Natural Area: Pease Mountain
About Pease Mountain
Pease Mountain Natural Area provides a classic example of a Northern hardwood natural community on a small mountain in Charlotte, Vermont. The mountain provides fantastic views of most of the Champlain Valley and the Adirondack Mountains, thanks to its location near Lake Champlain. Pease Mountain is located behind the Charlotte Central School, and access is through the school’s parking lot.
Research
Pease Mountain serves as a prominent field site for studying the ecological dynamics of the Champlain Valley. The Vermont Center for Ecostudies has utilized the area for over 20 years to conduct annual forest breeding bird surveys. Current research initiatives include natural community mapping, landscape assessments by graduate students, and the establishment of long-term monitoring plots for vegetation and wildlife. These efforts help scholars understand the diversity of the mountain's mesic forests and fragile calcareous rock outcrops.
Education
The natural area supports a collaborative model of stewardship and instruction. UVM students in programs like LANDS and the Environmental Program have gained hands-on experience in trail assessment, boundary marking, and conservation planning utilizing this property. Additionally, the site hosts an innovative partnership with the adjacent Charlotte Central School, where UVM interns have mentored local students in environmental education. This integrated approach allows students of all levels to study the interdependence of people and healthy ecological systems.
Community
Pease Mountain is a vital community asset that provides public access to diverse forest habitats through a managed trail system. The University maintains active partnerships with the Charlotte Conservation Commission and local developers to ensure responsible land use and continued public access. A central feature of community engagement is the Pease Mountain Stewardship Project, a cooperative effort that involves local youth in the direct care of the land. These collaborations elevate the mountain's value as a shared resource for education, recreation, and regional conservation.