FieldLabs

Joe's Pond Morristown

Natural Area: Joe’s Pond Morristown

Natural Areas: Joe's Pond

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This property features diverse and rare wetland natural communities, mixed deciduous and coniferous forested areas for hiking and paddling access to the eight-acre open water of Joe’s Pond. UVM acquired Joe's Pond with the help of Stowe Land Trust in 2024. The site is adjacent to Morristown Bog State Forest and Valcour Bog, and not to be confused with the Joe’s Pond in Danville, this site is an ideal place to study and recreate. 

Research

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Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife monitors bat populations at the site. UVM has begun using the site for student ecological research and wildlife monitoring. 

The first, and most recent, research endeavor at Joe’s Pond-Morrisville was an ecological assessment, including a paleoecological investigation into the natural history and formation of the peatlands since the Ice Age.  

Education

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No formal UVM courses have utilized this Natural Area to date. The site is a one-hour drive from Burlington and may present logistical challenges for transportation of large classes. Given the unique ecology and glacial history of the site it is expected to attract more small-group student projects and individual theses in the coming years.

Community

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There is an iNaturalist Project at the site that visitors can contribute to.  

Property Description

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Joe’s Pond-Morrisville is a 26-acre parcel composed of mixed uplands, wetlands, and pond, located in Morrisville in Lamoille County, Vermont, just east of Route 100 on Stancliff Road. This property was donated to the University of Vermont Natural Areas Program in January 2025 by its previous owners, Ronald and Judith Stancliff, making it the eleventh UVM Natural Area. The property has had a conservation easement with Stowe Land Trust (SLT) since 2005. 

History

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Steeped in local history, Joe's Pond – Morristown and Molly Bog Natural Area both trace their names to early settlers, Joe and Molly, who arrived in 1790. UVM's Molly Bog, acquired over 50 years ago and named for Joe's wife, remains a protected sanctuary, dedicated only to research and monitoring due to its delicate plant communities. Following Stancliff's generous donation, both properties will now be integrated into the UVM Natural Areas system. 

Ongoing Monitoring & Research

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Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife monitors bat populations at the site.  UVM has begun using the site for student ecological research and wildlife monitoring. 

Site Access, Maps, and Facilities

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Site Access, Maps, and Facilities  

Directions to Joe’s Pond via Google Maps  

 Parking and Directions  

Joe’s Pond is at 688 Stancliff Road, Morristown; travel 0.7 miles down Stancliff Road until you spot the small, white Stowe Land Trust sign on your right. Park along the road or take the tractor road down along the edge of the field and park in the field at the edge of the woods.  

Trail Map (In Development)  

Facilities:  

Parking and dock for launching small non-motorized boats; suited for day use.  

Site Characteristics

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  • Size: 26 Acres

  • Average summer high: 78.6 

  • Average summer low: 54.8 

  • Average winter high: 25.4 

  • Average winter low: 10.2 

  • Elevation: 220-230m/730-760ft 

  • Precipitation: 35.5 inches annually 

  • Soils: Loamy sand, peat 

Stakeholders, Partnerships, and Resources

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Stakeholder and Partnerships

  • Stowe Land Trust 

Resources

UVM Expands Natural Areas with New Acquisition

Past Research

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A full PDF of past research at Joe's Pond is in development.