East Woods Natural Area consists of 40 acres of forested landscape adjacent to Interstate 189 in South Burlington. Forest types include mixed hardwood stands and white pine/hemlock forests.  There are many large and mature trees throughout the area with ample snags, deadfall, and lots of coarse woody debris.  Riparian and in-stream habitat can also be found along Potash Brook.  Although somewhat more removed from campus than Centennial Woods, the proximity of this natural area to Burlington and the University results in moderate use by both UVM students and faculty and other visitors.  It is also close to a bike path that is found just across Swift Street near the entrance to the natural area.    

Potash Brook flows through East Woods and divides the area into two use zones. Visitors typically use the south zone with frontage on Swift Street in South Burlington.  Here there is a small parking area, an interpretive sign and the trailhead for the loop trail.  A small information kiosk is found just beyond the trail entrance.  A secondary trailhead is located along the west side of the natural area behind a commercial development providing minimal access.  The north zone between Potash Brook and Interstate 189 connector is not developed for use and is infrequently visited.  There are currently no bridges across Potash Brook and visitors can cross only during low water or precariously at other times over downed trees.  

In 1949, the University purchased approximately 100 acres in South Burlington from a local developer with financial help from neighbors and friends.  The intent at that time was to protect the land from development in a rapidly developing area near Burlington.  When the Interstate 189 connector was constructed in the 1960’s, over half of the land was lost with the remaining 40 acres designated as East Woods Natural Area in 1974.   

East Woods is used by students in environmental science programs to study the ecosystems of urban watersheds. 

Directions to Carse Wetlands via Google Maps  

Parking and Directions  

240-110 Swift St, S Burlington; Parking is in a small lot in front of the trailhead 

Trail Map (In Development)  

Facilities: 

No facilities other than parking; best suited for day use.  

• Size: 40 acres

• Average summer high: 82.4 

• Average summer low: 62.4 

• Average winter high: 31.5 

• Average winter low: 14.3 

• Elevation: 58-86m/190-280ft 

• Precipitation: 37.53 in rain/87.5 in snow 

• Soils: Mostly loamy sands with some clay  

Stakeholders and Partnerships  

• South Burlington Natural Resources Committee 

• Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Stormwater Unit 

• Green Mountain Power Company 

A full PDF of past research at East Woods can be found here.