Earth Day marks its 40th anniversary on April 22. There will be many celebrations and activities happening throughout the country. Thanks to the efforts of our local Natural Resources committee, one of the events taking place in Shelburne is a nature walk on the Shelburne Bay Path trail led by resident and author Marilyn Webb Neagley. With her keen eye and naturalist's heart, Neagley will lead a guided walk to include many observations of seasonal rhythms and cycles taking place along the trail. Her background as an educator and her passion for the natural world inspired her award-winning book, published by Wind Ridge Publishing, "Walking through the Seasons." Autographed copies will be available from the author for purchase after the walk. What better way to celebrate our Earth than by taking the time to explore the natural beauty of local habitats with someone familiar with the landscape?

The walk will explore the bay's red rock shoreline, thrust there by glacial activity, and rich in plant life. Depending on the weather and sun exposure, walkers should be able to see native wildflowers emerging such as spring beauties, hepatica, wild leeks, trillium, and trout lilies. On the edge of fields, look for wild edibles such as young milkweed and yellow rocket. On the woodland trails, bright green mosses, ferns, vernal pools, and abundant bird life make a colorful tapestry.

All ages are welcome (sorry, four-legged friends are not invited on this walk). Please meet at the parking lot closest to the lake at 10 a.m. April 24. Weather can often be unpredictable so it is advisable that you wear boots or hiking shoes as the trail can often be wet this time of year. You are welcome to bring a thermos of hot drink.

The Natural Resources and Conservation Committee is one of many committees that serve the town of Shelburne. Chairperson Gail Albert leads this group and advises the Selectboard and other boards and commissions on matters relating to the Town's natural resources and conservation. The committee collaborates with Vermont Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, and others, about conserving and maintaining land and recommending best management practices.

Recently the committee was involved with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps in a project located on the edges of the La Platte Nature Park that targeted removal of two invasive species, buckthorn, and bush honeysuckle.

Two of the public access trails in Shelburne include the LaPlatte Nature Park, a woodland trail that runs through mature hemlock forest and leads to a view of Shelburne Falls. Parking access is off Falls Road, next to the community gardens (please do not park at Post Office). The Nature Conservancy Trail begins across from the Shelburne Bay Park and follows the contours of the LaPlatte, with parking at the Bay Access.

It's hard to think of a better way to honor the Earth than getting out and appreciating our own local environment and exploring habitats. Come celebrate as Earth Day turns 40 and walk through the season with Marilyn Webb Neagley on April 24!

The Shelburne Natural Resources and Conservation Committee meets on the second Wednesday of the month. Currently there are two openings on the committee. A new display about the Town's natural resource conservation properties is on display outside the Town offices.  For more information about the Shelburne Natural Resources Conservation Committee contact, Gail Albert at gailalb@gmail.com.