January  25, 2005

Contact: Pete Corradino, (802) 362-4374, pcorradino@vinsweb.org


A NEW ERA FOR THE EQUINOX PRESERVE

The iconic stature of Mount Equinox has existed as long as humans have walked, farmed, fished and lived in its shadow. The steep-sloped monarch of the Taconics looms 3852 feet in elevation and stands as the highest peak in the Vermont range. It is home to many rare and unique plants that grow in one of the most extensive and well-persevered Rich Northern Hardwood forests in the northeast.

Recognizing the environmental and cultural importance of this land, the Equinox Hotel established the non-profit Equinox Preservation Trust (EPT) in 1993 to protect 855-acres of the mountainside to keep it forever free of development and bring the public in contact with our natural environment.

Protected by easements through the Nature Conservancy and the Vermont Land Trust and under the stewardship of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), the EPT continues to flourish while offering guests, environmentally sensitive, recreational opportunities such as cross country skiing, mountain biking, hiking and snowshoeing among others. VINS offers weekly environmental education programs on and around the Preserve, from Owl Prowls, to hikes to the “landslide” to Junior Naturalist Expeditions. In addition to these activities, the EPT continues to sponsor, support and encourage research on the mountainside such as the New England Wildflower Society’s rare species inventory, as well as Butternut Canker studies, White-tail Deer impact studies and others.

One of the most notable improvements on the Preserve is a new trail signage system and trail map. The color-coded system helps guests easily navigate the 15+ miles of historic trails that range from the lower elevations around Equinox Pond to Lookout Rock near the peak. The Preserve can be accessed from Equinox Pond Road and West Union Street. Parking at the Hotel is strongly suggested. An Equinox Preserve Kiosk (located at the back of the Equinox Hotel parking lot) provides a map and information about the Preserve and acts as a gateway from the Hotel to the Preserve. Free maps can be picked up at the VINS office (located in the Johnny Appleseed building next to the Equinox Hotel) and at the Hotel front desk.

With the guidance of the Equinox Preservation Trust, the Equinox Preserve will remain forever free of development. We will continue to provide educational and recreational opportunities, conduct valuable research studies and act as stewards of this unique and fragile land so that visitors can enjoy the natural beauty for generations to come.

Peter A. Corradino
EPT Steward/Acting Director of VINS in Manchester