Our Work Archives - Sustainable Woodstock

SusWoo Global

jbird24 — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 17:03:46 +0000

SusWoo Global

Sustainable Woodstock collaborates with Sustainable Woodstock UK, Small Planet Institute, and others to educate and engage the global community.

Sustainable Woodstock UK

Small Planet Institute

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Solarize Testimonials

jbird24 — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 16:00:37 +0000

Solarize Testimonials

2010 / 36 Panel Solar Array

ReKnew Energy Systems, Inc.

Jill Davies and Nigel Hollis moved into their home in Woodstock about five years ago. Before moving in they did a lot of work on the home because they wanted to maintain the streetscape but have a modern house with as many “green” features as [they] could to make a house that would last with low ongoing bills.

—Jill Davies & Nigel Hollis

2014 - 2015 / 5.46kW

Catamount Solar

Their workmanship and professionalism were first-rate. A very nice company. We were very pleased. Really a good choice.” “From the woman on the phone to the guys on the roof, everyone was fantastic to work with.

—Denise & Michael

2014 - 2015 / 4.2kW

Catamount Solar

Dee and I are very pleased with the performance of the solar array that was installed in February of 2015… In the previous two years, our electricity bill averaged $158 per month. It now averages $29 per month. This translates into a savings of approximately $1,500 per year. If this continues, in seven years we will have paid for the array in full. Go solar!

—Jack Anderson

2014 - 2015 / 7.61kW

Integrity Energy

I’m not sure what more to say than how happy we are with the campaign, the resulting pricing, the ease of installation and the great productivity we are now experiencing. We sized our system to meet our needs when we live here full time (not for a couple more years), so right now we are over-producing. But it appears our production is spot on for our projected use.

—Mike Russell

2014 - 2015 / 4.95kW

Catamount Solar

We are highly pleased with the solar panels. Our electric bill is definitely lower and one month it was as low as $30.00. Solarize had a very experienced and hard working crew. They stuck to the job even in the bitter cold of last winter. I would give them an A+. I am surprised that on a fully cloudy day I’m still producing solar electricity.

—Bill Sullivan

2014 - 2015 / 4.34kW

Catamount Solar

Our experience with Catamount Solar was very positive. Now that we have put the capital expense behind us we love getting our electricity bills. For three months we have owed no money and have been build credit towards those colder, grey months.

—Pamela Williams

2014 - 2015 / 5.4kW

Integrity Energy

We had a great experience.

—David Hill

2014 - 2015 / 4.4kW

Catamount Solar

…of course I am delighted with the system, and think the crew did an excellent job.

—Clover Durfee

2014 - 2015 / 8.25kW

Catamount Solar

They built this barn for their solar panels. It was just about the same price as having the panels on poles.

—Woodstock Resident

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Please contact us for more information about programs and initiatives.

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Legacy Projects

jbird24 — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 20:58:39 +0000

Legacy Projects

Energy & Transportation Action Group

Sustainable Woodstock’s Energy & Transportation Action Group (SWEAT) wrote the Town/Village of Woodstock’s Comprehensive Plan Energy Chapter and worked with the Woodstock Select Board and the Planning and Zoning Department to adopt the plan.

View Plan

East End Park

As an organization that conceives and develops projects and initiatives for the betterment of the environment and the public good, it has been Sustainable Woodstock’s honor to be entrusted from 2009–2020 with planning and developing the East End Project, and with creating the East End Park.

When the park was completed in early 2021, we transferred long-term stewardship of the East End Project to the Town of Woodstock and the Woodstock Community Trust as part of that organization’s mission to improve the quality of life in Woodstock.

Read Full History

EVENT APPLICATION: Download the application form from the Village of Woodstock to hold an event at East End Park. Completed applications must be emailed to: nnourse@townofwoodstock.org.

Solar Showcase

Sustainable Woodstock’s Energy Action and Transportation Group hosted an annual Solar Showcase from 2017–2019.The Showcase coincided with the annual Taste of Woodstock event and featured solar installers from our region. Participants could enter to win solar raffle prizes and meet with solar installers to sign up for free home site visits and solar consults.

Thank You to Our Past Sponsors:

Past Recycling Projects

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sustainable Woodstock managed recycling, trash and composting for over 3,000 people at major community events every year.

Sustainable Woodstock helped develop a recycling policy for community events, facilitated the installation of recycling bins throughout the Village, and historically provided recycling services at public events, including the Road to the Pogue, Covered Bridges Half Marathon and the Trek to Taste (pictured here). We typically diverted 90+% of trash to recycling and compost at those events.

Solarize Pomfret & Woodstock

With the help of Vital Communities, Sustainable Woodstock and Catamount Solar partnered together to for the Solarize Upper Valley initiative. Between 2014-2016, residents in Woodstock and Pomfret signed up for 25 new solar arrays in our communities. With over 50 known solar arrays in our area now, we were able to double the amount of solar we had in 2014!

View Testimonials

Economic Development

Projects consist of the Economic Development Commission, Local First Alliance, and The Naked Table.

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Woodstock Area Non-Profit Network

In 2011 Sustainable Woodstock helped launch an initiative to foster collaboration among the many nonprofit organizations in the Woodstock area. Through regular monthly meetings and outreach, this network allowed its members to coordinate efforts and work together toward common goals for the good of the community. Any area nonprofit is welcome to join the group. The network continues to meet quarterly as the Woodstock Area Collaborative Network, under the leadership of the Ottauquechee Health Foundation.

Community Solar

Sustainable Woodstock worked with Rainbow Playschool, Sundeavor and the Town of Woodstock to plan, design, promote and obtain permits for Green Mountain Power’s first community solar array (CSA). The array generates 150 kWh of electricity—supplying all of the power needs for Rainbow Playschool (preschool) in addition to 15 Woodstock homes and businesses on Green Mountain Power’s grid, as well as a portion of the electricity used by Norman Williams Public Library. The Rainbow array served as a model for CSAs in other towns, encouraging homeowners, businesses and municipalities to transition into renewable energy.

Woodstock Access Group

Sustainable Woodstock participated in an ad hoc group of local residents, business owners, professionals and nonprofits which discussed the issue of accessibility in the Village of Woodstock. The group saw the need for a master plan to address accessibility within the community as well as establish priorities, clarify rules, identify the tools and resources to get it done, get a sense of the economic benefits and effectively educate the whole community (businesses and residents) on the issues and the process.

Woodstock Area Flood Relief Fund

Following the devastating damage done by tropical storm Irene in August 2011, Sustainable Woodstock was proud to have stepped up to take on the task of administering the Woodstock Area Flood Relief Fund, coordinating both the solicitation of funds and the grant distribution process. Through the generosity of hundreds of individuals and organizations both inside and outside the community, as well as support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the fund raised $425,000 and provided significant flood recovery help to more than 125 families in Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Pomfret, Reading and Woodstock.

The effort would not have been possible without the many volunteers who coordinated the effort to raise funds, set up procedures, prepare and process applications, and meet, advise, and follow up with all the applicants. While we are unable to name all the people who contributed to making the fund such a success, we would like to acknowledge the particular contributions of Joanne Boyle, Jim Bryant, Laurie Chester, Alison Clarkson, Candace Coburn, Moe Garmon, Kandy Gray, Sam Harvey, Ken Howe, Charlie Kimbell, Daniel Jantos, Susan Kelley-Outten, Denise Lyons, Ron Miller, Sally Miller, Meg Seely, Laurel and Rick Tobiason, Vickie Brooks, Judy Williamson, and Liza Wilson.

Sustainable Emergency Services Building

Sustainable Woodstock partnered with Woodstock’s EMS personnel, Town of Woodstock, Efficiency Vermont and Intermunicipal Regional Energy Coordinator to make the new Philip B. Swanson Public Safety Facility net-zero ready for energy, thus saving thousands of dollars in propane costs over time and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent.

Union Arena

Sustainable Woodstock assisted with some of the energy-efficiency projects, such as an energy audit and the installation of LED lighting, in order to make Union Arena more energy efficient. We continued in a support role as this amazing project unfolded, eventually serving on the committee that helped to plan Union Arena’s 2021 celebration of becoming the first Net-Zero Ice Arena in the U.S.!

Read Full Story

Learn More

Please contact us for more information about programs and initiatives.

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Energy Equity

jbird24 — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 19:53:12 +0000

Energy Equity

Energy Equity Opportunities

Heating Vermont’s aging, inefficient housing is a major source of energy inequity and carbon emissions. Many families cannot afford energy-efficiency upgrades, let alone energy upgrades like heat pumps, solar arrays or electric vehicles. Sustainable Woodstock focuses on equal energy opportunities for all by offering free home weatherization resources and assistance to those who are low to moderate income.

Our Energy Equity Projects

Mobile Home Outreach

We partnered with Vital Communities’ Energy Savings Outreach Campaign in 2020 and 2021-22 to send direct mailings containing weatherization and fuel assistance resources to all mobile homeowners in Woodstock, Hartland and Bridgewater. This campaign also sent energy surveys to residents, who could share their spending on fuel and knowledge of weatherization and energy services. Sustainable Woodstock then followed up with all interested participants to connect them to free resources, such as COVER home repair, state fuel assistance and free SEVCA weatherization.

Partnership with the Woodstock Area Relief Fund

In 2022 we began a partnership with the Woodstock Area Relief Fund (WARF). WARF offered fuel assistance grants to local residents in need during the winter of 2021-2022. With the recipients’ permission, we have connected with fuel assistance recipients to offer weatherization services. These services included assistance with applications to COVER home repair, state fuel assistance and free SEVCA weatherization. We also offer free home energy audits to those who do not qualify for free services. This outreach has resulted in multiple applications to state fuel and weatherization programs and numerous energy audits.

Window Dressers

Sustainable Woodstock is a proud community build location for the nonprofit Window Dressers, which brings community volunteers of all economic and social situations together to improve the warmth and comfort of interior spaces, lower heating costs and reduce carbon dioxide pollution by producing low-cost insulating window inserts that function as custom, interior-mounted storm windows. Our first community build in 2022 will provide free inserts for 24 low-income families, saving money and energy.

Research and Outreach

During the 2021-2022 academic year we Partnered with Dartmouth College’s Human Centered Design course to interview mobile homeowners about their knowledge and experience with weatherization, which culminated in a final report, “Improving Weatherization Access in Vermont.”

View more resources on weatherization and saving energy.

Local Weatherization Guide 2021

Sustainable Woodstock’s Local Weatherization Guide 2021 is a comprehensive resource for homeowners to help guide your efforts to save energy and reduce home heating bills while also mitigating climate change. This guide includes information and resources for conducting an energy audit, calculating your home’s energy efficiency and obtaining financial assistance for completing weatherization projects and upgrades to heating and ventilation systems. Efficiency Vermont’s Mobile Home Replacement Program offers financial incentives and low-interest financing for purchasing a net-zero energy modular home. Keep your home environment safe, comfortable and healthy.

Learn More

Please contact us for more information about programs and initiatives.

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Water Quality

jbird24 — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 19:30:38 +0000

Water Quality

WISPr Funds

Woodstock is proud to be the first Vermont town to receive funds from the The Water Infrastructure Sponsorship Program (WISPr). On behalf of the Town and Village of Woodstock, Sustainable Woodstock has been approved for $280,000 in WISPr funding to cover the cost of implementing natural resource projects throughout the Town and Village. Initial projects include preserving a parcel of riparian habitat adjacent to East End Park, stabilizing the bank along Barnard Brook near Billings Farm (in partnership with the Woodstock Resort Corporation and Billings Farm) and several projects to improve water quality in the Ottauquechee River and its tributaries. In 2019, Sustainable Woodstock initiated a long-term initiative to remove all of the remaining impediments to fish passage along Kedron Brook. Starting in early 2022, design work was initiated on this project in partnership with the Connecticut River Conservancy, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and the Woodstock Country Club. Other partners include the Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission and Woodstock Conservation Commission.

Barnard Brook Bank Restoration Project

Sustainable Woodstock’s Billings Community Garden is threatened by Barnard Brook; the bank is quickly eroding and encroaching on the garden, depositing sediment and nutrients into the brook. Sustainable Woodstock has been awarded a grant of $11,714 from the VT Agency of Natural Resources for the 30% Design of the Community Garden Bank Restoration Preliminary Design-Billings Site project. The 30% design was completed in July 2022, and we will submit an application for 100% design, so that we can then implement a bank restoration project.. We are very excited to begin this process to mitigate damage that dates back to Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.

Tropical Storm Irene Flood Relief

Following the devastating damage done by tropical storm Irene in August 2011, Sustainable Woodstock was proud to have stepped up to take on the task of administering the Woodstock Area Flood Relief Fund, coordinating both the solicitation of funds and the grant distribution process. Through the generosity of many hundreds of individuals and organizations both inside and outside the community, the fund raised $425,000 and provided significant flood recovery help to more than 125 families in Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Pomfret, Reading and Woodstock.

Learn More

Please contact us for more information about programs and initiatives.

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Education Initiatives

jbird24 — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 18:31:51 +0000

Education Initiatives

Education is integral to all of Sustainable Woodstock’s programs, films, events and initiatives. Sustainable Woodstock’s Energy and Transportation Action Group and Forest Carbon Action Group regularly offer public educational programs conducted by experts in their respective fields.

Green Drinks

For seven years our monthly Green Drinks programs have focused on sustainability activity in Woodstock, the Upper Valley Region and beyond. Green Drinks has grown into a venue for regional collaboration and networking for Upper Valley sustainability and resilience organizations.

Find out more about Green Drinks

Student Board Members

Sustainable Woodstock welcomes students from the Woodstock High School to serve on our board. The opportunity is educational both for the students, who have the opportunity to serve as a board member with full responsibility and voting power, as well as for our organization, which benefits from their input and perspectives.

Dartmouth Social Impact Practicums

Sustainable Woodstock has played a leadership role working with Dartmouth students on research and community projects designed to fight climate change by promoting renewable energy, regenerative agriculture and weatherization for low-income households. Recently completed practicums focused on agriculture and energy as carbon offsets, and designing an effective way for Vermont residents to learn about, and use, the cost-saving incentives and rebates dedicated to the weatherization of low-income residents’ homes, saving residents money and lowering carbon emissions.

Resources

Vermont Standard Weekly Column

Educating, inspiring and empowering readers to live sustainably, now and into the future.

Education for Sustainability

tools and resources for effectively educating children via virtual and in-person learning.

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Please contact us for more information about programs and initiatives.

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East End Park

jbird24 — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 20:56:40 +0000

History of East End Park

Current Stewardship and Management of East End Park

When the park was completed in early 2021, Sustainable Woodstock transferred long-term stewardship of the East End Park Project to the Woodstock Community Trust as part of that organization’s mission to improve the quality of life in Woodstock.

For more information visit www.woodstockcommunitytrust.com.

EVENT APPLICATION: Download the application form from the Village of Woodstock to hold an event at East End Park. Completed applications must be emailed to: nnourse@townofwoodstock.org.

History of the East End Project and Creation of East End Park

Beginning with the gestation of the East End Project (2009) and continuing through the construction of the East End Park (2018-2020), Sustainable Woodstock’s East End Action Group (EEAG), staff and partners transformed Woodstock’s primary public access to the Ottauquechee River into a valuable recreational facility for local residents and visitors alike.

Park visitors looking north are now treated to expansive views of Billings Farm and Museum, Marsh-Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park and the distant hills—bucolic landscapes that evoke the conservation stewardship and agricultural legacies of George Perkins Marsh and Frederick Billings. The adjoining 3-mile Ottauquechee River Trail enhances the outdoor experience, enabling park visitors to become immersed in the natural beauty of this riparian environment.

East End Park cleanup in 2013.

East End Park snow dump in 2012.

Photo courtesy of VT Agency of Natural Resource.

The East End Park Project partnered with the Town, Village and State to move the old snow dump to an environmentally secure location, clean up the site, plant native flowers and edible plants and design and rehabilitate a badly deteriorated parcel of prime riverside land, thus improving water quality in the Ottauquechee River. The project restored a floodplain and riparian buffer seriously damaged by Tropical Storm Irene—using native vegetation to increase soil stability, prevent erosion, filter runoff and reduce the volume and velocity of the river during flooding events in order to protect downstream properties.

Other partners who made the park possible by their collaboration and support include many incredibly generous donors, community partners, the Town and Village of Woodstock, Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources and Dept. of Buildings and General Services, Connecticut River Conservancy, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, Boy Scout Troop 220 of Woodstock and numerous other organizations and individuals. EPA funding from Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission was used for initial brownfields assessment at the East End site, and Rita Seto, TRORC Senior Planner, helped the Town obtain and manage the funding for moving the snow dump.

Rain garden planting in 2017.

Amphitheater, pergola, and Joby Thompson labyrinth in 2020.

Slide, rock scramble, and stone sculpture in 2020.

By force of sheer dedication, tireless efforts, creativity, resourcefulness and fortitude, EEAG volunteers took a disused and overgrown brownfield site and reimagined it into a shining new recreation area for all to enjoy. The East End Park could not have been created without the perseverance of a core group of passionate and dedicated volunteer leaders led by Barbara Barry, Mary MacVey, Jack Rossi and Joby Thompson. These individuals inspired others to surmount every obstacle that was encountered.

Components of the park include a permaculture garden and apple trees, slide, rock scramble, the Joby Thompson Labyrinth and a magnificent amphitheater and pergola. The total investment has been $683,785 (plus innumerable hours donated by volunteers, partners and Sustainable Woodstock staff). This figure includes generous funding from private donors and the Town of Woodstock, as well as grants from the State of Vermont, the federal government, foundations and other sources.

The East End Action Group’s vision—coupled with the inspiring generosity of private donors and foundations during a successful capital campaign—are why the park exists today. We cannot say enough how grateful and moved we are by the way in which supporters shared their ideas, passion and resources to transform a vision into a vibrant space for nature and humankind to comingle.

Learn More

Please contact us for more information about programs and initiatives.

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Economic Development

jbird24 — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:11:13 +0000

Economic Development

Economic Development Commission

In 2009 the Sustainable Woodstock Economic Development Action Group drafted a town economic development plan which proposed the formation of a Town/Village Economic Development Commission (EDC). The EDC was appointed in December 2009 and continues to work for the betterment of the Town and Village of Woodstock.

Local First Alliance

Local First Alliance, a program of Vital Communities, is a coalition of independent businesses, nonprofits, farms, community leaders and citizens committed to thinking local first. Members are encouraged to buy local, give local, and minimize what can’t easily be localized, in order to build stronger, more self-reliant community economies. As a founding member, Sustainable Woodstock commissioned and produced the distinctive “buy local” posters seen around the Upper Valley.

Learn more about the Local First Alliance.

The Naked Table

Initially created by Sustainable Woodstock volunteers working with Shackleton-Thomas furniture makers, the Naked Table project allows anyone to make their own tables out of locally harvested, sustainably grown Vermont sugar maple. For many years, this event was an annual fundraiser for Sustainable Woodstock run by Shackleton-Thomas during which participants build and finish their own Naked Table over the course of the weekend. To educate the table makers to the complete chain of production, the participants were taken to the woodlot where their wood was harvested and the sawmill where it was sawn. The weekend concluded with a banquet of local food, often held on the covered bridge in the heart of Woodstock Village.

Learn more about The Naked Table project.

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Forest Carbon Management

jbird24 — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 16:17:47 +0000

Forest Carbon Management

Mission of the Forest Carbon Action Group

The mission of the Forest Carbon Action Group (FCAG) is to build our base of knowledge and resources in order to educate, encourage and assist landowners to manage their forests for carbon storage and sequestration as a means for mitigating climate change.

Forest Carbon Action Group Meetings

The Forest Carbon Action Group usually meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm. At the current time, these meetings are being conducted virtually via Zoom.

For information about our next meeting, please contact: programs@sustainablewoodstock.org

Hot Off the Press!

The stunning 24×36 poster, How Can Family Forests Help Mitigate Climate Change? is now available in print and digital formats. This 2-year-long project – a partnership between Sustainable Woodstock and Northam Forest Carbon – is the result of extensive planning and comprehensive review by a broad field of experts, ranging from scholars and field researchers to practicing foresters.

From photosynthesis to forest management practices, the poster employs clear text and colorful graphics to explain the role of the carbon cycle in carbon storage and sequestration, as well as compelling facts about carbon and Vermont forests. The poster also provides resources that landowners can use, and actions that can be taken, to manage forests in order to mitigate climate change.

NEW! Digital guide: How Can Family Forests Help Mitigate Climate Change?

Past Workshops

MANAGING FORESTS

Long term ecological research on managing forests for carbon storage and sequestration.

CARBON WORK-STUDY SERIES

Managing carbon on our own properties through healthy forestry practices.

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Please contact us for more information about programs and initiatives.

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Community Gardens

jbird24 — Mon, 30 May 2022 20:45:27 +0000

Community Gardens

History of Community Gardens

Started in 2009 under the guidance of master gardener Anne Dean, we run two community gardens at Billings Farm and King Farm in partnership with Billings Farm and the Vermont Land Trust. These gardens service over 30 families and organizations, and have dedicated growing space to produce vegetables for the Woodstock Community Food Shelf. Our gardens are organic and observe “no-till” or “minimal disturbance” gardening principles.

Gardeners pay a small sliding-scale fee to cover garden preparation and maintenance costs. For more information or to check plot availability, contact us at gardener@sustainablewoodstock.org.

Grow Your Own Garden Program

Since 2020 Sustainable Woodstock has been distributing beginner Grow Your Own Garden Kits free of charge to individuals and families who want to produce their own food and increase long-term food security. Each free kit includes a complete set of quality gardening tools, seeds, seedlings and a beginner’s book on organic gardening. This program is open to families who would not otherwise be able to afford to garden.

The Grow Your Own Garden project has enabled and empowered some 600 people of all ages to establish new gardens and grow their own nutritious vegetables and herbs— now and into the future—including children and adults throughout the towns of Barnard, Bridgewater, Bridgewater Corners, Killington, North Pomfret, Plymouth, Pomfret, Perkinsville, Reading, Rochester, Rutland, South Royalton, Stockbridge, Taftsville, West Bridgewater, White River Junction and Woodstock.

Community Food Security Support

Sustainable Woodstock works to address the critical need for sustenance as the root of sustainability for individuals, families and communities.

In 2010, Sustainable Woodstock helped build and maintain raised beds alongside individual mobile homes at the Riverside Mobile Home Park. After the park was badly damaged by tropical storm Irene, we returned to rebuild those gardens in time for the 2012 summer growing season. More recently, we returned in the spring of 2022 to build 8 new raised beds for Riverside Residents.

Sustainable Woodstock has also helped establish gardens behind Mellishwood affordable housing and at the Woodstock Elementary School.

Community Garden Resources

GARDEN PLOT AVAILABILITY

CARBON OFFSET

How to improve carbon offset and sustainability on your farm.

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Please contact us for more information about programs and initiatives.

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