CHC Spotlight
CHC Recognizes Joan & Bill Hildreth of Montgomery for their dedication and collaboration…
"Joan and Bill Hildreth have been friends of Cold Hollow to Canada for about as long as we have been around. I think what drew the Hildreth’s to CHC and our mission was their love of the wild and the critters who need these large forest blocks and connecting landscapes to thrive. They are a couple of the most dedicated wildlife trackers in our citizen science program, and steadfast members of the Montgomery Woodlots group. Recently, they gave the ultimate conservation gift of placing an easement on their land to permanently maintain the connection between large forest blocks. They have contributed all these years by offering us support through action and friendship."
-- CHC Co-Founder and Director Nancy Patch
How and when did you become involved with CHC?
"Our involvement with CHC was inspired by our love for this area and for Nature. We recognized how special this place is upon seeing it and stepping onto the landscape for the first time about twenty-five years ago. We felt drawn to be a part of it, and began taking steps to make that happen.
Upon moving to Montgomery, we realized how important it was to do our part to care for this amazing place, including being good stewards of our own property. We were enrolled in the Current Use Program and, through that, we received the helpful and eye-opening guidance of our Consulting Forester (first Nancy Patch, then Charlie Hancock) and the County Forester (first Jim Tessmann, then Nancy Patch, and more recently, Charlie Hancock). We also knew that we needed to keep learning more.
In 2008, we heard about a planned gathering which sounded intriguing, and decided to attend. Its purpose was to elicit input from community members regarding the shared landscape; what’s important to us, and what we value most. Attendees lived in the towns which make up what is now the CHC region. At that meeting, we found ourselves with others who also cared about this place, and who wanted what was best for it. It was a great experience, and we knew that we’d like to be involved with whatever came out of it.
What would soon become CHC emerged from that gathering, and continued to grow into the organization that it is today. We’re grateful that we’ve had the opportunity to remain connected with CHC over the years through involvement in the following programs/efforts:
Wildlife Monitoring: In 2010, we enrolled in the CHC Keeping Track (KT) citizen scientist training program. The training was provided through a partnership between CHC and Sue Morse, the founder of KT. We learned a great deal and, after completing the training, began monitoring a transect in Montgomery four times a year with a wonderful team of fellow KTers. During each outing, we looked for sign of focal wildlife species and recorded our observations. It was an incredible experience which prompted a strong and lasting interest in wildlife tracking. At this time, new protocols for the monitoring of CHC transects are being developed, and we have the good fortune of being involved in the Wildlife Tracking Immersion Program this winter with certified tracker Sophie Mazowita, CHC’s Community Science Coordinator.
Woodlots Program: As members of the Montgomery Woodlots Group since its inception in 2017, we learn exemplary forest stewardship practices from knowledgeable CHC staff as well as other experts. The quarterly Woodlots gatherings focus on a wide variety of interesting and relevant topics, while providing an opportunity to enjoy the company of neighbors/fellow Woodlots members and to feast on delicious potluck meals together. This program has also allowed us to develop a broader view of the landscape and to have a greater awareness of important interconnections.
Forestland Conservation: Soon after stepping foot onto our property almost twenty years ago, we knew that we wanted it to be protected forever, to ensure that it would always be a healthy forest, with excellent wildlife habitat. The words on the CHC T-shirt resonated with both of us: “You only: SEE what you know; LOVE what you see, PROTECT what you love.” In 2024, our property, which we do indeed love, was conserved thanks to CHC’s assistance via their Conservation Fund, their expert input, and frankly, some good old-fashioned hand-holding on the part of various CHC staff members throughout a daunting, but very worthwhile process.
What is your vision for the future of Vermont conservation?
In terms of our vision for the future of Vermont conservation, frankly, neither of us has the background nor expertise to knowledgeably speak to that. However, what we will say is that CHC’s vision resonates with us; it just makes sense based on what we’ve learned and on our values: “a healthy and intact forest landscape that can support a strong and sustainable economy through stewardship, permanent protection of wildlife habitat, and the connectivity across the entire Northern Forest.”
In addition to CHC, have you worked with other land conservation projects/organizations in the area? If so, can you describe the projects in your own words?
In addition to involvement with CHC, Joan has been a member of Montgomery’s Conservation Commission (MCC) for approximately ten years, and Bill is a supporter of the MCC, too. The mission of the MCC, “To promote land as a community to which we belong," clearly fits with the values of CHC. With regard to land conservation specifically, in 2018, Montgomery community members generously voted in favor of starting a Conservation Reserve Fund (CRF) to support land conservation projects in Town. In order to obtain assistance from the CRF, a detailed application process is involved. The MCC has the role of reviewing applications and advising the Selectboard of its recommendations. To date, approximately 1,000 acres of land in Montgomery are in the process of being conserved thanks to support from the CRF. It should be noted that CHC has played a key role in supporting those projects as well, both by providing funding and by offering technical assistance from CHC’s Conservation Director, Dave Erickson.
Further, the MCC partners on events/projects with other local conservation organizations including: CHC; Bakersfield, Enosburg, and Richford Conservation Commissions; Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District (FCNRCD), and; Missisquoi River Basin Association (MRBA)/Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers Wild and Scenic Committee (UMATR).
Separate from our role(s) with the MCC, as interested community members, we’re very appreciative of the work which MRBA/UMATR does. A few years ago, we volunteered on an MRBA water sampling project, and in February of this year, UMATR’s annual Snowshoe with Franklin County Forester (Charlie Hancock) event will be held at our place. We look forward to continued involvement with MRBA/UMATR in the future as well.
In addition, we’ve been members of Vermont Coverts: Woodlands for Wildlife since participating in their Cooperator Training in 2011. Their mission, “To enlist Vermont landowners in a long-term commitment to maintain and enhance diverse wildlife habitat and healthy ecosystems” is another that fits well with that of CHC and with our values. In October of 2024, we hosted a “meet and greet” on behalf of VT Coverts to provide its members and other community members with an opportunity to meet Charlie Hancock as the new Franklin County/Grand Isle Forester. A number of VT Covert members are also active members of CHC.
In 2024, our property, which we do indeed love, was conserved with New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF) thanks to CHC’s assistance via their Conservation Fund, their expert input, and frankly, some good old-fashioned hand-holding on the part of various CHC staff members throughout a daunting, but very worthwhile process.
For each of you: what is your favorite native species and why?
Bill – Pileated Woodpecker
“When I’m working out in the woods and see a Pileated Woodpecker, it feels like I’ve had a visit from something/someone very special, far beyond myself. It inspires me to take a moment, to be more aware of where I am, to be present.”
Joan – Black Bear
“Although they’re large and powerful, they also exude a sense of peace and tranquility. I’ve been in awe, and felt completely present, every time I’ve had the good fortune of seeing one; it makes me know that I’m a part of Nature, and I feel grateful that I am.”
