hiking trails, including one to Half Moon Pond State Park, provide great hiking opportunities. There is fishing in Lake Bomoseen, as well as in nearby Glen Lake.

State park entrance fees are in effect (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day). During the off-season, this (and all Vermont State Parks) are open for day use. Restrooms are available when the park is open. A port-a-potty is usually available from mid-October until spring. Additional port-a-potties are available at nearby (but not walking distance) at the Kehoe Fishing Access on the west side of the lake. 

Features

  • Roadside viewing

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Official Website, Bomoseen State Park Official Website, and Susan Elliott, Rutland County Audubon Society