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Friends of Wildlife Management Areas Duck Banding Wild Edibles

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Friends of Wildlife Management Areas
In 1919 the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department made their first purchase of wildlife habitat. This one thousand acres of wetlands established the Sandbar Waterfowl Refuge and was the precursor of today’s Wildlife Management Areas. Since that initial purchase the department now owns over 118,000 acres throughout Vermont as part of the states Wildlife Management Area program.

Managing these diverse habitats for the benefit of both wildlife and human use is a logistical and budgetary challenge. A unique and energetic group of friends may be the solution to keep these Wildlife Management Area’s a thriving resource for all Vermonter’s to enjoy.

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Duck Banding
The first record of banding birds in North America dates back to 1803 when John James Audubon tied silver cords to the legs of phoebes. This allowed him to identify two of the nestlings when they returned the following year.

It wasn’t until 1902 when the first scientific system of banding began in North America. In the early 1900’s concerns over the declining numbers of waterfowl, passenger pigeons and over harvesting of egrets for their plumes resulted in an international agreement to manage migratory birds. Over the past century banding data has been a critical tool used to manage waterfowl. Banding birds requires capturing them and when it comes to waterfowl the most effective method is the use of rocket netting.

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Wild Edibles
Almost everyone is familiar with wild edibles, such as berries and fiddleheads, yet our region is home to dozens of species of wild edibles that are far more flavorful and nutritious than what you could buy in your local grocery store. These plants are nature’s organics and can be found right in your own backyard. So join us as we embark on a foraging adventures and learn to identify the delicacies founding Nature’s larder.

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