About High Pond Natural Area
Located in the northernmost corner of Vermont’s Taconic Mountains, the High Pond Natural Area is a haven for wildlife like large-ranging mammals and birds. It also supports a number of plant communities that reflect both boreal and more southern affinities.

High Pond Natural Area is owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy in Vermont. The natural area was originally established through the generosity of the late W. Douglas Burden, a conservationist, and explorer who lived in Charlotte, Vermont.

Mixed northern hardwood is the most common forest type in the High Pond Preserve, composed of maples, birches, ash, oaks, cherry, and hemlock, among other species. Another feature of the preserve is the community of old-growth hemlock, one of fewer than ten of its size and age that can be found in Vermont, a nearly pure stand of chestnut oak, and a distinctive, fire-influenced red pine community high on the ridge beside High Pond.

A number of mammals such as bobcats, fishers, and bears can be found at High Pond Preserve, as well as birds like the pileated woodpecker and the black-backed woodpecker. There is also an abundance of amphibians in the vernal pools and the ponds of the preserve.

With the help of a Vermont Youth Conservation Corps team, TNC recently made an addition to the one-mile visitor’s trail to provide access to the north side of High Pond. The trail leads through the preserve to High Pond itself, passing through a number of different forest communities including a hemlock ravine and mature northern hardwood forest with abundant black birch.

High Pond (20 acres) is a site for the Vermont LoonWatch annual survey. Birders are encouraged to volunteer as often and whenever they are able. See Join LoonWatch for details.

The TrailFinder website has a description and map of a hike at High Pond Natural Area.