Cavendish Nature Preserve

Pieter van Schaik conducting hike on land that he is leaving in trust for future generations. 

On August 1, Pieter van Schaik led a group of nine people on a hike in Cavendish to view a blue heron rookery, unusual plants, stands of trees that have been untouched for over 150 years, and a ten acre beaver pond.

Starting in the 1980s, Pieter began obtaining land with the idea of sub dividing it into smaller lots, which could be sold off. Some of the parcels he acquired were part of the Kingsbury Farm and the Guica property. As time went by, Pieter fell in love the beauty and wildlife of what is today about 230 acres.

The land is being turned over to the State of Vermont and will ultimately be managed by VT Fish & Wildlife. In the interim, Pieter is conducting various research projects on plant species, such as Lady Slippers, and trying to create trails and an access point for canoes and kayaks so it is possible to explore the beaver pond and wetlands.

Lots of pictures were taken during the hike and are being posted to the Cavendish VT Facebook page.

If you are interested in learning more about this land and how you can be involved in its preservation, please contact Pieter at 802-226-7374 or 226-7303.

Photograph by Liz Bammarito

Beaver Pond, Liz Bammarito Photographer

Tree canopy by Bob Naess

Cherry Tree with evidence of "beaver snacking" by Bob Naess

Indian Pipe or corpse plant by Bob Naess

Heron nests-five were found on the hike by Bob Naess

Beaver Pond by Bob Naess