Birdfeeding season begins with ‘irruption’ forecast; annual bird count is Dec. 26
The Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife reminds Vermonters that it’s probably safe to put out those backyard birdfeeders, as bears are likely taking their winter break.
Obituary: Judith Ann Burkhart
Judith Ann Burkhart, age 80, passed away peacefully at her home in Olalla, Washington, on October 8, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
For many creatures, home has a magnetic pull
But, unlike humans, animals that travel long distances must rely on their own senses. And some of them have a long-range navigational sense called magnetoreception that is like a built-in compass or imprecise GPS.
Valley Players to trim 2026 productions to make theater improvements
The Valley Players, the Mad River Valley’s all-volunteer community theater company, will pause most of its productions for 2026 in order to focus on building repairs and safety upgrades at its namesake theater in Waitsfield.
’Tis the season: Holiday happenings
We’ve compiled a list of holiday happenings in Waterbury and around the nearby region. Bookmark and check back as it will be updated as we receive more.
1890 story inspires Duxbury Historical Society holiday program
On Saturday, Dec. 6, the Duxbury Historical Society will present a special holiday program with roots dating back to the late 19th century.
TURNmusic jazz performances play out 2025
As 2025 winds down, TURNmusic in Waterbury’s calendar still has several live performances in store at The Phoenix Gallery & Music Hall, starting with Saturday, Nov. 29.
December highlights, schedule updates for library programs
Here are some highlights of December’s free programming at the Waterbury Public Library and upcoming holiday schedule changes.
Native turkeys got help to prosper in Vermont
Wild turkeys exist throughout Vermont today, but that was not always the case.
Obituary: Barbara Mae Peterson
Fairlee, Vermont – Barbara Mae Peterson, 93, passed away at Mayo Healthcare in Northfield on Friday, November 14, 2025.
Youth artists/writers sought for annual state K-12 student Fish Art Contest
Entries are open in the 2026 Vermont Student Fish Art Contest run by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department along with the nonprofit Wildlife Forever organization.
Factors behind burgeoning black bear populations
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department set a statewide population goal of 3,500 to 5,500 black bears, based on available habitat for food, cover, and winter denning, as well as the size of black bear territories. But in 2024, the population numbered between 6,800 and 8,000.
Growing Good Citizens, one summer at a time
So much of our public debate these days centers on polarization from families to Congress, a deep divide over upcoming election processes, and worry over the information ecosystem as social media and internet voices eclipse traditional sources of facts.
Obituary: Linda Carol Piering Devlin
Linda Carol Piering Devlin, 89, of Waterbury, Vermont, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025.
Obituary: Wilbur B. “Mac” McAllister Jr.
Wilbur B. (Mac) McAllister, Jr., 93, passed away on October 31, 2025, at Central Vermont Medical Center after a brief illness.
Photo exhibitions, ‘From the Alps to Vermont,’ ‘From Snurfing to Snowboarding,’ open in Stowe
The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum celebrates one of the most prolific photographers in the history of mountain sports with the exhibition, “Hubert Schriebl: From the Alps to Vermont,” opening on Dec. 5.
Moving on: Porcupettes no more
Young porcupines are dispersing from their mothers this time of year, and with that, leaving behind the cutest name for a baby animal – porcupette – as they strike out on their own.
State recreation awards honor multiple Waterbury recipients
The Vermont Recreation & Parks Association recently announced its annual awards and winners included multiple recipients from Waterbury.
Arborists gather at Little River State Park for service, training
Little River State Park was the site recently for an inaugural gathering of 21 tree care professionals from around Vermont for an arborist’s day of service.
Waterbury Thanksgiving traditions continue with turkey drive, senior dinner
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, volunteers in the community are gearing up to run two annual events that help ensure that many get to celebrate the holiday.