Bird songs compete with the sounds of modern society
Given the almost unimaginable loss of roughly 3 billion birds in North America over the last 50 years – a decline that continues to accelerate across nearly half of the species scientists have studied – quantifying the impacts of noise pollution may help preserve our avian populations.
Naturalist-led hikes return to Stark Mountain through October
Stark Mountain Foundation announced that Vermont Master Naturalist Gene O. Desideraggio is returning this year for a series of free, family-friendly guided hikes starting May 16 and running into October.
Ripples from the Reservoir: The 2026 season begins
May is here, and the Friends of Waterbury Reservoir hope you enjoy this first Ripples column of 2026, where we share what is happening on and around the reservoir, provide tips and updates on conditions, and share our love of the natural environment of the reservoir.
Obituary: Ronald Wayne Cantwell
Ronald Wayne Cantwell, 56, of The Villages, Florida, and a former longtime resident of Waterbury, Vermont, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Wild Oats: Spring’s bashful bellwort
Standing out is hard among such a flashy crowd, especially for one particularly understated spring ephemeral: sessile-leaved bellwort (Uvularia sessilifolia), known more commonly as wild oats.
Community workshop on neurodiversity set for Montpelier on May 13
An upcoming workshop organized by two Montpelier nonprofits and offered both in person and online looks to raise awareness around neurodiversity.
May programs at the Waterbury Public Library
Some new things to try in May at the library include composting using tips and a new compost bin from John Malter’s May 9 workshop. Try or brush up on learning Spanish in a special workshop on May 13.
Comedy Play Festival: Nine plays, six shows, in May at the Grange Hall
Local actors and directors with Waterbury’s New Stage Players present their 2026 Comedy Play Festival with nine short plays, May 8-17, at the Grange Hall Cultural Center.
The Children’s Room preps for annual Tag Sale fundraiser
A rite of spring in Waterbury for families with young children is the popular and typically well-stocked Children’s Room Tag Sale, and this year’s sale is planned for Friday-Saturday, May 15-16.
The meadow jumping mouse is spring’s late riser
Some species are, like teenagers on a Saturday morning, harder to roust, stirring from their sleep only when the calendar approaches mid-spring. For a mammal, the meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius) is an especially late riser. In the Northeast, they remain in hibernation until late April or May.
Fish & Wildlife briefs: Spring turkey hunt, deer hearings, and more
The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued a number of announcements so far this month. Here’s a rundown of news about hunting seasons, regulatory proceedings coming up, as well as wildlife tips for the general public and some youth fish-art contest winners.
Hannah’s House Hosts free wellness series in May
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Hannah’s House is offering a free series of wellness sessions led by multiple local practitioners on various topics each Tuesday.
Spring ephermerals and the vernal dam hypothesis
Every year I know that spring has arrived when it’s time for my family to forage for ramps on a two-acre patch on the hill above my house. We have just a few weeks to enjoy their spiciness before they disappear from the landscape, along with other spring ephemerals.
Winterfest opens grant applications, sets 2027 dates
As winter makes what many hope is a last-ditch appearance, organizers of Waterbury Winterfest have opened applications for this year’s recreation grants, and they’ve locked in dates for the 2027 celebration.
Obituary: Steven R. Konkol
Steven R. Konkol passed away unexpectedly in his home in Waterbury Center, Vermont, on March 20, 2026.
Bridgeside Books announces One Town, One Book pick ahead of Independent Bookstore Day
Bridgeside Books has chosen the title for the fifth One Town, One Book reading project this year, just ahead of Independent Bookstore Day, when the book’s author plans to visit the Waterbury book shop.
17th Green Mt. Mile set for June 27, ahead of Waterbury’s NQID parade
The 17th annual Green Mountain Mile footrace will take place just before Waterbury’s Not Quite Independence Day Parade on Saturday, June 27, at 3:45 p.m. sharp.
Obituary: Annie H. Coffey
Annie H. Coffey, 86 of Waterbury, passed away peacefully with family holding her hands, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing in Berlin, after a 10+ year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Waterbury, Duxbury details for Green Up Day, May 2
Organizers around the state are preparing for the spring Vermont tradition of Green Up Day, held each year on the first Saturday in May.
Pianist vowing to ‘Play Every Town’ to present Waterbury concert April 26
A multi-year project by Vermont concert pianist David Feurzeig comes to Waterbury on Sunday, April 26, for what will be the 98th concert in his Play Every Town series to perform in every community in the state.