Eleanor Ellis/Springweather Nature Area-N. Springfield Lake

Eleanor Ellis/Springweather Nature Area-N. Springfield Lake

North Springfield, Vermont 05150

Official Website
North Springfield Reservoir Official Website
North Springfield Reservoir map

Tips for Birding

Birdwatching in Vermont, pp. 87-88.

To reach the Springweather Nature Area take Maple Street north from VT-106 in North Springfield.  You can park in the lot on the right just after the sweeping right turn. The trails head north along the east side of the Hartness State Airport.  Prairie Warblers are regulars here.
From Jim Block

About this Location

Springweather Nature Area was created in 1978 through the efforts of Eleanor Ellis and Hugh Putnam of Ascutney Mountain Audubon Society (AMAS) as a cooperative effort with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For forty years, representatives from AMAS and the Corps worked together to provide services at Springweather, such as trail maintenance, and facilities, including bridges, benches, and an outhouse. Sadly, as of 2018, the conditions of the previous relationship changed, and AMAS is no longer part of Springweather.

The nature area overlooks North Springfield Lake on the border of Springfield and Weathersfield. Trails meander through 70 acres of fields and forests and provide many opportunities to enjoy the natural world.

Access to Springweather Nature Area is on Reservoir Road, off VT-106 from Springfield (Exit 7, I-91). Turn at the sign for North Springfield Lake. Free to the public.

About North Springfield Reservoir

See all hotspots at North Springfield Reservoir

With 1,361 acres of land ranging from forests and fields to wetlands and two lakes, North Springfield Lake has recreational opportunities for everyone! In the summer months, visitors can swim, sunbathe, and picnic. Anglers can try their luck in the lake, pond, or rivers. A boat ramp is available at Stoughton Pond for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. North Springfield Lake is a popular location for canoeists and kayakers to explore wildlife and the natural beauty the area offers. For those who want to swim, we provide a beach at Stoughton Pond Recreation Area, plus ranger-conducted programs. Stoughton Pond Recreation Area also has a shelter available to rent for day outings. Winter sports such as snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are also popular activities at North Springfield Lake. The staff at North Springfield Lake has recently started grooming cross-country and snowshoeing trails at the West Access off of Maple Street in Perkinsville.

Notable Trails

Three trails are marked within the nature area with red, green, or blue blazes.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Official Website and North Springfield Reservoir Official Website

Last updated January 11, 2024