Happy May 1st! Looks to be a dry day today after another rain event on Tuesday that saw just over a half inch of rain. April ended up being a wet month with 3.5″ of total precipitation. The rain was welcomed with the relatively dry conditions the past 6 months and to keep the soil damp and moist for our tree planting project this spring. The moss on the trails has really come to life as well adding a vibrance to the forest floor.
We have been clearing deadfall and blow downs off the trails after windy conditions in mid April and clearing out the mountain bike singletrack. Mountain bike trails now open. (click here for updates)
More signs of spring as a few wildflowers have been popping up from the forest floor. Ice went off Little Sugarbush lake Saturday April 6th. True to form, the loons returned the same day and combined with other waterfowl the lake is busy with activity and one of the more special times of the year on the lake.
We are now able to be on the trails clearing deadfall and have begun working on the mountain bike trails before we transition to heavier ski trail work and tree planting. We will have a big season of tree planting this year! Summer ski trail work will include fixing rutted areas, working on drainage and removing rocks and filling in low spots.
Although this year was one of the lowest snow years to date on record, it was an opportunity to learn more about grooming, preparing the trails for winter and being prepared for future low snow years. For as long as we have been grooming, every year is different and what makes it interesting and enjoyable!
Thank you to everyone that has visited us this past year from the overnight guests to the day users. We appreciate it very much!
On a side note, the end of February and early March with low snow and frozen ground it has been favorable for cutting deadfall and windblown trees from storms and wind. Most of the woods we use for the wood fire stoves and campfires at Maplelag but bigger logs that have are not rotten we use for shelving, tables and other projects!
