Property
Wetland Restoration and Green Space Projects
Background
In 1993, Phyllis Russell donated approximately one acre of land just beyond the solar panels behind the Parish House to the church. The field was used as a soccer field by the Iroquois Soccer club until 2019.
In 2019, Andrea Morgante contacted the church about potential uses for the property. At about the same time Mary Eddy Stewart proposed the idea of a green space (defined as “an area of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an otherwise urban environment”) behind the Parish House. As the concept of a green space took hold and discussions regarding the need to mitigate some of the storm water issues the town was having, and which directly affect the church (the playground area floods in the spring) continued, a planning group was formed.
Wetland Restoration
Kate Kelly of Lewis Creek Association (LCA) joined the effort in 2020. The LCA was instrumental in applying for, and receiving, two grants to fund design work for a wetland restoration that will help to mitigate the storm water issues and to obtain the permits necessary to do the work.
With the design work completed, the LCA applied for a construction grant which was approved, and a contract for the work was signed. Work is scheduled to begin in early April, 2023 (weather-dependent) and is expected to be completed by November. The playground will be moved this spring in coordination with the wetlands work.
Green Space
The landscaping plan for the wetlands project incorporates a preliminary green space design (to view the plan, click here).
The green space work will be done in phases, as the final plan evolves. Donations made in memory of Paul Eddy will fund an initial phase, which includes the purchase of a “statement tree” and several benches. The church will be raising funds for subsequent phases.
"Baptist Lot" Conservation Easement
In 1876 a plot of land located to the west of Silver Street and just south of the Hinesburg Community School and the LaPlatte River was deeded to the church. The land is primarily wetlands and cannot support any type of septic system, as the water table is too high, and due to its location connecting to the town sewer system is not an option.
In 2021 the Trustees, on behalf of the church, submitted an application for a conservation easement to the US Department of Agriculture, which was approved. The USDA easement purchase covers 16 acres of the 17.3 acre lot; the closing will happen after August, 2023. The church will continue to own, and pay taxes on, the property.
The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) has been using the property for many years. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the acreage covered by the easement but a path has been carved out on a section outside of the easement that they can use. In return, VAST will mow the section of the property that is not covered by the easement.
Questions?
Contact Andy Seaton or the church office with any questions regarding the church property.
Wetland Restoration and Green Space Projects
Background
In 1993, Phyllis Russell donated approximately one acre of land just beyond the solar panels behind the Parish House to the church. The field was used as a soccer field by the Iroquois Soccer club until 2019.
In 2019, Andrea Morgante contacted the church about potential uses for the property. At about the same time Mary Eddy Stewart proposed the idea of a green space (defined as “an area of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an otherwise urban environment”) behind the Parish House. As the concept of a green space took hold and discussions regarding the need to mitigate some of the storm water issues the town was having, and which directly affect the church (the playground area floods in the spring) continued, a planning group was formed.
Wetland Restoration
Kate Kelly of Lewis Creek Association (LCA) joined the effort in 2020. The LCA was instrumental in applying for, and receiving, two grants to fund design work for a wetland restoration that will help to mitigate the storm water issues and to obtain the permits necessary to do the work.
With the design work completed, the LCA applied for a construction grant which was approved, and a contract for the work was signed. Work is scheduled to begin in early April, 2023 (weather-dependent) and is expected to be completed by November. The playground will be moved this spring in coordination with the wetlands work.
Green Space
The landscaping plan for the wetlands project incorporates a preliminary green space design (to view the plan, click here).
The green space work will be done in phases, as the final plan evolves. Donations made in memory of Paul Eddy will fund an initial phase, which includes the purchase of a “statement tree” and several benches. The church will be raising funds for subsequent phases.
"Baptist Lot" Conservation Easement
In 1876 a plot of land located to the west of Silver Street and just south of the Hinesburg Community School and the LaPlatte River was deeded to the church. The land is primarily wetlands and cannot support any type of septic system, as the water table is too high, and due to its location connecting to the town sewer system is not an option.
In 2021 the Trustees, on behalf of the church, submitted an application for a conservation easement to the US Department of Agriculture, which was approved. The USDA easement purchase covers 16 acres of the 17.3 acre lot; the closing will happen after August, 2023. The church will continue to own, and pay taxes on, the property.
The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) has been using the property for many years. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the acreage covered by the easement but a path has been carved out on a section outside of the easement that they can use. In return, VAST will mow the section of the property that is not covered by the easement.
Questions?
Contact Andy Seaton or the church office with any questions regarding the church property.
