Nestled in a quiet neighborhood within the city of Burlington is the 3-acre Redstone Quarry Natural Area. The quarry is named after the Monkton Quartzite, or “redstone” that was quarried there for over 100 years and used as building material for many of the older buildings in Burlington. A small pond, wetland, and wooded areas provide ecological diversity on the site. Neighboring residents have helped to maintain and steward the Natural Area and UVM thanks them for keeping the trails open and the area clean. 

Research at the quarry is primarily focused on geological studies, illustrating regional history through exposed rock layers and ancient ripple marks. Scholars from various regional academic institutions observe these unique formations and investigate how rocks are formed through deposition. Ongoing research includes the establishment of study sites to monitor population trends for birds, amphibians, reptiles, and aquatic macroinvertebrates within the small wetland.  

Redstone Quarry serves as an outdoor classroom for the University of Vermont, Middlebury College, and local public schools. The site provides hands-on field trip opportunities to observe Monkton Quartzite and ancient shoreline features. University of Vermont faculty and students study the complex interplay between geological history and local ecology. Students also engage in active stewardship through courses like "Applied Natural Areas Conservation and Stewardship," where they develop real-world management plans for vegetation and trail systems. 

The quarry is deeply integrated into its suburban neighborhood, with local residents serving as key partners in the daily maintenance and monitoring of the 3-acre site. Community members enjoy the area for quiet recreation, including bird watching, picnicking, and winter skating on the pond. The University maintains active outreach to neighbors to address stewardship concerns such as yard waste disposal and graffiti removal. This collaborative relationship ensures the natural area remains a respected and well-cared-for resource within the City of Burlington.