Shelburne Pond is the largest undeveloped body of water (432 acres) in the Champlain Valley.  The pond itself is considered “waters of the state” but the University manages over 1,000 acres around the pond including extensive wetlands and upland habitat. These lands contain considerable natural community and species diversity as well as opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other recreation. 

Shelburne Pond is open for recreation, including fishing, kayaking, and waterfowl hunting. A small trail loop runs through the southwest corner of the lakeshore.  

Shelburne Pond serves as a critical site for long-term aquatic and terrestrial research due to its status as one of the largest undeveloped bodies of water in the Champlain Valley. Researchers from the Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory established a sophisticated aquatic monitoring program utilizing a specialized buoy that tracked weather and water quality parameters every 15 minutes. This data was shared globally through the Global Lakes Ecological Observatory Network. Additionally, the area hosts significant archaeological research, with discoveries along the north shore including Woodland Era pottery, projectile points, and ancient dugout canoes. 

The natural area functions as an expansive outdoor laboratory where students and faculty engage in diverse hands-on learning activities. Rubenstein students have participated in critical habitat restoration efforts, such as bank stabilization and native plantings, to protect the pond's shoreline. Education at the site is further enriched by UVM "bioblitz" events, which challenge students to conduct intensive species inventories.  

Since 1973, The Nature Conservancy has partnered with UVM to acquire land around Shelburne Pond. The partnership has extended beyond land acquisition to trail construction and shoreline restoration projects. Vermont Youth Conservation Corp has done erosion control work on the trail system. Local residents have volunteered time and donated land to the Natural Area. State Agencies have monitored bats and built an osprey nesting platform. The Shelburne Natural Resources and Conservation Commission, along with local residents, recently partnered with UVM to conduct invasive buckthorn removal within the natural area. The University also corresponds with Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, which maintains the public boat launch on Shelburne Pond.