Blueberry Lake

In Vermont’s Mad River Valley—home to ski areas, dairy farms, and charming village stores—Blueberry Lake is something of a star. Picture 48 acres of fresh mountain water surrounded by rolling green hills. In summertime, the area attracts swimmers, anglers, bikers, kayakers, and hikers. Now picture it frozen over and sparkling in the snow. Come wintertime, folks keep playing outside on snowshoes, skis, and ice skates. The lake environs provide prime habitat for songbirds, black bear, and other wildlife as well.

In 2002, the community rallied to protect this place permanently. The nearby town of Warren started by acquiring a 4-acre property on Mills Brook, including a small dam that forms the lake. A few months later, with support from the Vermont congressional delegation, Trust for Public Land helped the Green Mountain National Forest acquire roughly 370 acres around this popular swimming hole—including nearly the entire lakeshore. The final phase of the project was completed in 2002, when 140 acres on Prickly Mountain were added to the national forest.

Vermonters are proud of their natural playgrounds. And through collaboration and passion, places like Blueberry Lake will remain protected for generations to come.