Let’s Build
We believe everyone should have access to nature and birding. For the museum, that means building a new bridge and boardwalk to reach across Sherman Hollow Brook. And we need you to make it happen!
Read More … or Donate Now
A Bridge …but Better
We’re going to raise an accessible, inclusive, expansive and climate-resilient bridge…and more! We’re planning:- the Bridge
- a Boardwalk
- an Accessible Trail
- 60 acres re-opened to the public for snow shoeing, hiking, trail running, education, bird watching, exploring….
Because
During the summer of 2024, the bridge that crosses Sherman Hollow Brook, was nearly washed out. Damage limited access to the Gale’s Retreat and cut off the 60 acres of public trails — a loss for hikers, trail runners, and bird watchers, kids, and more. We need a new bridge—one that will last.
Download our brochure … or Keep reading … or Donate now
At the museum, we are constantly trying to improve the experience of all visitors, and part of this is making the museum and its amenities more accessible to those of all abilities. That is why our new bridge will not only be flood-resistant but also ADA-certified. Everyone should have access to nature and birding.
Read on … or Donate now
Contribute
Your support is vital. There are five ways (we’ll add more) that you can help us reach our goals: direct donations, attend a bridge-focused event, partner with us, individually, and sharing. Your help is always welcome.
Donate
This is the easiest way to support our bridge! We happily accept donations online, in the mail, and in person. Cash, checks, credit cards, venmo, paypal, and other e-transfers are all easier every day. If you prefer, call the museum (802) 434-2167 to make your donation. Or stop in for a card, check, or cash donation. We happily accept checks sent to
Birds of Vermont Museum900 Sherman Hollow Road
Huntington, Vermont 05462
For gifts over $250, we would like to express our gratitude:
$250 • Wooden Comfort Birds carved by Dave Tuttle • 17 remaining
$500 • Birds of Vermont Museum Puzzle • 45 remaining
$750 • Bluebird House by Dave Cozzens • 9 remaining
$1,000 • Matted and signed Bird Print by John Peckham • 7 remaining
$2,500 • Camel’s Hump wooden inlay art by Dave Cozzens • 9 remaining
$5,000 • Recognition on Plaque placed on bridge • 17 remaining
$10,000 • Recognition on Adirondack Chair on museum grounds • 10 remaining
$100,000 • Choose Name of Bridge, Boardwalk • 2 remaining
Thank you.
Donate | Partner | Volunteer | Share
Partner
Schools and businesses, community groups, and other nonprofits all can work with us to bring this structure to reality and fulfill their own missions, too. The Center for Technology Essex worked with us to provide a hands-on, practical learning experience for their students and helped create the Treehouse.
Do you need a space to meet or to give a talk? Have Scouts who need a project? Science teaching? Future gardeners? Williston Elementary worked with us to learn about birds and to create an exhibit. Imagine your needs and ours being met, together. Call, email, or set up a meeting.
Donate | Partner | Volunteer | Share
Volunteer and Intern
Whether you have a few hours or a day every week, we welcome you as a volunteer, indoors and out. We train (if you need it).
Need practical work experience or academic requirements? Consider an internship. From day-to-day tasks to significant projects, our volunteers and interns have done it all. You can too.
Donate | Partner | Volunteer | Share
Share
Love birds? Woodcarving? Art? Visit us, bring a friend, tell a neighbor. Speak of our need or your love for the Museum. Write about us for your blog or newspaper. Call a relative or email a colleague. Join a class or a scheduled bird walk, spend a morning or a weekend. Download our brochure about the project and post it online or by mail. Share the word… and the place.
Donate | Partner | Volunteer | Share
The Work So Far
Right after the flood, we began working with Timber and Stone LLC and DeWolfe engineers to design the structures. The new route includes a board walk, places to pause and bird, and views above the stream. The new bridge will be above the 100-year flood mark and allow us to reopen the trails for everyone. By rerouting access, we make the access more gradual, more accessible, and minimize erosion into the brook.
More
Nearing forty-four years as a small non-profit institution tucked within a 100-acre mixed-habitat sanctuary, the museum building and landscape have aged and met weather challenges with remarkable resilience. However, bridges over troubled, storm-powered flood events have borne the brunt of damaging forces. The museum’s Sherman Hollow Brook bridge will allow passage to a sixty-acre tract of trails through coniferous and deciduous forest land as well as fruiting shrubs and ground level ephemerals, ferns, vines, and fungi.
A new bridge will be good, but we have even better plans. At the museum, we are constantly trying to improve the experience of all visitors, and part of this is making the museum and its amenities more accessible to those of all abilities. That is why our new bridge will not only be flood-resistant but also ADA-certified. Everyone should have access to nature and birding.
The original bridge, which Bob Spear and Doug Henshaw built across the span in the late 1980s to accommodate foot travel, will be repurposed on the property.
Flood
Flooding, thanks to Hurricane Beryl
Design
Help Us Get to the Other Side!
First Appeal
Endure, Change and Bridge: 2024 annual appeal