JAMAICA — The Woodland Owners Association is holding its annual meeting at Jamaica State Park on Saturday, Sept. 20. All are welcome.
The program features a slide show and field tour on Jamaica State Park's rich, 9,000-year history - dating to the time of Native Americans - led by University of Vermont archaeologist Geoff Mandel.
Mandel notes a major dig in August 2010 unearthed a large campsite on the bank of the Salmon Hole.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. Coffee, bagels, and cider donuts are provided.
WOA President Margaret MacDonald delivers introductory remarks at 9:15, and then State Lands Forester Aaron Hurst will present a brief overview of the park.
Mandel will give his presentation, “Nine Thousand Years Along the Salmon Hole,” at 9:30.
The morning session concludes with Vermont Forests and Parks Department Forestry Specialist Jim Esden giving an update on “The Big Three” invasive exotic insects: the hemlock wooly adelgid, the Asian longhorned beetle, and the emerald ash borer.
By then you'll have worked up an appetite. A noon barbecue luncheon at the picnic pavilion on the West River will be a great place to tuck into your choice of local burgers, veggie burgers, or kosher hot dogs, $7 with beverage.
Organizers also ask that participants bring an item to share. The luncheon is held rain or shine.
WOA will hold its business meeting after lunch to award scholarships, elect trustees, and review the year's activities. Brief presentations from the Southeastern Vermont Watershed Alliance and the Friends of the West River Trail follow.
Then you'll trek a short distance to Townshend State Forest for a brief tour of the Big White Pine Timber Sale. Activities wrap up at 3 p.m.
Jamaica State Park is in the village of Jamaica on Route 30. From the village center take Depot Street east until it crosses the West River on the green iron bridge. The park entrance is on your left. The picnic pavilion is located at one end of the big day-use parking area.
A $3 per-person day-use fee applies to non-members entering the park. Seating is limited, so bring a lawn chair.