Explore a growing trail system, which includes a boardwalk that takes you into the heart of the wetland for an up-close look at this dynamic ecosystem, largely shaped by historic beaver activity.

Carse Wetlands is a testament to ecological stewardship, managed for both education, research, and public enjoyment. It is a key location for UVM's Fellowship for Restoration Ecologies and Cultures (FREC), which works to restore the natural landscape and prepare the next generation of environmental stewards. Come witness cutting-edge restoration ecology in action!

The Carse Wetlands Natural Area is 330 acres in size and located in Hinesburg, Vermont adjacent to and east of Baldwin Road. The property is a mix of open agricultural fields, forests, and wetlands including a basin of open water. The wetlands and open water dominate the central portion of the property, isolating the eastern side of the property from the more accessible western portion.  A Vermont Electric Company (VELCO) high-tension power line runs through the northern portion of the property. The trail includes a short boardwalk leading out into the core wetland.

Find the iNaturalist community for Carse Wetlands here.

The Carse Land Company conveyed a gift of 225 acres of land to the University of Vermont in December 2013. The Carse Wetlands Natural Area expanded from its original 225 acres to 330 acres with the addition of a 105-acre parcel in 2019. Prior to the land being conveyed to UVM, the Vermont Land Trust placed a conservation easement on the land insuring for its perpetual protection and guaranteeing public access.  The Hinesburg Land Trust assisted with this effort by raising funds to cover the closing costs and legal fees of this conservation project.

Education

Students from UVM studying environmental science and geology use the site to conduct service learning and projects on local ecology.

Ongoing Monitoring and Research

Documented Invasive Plant Treatment Study by FREC student group. For more information, contact natural.areas@uvm.edu.

The trail system is open to the public. 

Directions to Carse Wetlands via Google Maps

A trail system accesses the wetland from the parking lot.

Parking and Directions

Parking is at 1767-1021 Baldwin Rd, Hinesburg, VT 05461; a trail system accesses the wetland from the parking lot. The Parking area is south of Burritt Road and immediately south of the VELCO power line crossing. The parking lot on the east side of the road accommodates four vehicles.

Facilities

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

• Size: 330 acres
• Temperatures
  • Average summer high: 80.1
  • Average summer low: 57.2
  • Average winter high: 26.9
  • Average winter low: 12.7
• Elevation: 115-170m/375-555ft
• Precipitation: 35.99 inches annually
• Soils: Muck and peat; rocky loam

• The Vermont Land Trust
• Hinesburg Land Trust
• Hinesburg Trails Committee
• Vermont Natural Heritage Inventory
• Vermont Gas Systems