Birds & Pollinators – Feeding the Meter against climate change.

If you have driven downtown, you probably know the drill. Down one street, up another, window-shopping will be next only after the requisite parking space is spotted, captured, contained, and fulfilled. We race through the forest, head down watching our steps to reach a spot whereby we can stop, look up at the canopy, and for a brief moment understand how short our lives are, compared to the biological life and resiliency of a tree.

As we get older and measure the countdown instead of the count up, we realize we had better get all the planting we intend to do, complete now, to have any hope of picking the fruit of our labors.

Finally, an open parking space – Houston we have landed. Life here looks hard – physically hard, concrete, tar, bricks, artificial colors, sour ever-warming air, frequent heavy rains. What’s a shopper to do, but feed the meter to buy more time.

What currency - for our spot on an abused planet?  We deposit faith, and hope, and worry yet the needle moves not. None of us alone can save the world or morally hold a parking ‘spot’ forever. However, we can feed the meter enough to move the needle for the time we have left. The particular coinage is less important than making some effort to move the needle somewhat.

Will we go to the woods in place of downtown to purchase our prescription of happiness?  Maybe we can spend some time looking up, and around us and find a way to improve our own personal ecology and the planet’s ecology wherever we find ourselves.

We all know the drill. We know what would help us live more fulfilled and healthy lives, and we can each find ways to do something to help solve the problems of our time. We can feed the meter and window-shop in our own backyards, along our sidewalks, our parks, waterways in our community. We can window shop in the natural world – outside. We can help nature heal her-self, buying her and us more time to park and look up at the trees of long life.

Perhaps we can better appreciate the time, by planting a tree and watching it grow. Perhaps we can become more involved in the political process to gain more advantage on our deposits into the meter.

We have found our parking spot. Now it is time to feed the meter in whatever currency we have available to us that will move the needle.

Don’t just worry; do something. If planting a tree(s) or shrub(s) works for you, let me recommend the current tree sale at Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District.  Working for a cause larger than oneself is a prescription for happiness. Planting native trees and shrubs can help native pollinators and birds. Note caterpillars are a critical food source for over 95% of songbirds. They need caterpillars to feed their young. Many pollinators need larva host to develop/feed new generations. View information below describing how these plants support birds and pollinators.

Their selection this year focuses on “the best *native trees and shrubs to invite birds into your backyard”. Many if not all also support pollinators. Prices for the most part are from $6 to $10 per plant. (* The lilac, apple, River Birch, and currant are not native to VT).

Here are some of those for sale.

American Basswood (Tilia Americana) attracts birds, honeybees, bumblebees, native bees, and other pollinators. 143 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host, which in turn feeds chickadees and their young. It also attracts predatory or parasitic insects that prey on pest insects. It also provides nest sites for birds. May attract thrushes, chickadees, titmice, crows, jays, woodpeckers, wood warblers, orioles, finches, waxwings, vireos, cardinals, grosbeaks, mockingbirds, and thrashers.

American Hazelnut (Corylus Americana) feeds people and wild turkeys, attracts butterflies and moths. Provides nest site for birds. 143 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host. May attract finches, crows, jays, wood warblers, cardinals, grosbeaks, waxwings, vireos, chickadees, titmice, woodpeckers, sparrows, thrushes, mockingbirds, sparrows, orioles.

American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) perfect for nest-building birds including Blue jays. Attracts butterflies and moths and provides a nest site for birds. 68 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host.

American Plum (Prunus Americana) Covered with blossoms in the spring this naturally small tree (8-12 feet) bears small red plums for eating off the tree or in plum sauces and jams. This species is on the threatened list in Vermont. Even more reason to plant this wonderful tree. Attracts honeybees, bumblebees, native bees, and other pollinators. 407 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host.

Appletree Apple cultivar TBD. Could be semi-dwarf Liberty, semi-dwarf Dayon, full-size Bethel, or full-sized Novamac.

Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) the seeds and buds are a good food source for birds including nuthatches. Provides nest sites for birds, attracts bees, butterflies, and moths. 124 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host. May attract woodpeckers, finches, waxwings, orioles, chickadees, titmice, cardinals, grosbeaks, wood warblers, mockingbirds, thrashers, crows, jays, vireos, thrushes, sparrows.

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) High Pollinator Value. Produces an edible but puckering fruit that is great for the gray catbird. Attracts native bees, butterflies and moths, and other pollinators. 407 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host. May attract chickadees, titmice, wrens, nuthatches, thrushes, waxwings, vireos, wood warblers, cardinals, grosbeak. 

 

Catbird

Common Blackberry (Rubus allegheneinsis) beautiful reddish-purple fall leaf color and large white blossoms. Shiny large black juicy berries on thorny canes. These are favorite of the house finch. High Pollinator Value.  Attracts native bees, honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies and moths, and other pollinators. Provides nesting structure for native bees. 157 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host.

American Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) Attractive to goldfinches and other birds. Attractive to bees. Good eating. Bernie likes them on pancakes. They freeze well and also make great syrup.

Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbsum) Blueberries provide food and a nest site for many birds so you may want to share them with your feathered friends.  Attractive to native bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and moths. 276 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host. May attract thrushes, waxwings, crows, jays, nuthatches, wrens, vireos, cardinals, grosbeaks, chickadees, titmice.

Crab apple (Malus Magenta) Beautiful small flowering tree. The fruit of this variety stays on the tree through the winter. Wonderful food for cedar waxwings and American Robins in early spring.

Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) White edible fruit that attracts catbirds in the summer. Fruit endures through winter, providing food in difficult seasons for birds. Medium Pollinator Value. Attracts bees and other pollinators. 103 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host. May attract wren, waxwings, thrushes, woodpeckers, vireos, nuthatches, wood warblers, sparrows.

Northern White Cedar (Thuja Occidentalis) Abundant cones provide seeds for birds. Nesting habitat for Cardinals. Good winter shelter for birds. 44 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host. May attract sparrows, chickadees, titmice, thrushes, waxwings, wood warblers, woodpeckers, vireos, mockingbirds, thrashers. 

Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus Sericea)  round-shaped shrub that has red branches with clusters of white flowers that bloom in the spring. Hardy, with berries that attract eastern bluebirds. Attracts butterflies and moths. 115 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host. May attract woodpeckers, crows, jays, waxwings, sparrows, cardinals, grosbeaks, chickadees, titmice, vireos, thrushes, mockingbirds, thrashers, wood warblers, wrens, nuthatches, orioles.

River Birch (Betula Nigra) distinctive bark. Birch trees attract many bird species due to their bark, which houses many insects. Attractive to Pine Siskins.

Allegheny Serviceberry (Amelanchier Laevis) great small tree that blooms in early spring and produces delicious edible fruit in June. Attracts cedar waxwings, robins,  native bees including the blue orchard mason bee and other pollinators. 119 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host. May attract waxwings, wrens, orioles, vireos, chickadees, titmice, cardinals, grosbeaks, nuthatches, thrushes, sparrows, crows, jays, woodpeckers, wood warblers, mockingbirds, thrashers. 

Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) this tall shaggy bark tree is attractive to insect-eating birds like woodpeckers. Provides nest site for birds and bats. 186 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host. May attract chickadees, titmice, vireos, wrens, sparrows, wood-warblers, mockingbirds, thrashers, crows, jays, finches. 

Bebb’s Willow (Salix bebbiana) One of the first shrubs to bloom in the spring. Provides essential food for pollinators and early-migrating birds. Wonderful nesting habitat. Attracts native bees, butterflies, moths. 415 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host.

Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) fast-growing shade tree. Provides habitat and food for wildlife. Orioles like to nest in the treetops. Attracts honey bees, butterflies and moths. 280 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host. May attract woodpecker, chickadees, titmice, finches, thrushes, orioles, mockingbirds, thrashers, wood-warblers, vireos, wrens, sparrows, crows, jays, waxwings, grosbeaks, nuthatches. 

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) like all oaks, this species is an important host plant for native butterflies and moths. A great food source for the scarlet tanager. 401 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host. May attract finches, crows, jays, chickadees, titmice, sparrows, wood-warblers, grosbeaks, cardinals, waxwings, mockingbirds, thrashers, nuthatches, orioles, wrens, vireos, woodpeckers, thrushes. 

Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) flowering tree that blooms May to June. Poplar source of nectar for ruby-throated hummingbirds. Attracts honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies and moths, and other pollinators.

White Pine (Pinus Strobus) large pine provides food and nest sites for nuthatches, chickadees, and finches. Attracts bees. 232 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host. May attract thrushes, nuthatches, wood warblers, sparrows, woodpeckers, finches, cardinals, grosbeaks, vireos, waxwings, chickadees, titmice, wrens, crows, jays, orioles, mockingbirds, thrashers.

White Spruce (Picea glauca) hardy tree that provides nesting sites, shelter, and food for many birds including the rose-breasted grosbeak. Attracts bees. 163 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host.

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) attractive red berries fruit throughout the winter and are an excellent food source for birds like cedar waxwings. . 33 species of butterflies and moths use this genus as a caterpillar host. May attract crows, jays, woodpeckers, nuthatches, waxwings, vireos, wood warblers, mockingbirds, thrashers, cardinals, grosbeaks.

Plant warm hugs and Native plants!

~Bernie

JERICHO OLD TIMER OFFERS WISDOM IF YOU CAN FIND HIM.

Within my earlier posting Ideas to connect Family with Nature and Community, I suggested we as a community create a storytelling time at the Community Center whereby folks could tell their story – personal true stories, fictional stories, or a blend of the two.

In my post I wrote, We each have a personal story we can share about life in Jericho, our lives; funny stories, sad stories, inspirational stories, stories from the distant past, stories about change, stories about kindness given, and kindness received... Sharing our stories brings us closer together, builds compassion and understanding. Shared laughter is healthy for all.

To sort of break the ice, I have written a story I would like to share with the community – in written word for now, perhaps orated at the community center sometime in the future if we do develop a storytelling night.

JERICHO OLD TIMER OFFERS WISDOM 

IF YOU CAN FIND HIM.

A folktale by Bernie Paquette

Walking the dirt roads of Jericho, Vermont, you can find quiet pockets of time seemingly frozen in place. Stretches of solitude can be refreshing – clear the cobwebs, release frustration, calm anxiety. Sometimes, even offer true wisdom. AH, but from whom does one seek this wisdom?

I have often placed my palm flat against a large long-lived tree, seeking to feel the tree’s energy, but mostly to absorb any nonverbal wisdom it might somehow pass on to me – perhaps through some sort of osmosis. Generally, I walk away with at least the notion that long-lived trees hold seasoned truths, how else to outdistance others for sunlight and soil nutrients, resist diseases and insect attack, to live to a mature age. I walk away, open to the possibility that in some way we humans do not fully understand, other life forms can, and do communicate albeit often upon inattentive or non-comprehending human senses.

Recently a walk along a Jericho dirt road brought me to a most personified tree or at least it was so while I was there in attendance and awe.

Perhaps the image I see in this tree is only in my mind – you can judge that for yourself in the photo or better yet, seek the tree’s counsel in person.

I will not suggest any Carlos Castaneda – Don Juan experience. I did not utilize any psychoactive drugs like peyote or jimson weed, not even marijuana or whiskey. Nor do I think that the tree I reference here is a nagual – a shaman or sorcerer able to change or shift into another form. My experience was a trip, but not one of drug-induced state, but of a more natural, though perhaps unusual conversation of sorts with a normally non-communicative, in human terms anyway, life form – a tree, what remained of a tree.

Now here is the first strange element that struck me upon this encounter. I have walked past this tree too many times to count. Granted there are thousands of trees on this Jericho dirt road, most nondescript, unless one is particularly observant and open to seeing all that is about. Normally on these walks, I find my mind releases toxins and useless concerns; frees up space for creativity, simple joys, magnified senses, and truer listening and seeing. However, I do not expect to meet up with a tree in the same respect as meeting up with an ole Vermonter in front of his barn, deciphering the lean of a hundred-year collapse, ninety-eight years in the making.

Yet, somehow, this tree-like nearly every other tree I pass is uniquely individualistic, having experienced its own pain, joy, growth spurts, loss of limbs, yearly re-birth. This tree accumulated its own sense of self and an opinion of the world around it. More strikingly this particular tree gave me pause for its old Vermonter look, growing more personified the longer I stared into its dark black resin eyes.

It was like meeting the ole Vermonter by the barn on Schillhammer road in Jericho. No one I had met before, nor had I knowledge of his residency here. Perhaps he was hermit-like, and somewhat typical of old-time native Vermonters, not wanting to mix much with flatlanders, or even city folk. His worn, hard-worked face, once young and smooth as a fine beech or birch tree, now lined, scared, and darkened from weather, hardships, and life, blended in unnoticed, lost in the similarly weathered barn boards of a barn no longer appreciated for its industry.

Both barn and Vermonter, are wear worn, shorn from sought, lost to the handicap of longevity, translucent for all their past.

So too, perhaps this tree, at first nameless, until now faceless, unknown, unseen, invisible notwithstanding all its character, years of service, and annual change of drabness to flagrant greens, then reds and yellows and oranges.

This tree, which likely bled from deep within its chambers, extols the virtues of human blood donors. It has freely given sweet water, sugar, nutrients – Maple Sap from a summer-long production and a winter long storage.

This tree, like the ole Vermonter, performed chores day in, day out - no absences, no complaints. Some years, heavy snows, errant cars, gauged bark; broken limbs from the weight of ice, now more common than in years past. Stature diminished, no longer able to provide herculean arms of shade refreshing leaves or stools for birds and squirrels, and ropes holding up tire swings for children. Sorrow embedded in sapsucker holes, tears dripping not in fluidity of youth and aspiration, but in meandering memories – children’s laughter, young birds chirping with wide-open beaks and yellow throats, red squirrels chattering with scolding twitching tails; wind whispering one minute, howling the next, snowflakes as big as quarters sewed together creating a blanket over shallow roots. Frogs croak, foxes yelp, doves coo, dogs bark (and whiz autographing bark), eagles scream, crows caw, bees hum and buzz, nearby apples drop to the ground with a plump, mosquitoes whine, owls hoot, scream, (and bats) screech at night. All of these sounds and more, the tree has absorbed in wood fiber cells – another kind of storage retained over a generation of days - inscrutable to the casual observer.
 

This tree has steadfastly recorded images of change growing faster every year. No season ever alike, however patterns once similar now dissimilar, exasperating variances stretching the capacity of tolerance, and adaptability against time.

This tree, today, like the ole Vermonter, somehow catches my eye and attention. I know not of this tree any more than the other beech, birch, oak, sumac, pine, spruce, hickory, and other tree families. I knew of their residence here yet not their family history, never mind their individual history, experiences, and or expressions, just as I know there is a whole village of folks in Jericho. I know of their passing in cars and occasionally view their faces along sidewalks and front yards, however not of their stories, livelihoods, passions, interest, accomplishments, fears, hopes, desires. They too occasionally catch my eye, and I wonder if I was able to look down from the sky up high, if I could see and hear their stories, and if I could, would the stars lighten the stage while they shared of themselves. If I embraced them with a long warm hug would we exchange each of our learned bits of wisdom, our caring, empathy, kindness, compassion, our joy? Would we better hear and see each other?

Yes, it seemed strange that I had walked past this tree so very many times, having some knowledge of trees here about, yet no connection to this tree, more than any other tree, until this day. Now suddenly this unique individual tree with all of its particular collection of life, long-lived, became real for me. No longer did I need to place a palm against bark for a possible intangible transfusion of knowledge.

 Now, within this tree, I could see a personality, a face to match the name, a personified history in long nose, deep dark eyes, thick eyebrows, a chubby roundish pronounced chin, a dimple on his left cheek, old-time Vermonter like large ears and a gnarly concentrating forehead beneath a hat covered crown. His mouth is hardly visible but for a small protrusion above his chin.  His girth gives an indication of age that his diminished height no longer can. His arms seem armed and ready to thwart any further diminishment of his stature – resisting the inevitable just as the leaning barn reaches for balance against the pull of gravity. I blush at the errant thought of firewood split and stacked in neat form aberrant of its original shape.

Literally cut off from the career heights he once attained, no longer able to produce offspring, devoid of industry functioning elements of maple sap, and foliage, nearly limbless, his face draws tight, and his past gilded of facts until history nearly vanishes.

Yet, somehow, in that hard-worn, shorn, and nearly lost face, a diaphanous veil allows, for those patient and observant, a look inside. Inside is a deep, deep well of long gathered, accumulated, earned, cherished memories, reflections, and knowledge.  Stories shyly peek at the edges wanting to come out, eager for telling, waiting their hearing.

It is there, with my back resting against his still solid legs and over his feet and toes, that I sat back, closed my eyes, released the last of my cloudy judgments, presumptions, and my overzealous self. I emptied the room of my mind, removed all barriers, cleared a table, poured cups of coffee, and met my neighbor Fred, the ole Vermonter tree whom I had passed countless times, but never before stopped to say hello, never mind learn of his remarkable life of yesteryear as well of that of today. 


The art is not lost, the storytellers are here among us, and the ears of many would very much enjoy hearing enriching and personal stories. We would surely enjoy rides on tales of long ago and not so long ago, from those who tell them well.

Do you have a personal story you would like to share with the community? Drop me a line and perhaps we can find like-minded folks to create a story night at the community center.

View my list of ideas for connecting Family with Nature and Community at http://bit.ly/2lG93ul.

Locally sourced, Organic Jericho Folktale for fun with a hint of serious thought for consideration.

Local Jericho Business Lays off 1,500

JERICHO, VT – Jericho Settler Farm lays off 1500 and they all left town!

Interview with Christa of Jericho Settlers Farm. 

The population in Jericho took a nosedive this past November. For a number of years, once per year, Jericho Settlers Farm purchased chicken pullets - 14 to 16-week old hens from a farm in Pennsylvania. The chickens arrived at the farm via truck. 

This reminds me of C.W. McCall's song titled Wolf Creek Pass. Listen to it here. He sings/talks about a truck carrying eighty-five crates of USDA-approved cluckers through Wolf Creek Pass up on the Great Divide. Chickens were stacked to thirteen-nine, while the tunnel sign said clearance to a twelve-foot line. You perhaps can guess how it all goes from there. Guess that is why chickens coming to VT are shipped from this side of the Great Divide. 

Just the same, I bet those chickens from Pennsylvania were overjoyed to arrive safely here in Vermont, and in particular to eat the pasture food under loving care at Jericho Settlers Farm. 

JSF always ran two age groups in their flock in order that one group would replace the older group as their egg production slowed down at about two years old. JSF never had any morning wakers (roosters) in the flock.

Daily egg production fluctuated seasonally and in relation to the age of the flock. Egg production generally ran about 1100 eggs per day ( 92 dozen) for a 1500 hen flock. 

Bacon8egg - Jobs Scrambled!
In November of 2019, Jericho Settler Farm's 1500 Solar Chickens flew the Coop. The hens were [laid off] sold to Maple Wind Farm to allow JSF to focus more on vegetable production.  

Christa concluded, As we refocus our farm into more vegetable production, Maple Wind Farm is doing the opposite, discontinuing their vegetable production and upping their livestock production. They have always raised their livestock in grass-based systems, on pasture, as we have done, so it is a great partnership for us to be able to offer their meat products in our CSA and farmstand as we discontinue our meat and egg production. In the future, we will use the hoop house that housed the chickens for vegetable production. 

While we may miss the chickens from time to time, right now we are not missing having to do winter livestock chores!

Time to hibernate, before the sun returns to grow vegetables again!

Check out Jericho Settlers Farm CSA and other vegetable offerings at their farm stand at 22 Barber Farm Road, and see their offerings on their website at http://www.jerichosettlersfarm.com/

Read about Maple Wind Farm @ https://maplewindfarm.com/about-our-farm

Read about how some of your local farmers are affected by and are dealing with climate change at https://jerichovermont.blogspot.com/2019/11/climate-change-and-local-farms-jericho.html

Read about Jericho Settlers Farm new business - Photovoltaic chicken and Electro Syrup at https://jerichovermont.blogspot.com/2019/04/jericho-adds-jolt-to-maple-syrup.html

Jericho Vermont

Images of Community

Intimate, caring, and personal; reflecting the community and its stories.

Bernie Paquette

Jericho Commercial District - Will Residents Name it or Lose it?

JERICHO, VT – Ancient lost Jericho district discovered after nearly 200-year-old town map uncovered amongst a tangle of artifacts in the Town Hall attic.

Up until now, Jericho has long been broken up into three village districts. One is the Jericho Center home of the picturesque village green surrounded by historic buildings such as the Jericho Town Library and a picturesque church steeple and the Jericho Country Store- the oldest continuously running country store. Another is Riverside (half of the Underhill flats area – Thank You Underhill for the land-loan) home of the new Jericho Market, and the Deborah Rawson Library. In addition, there is the Jericho Corners, home of the famous Joe’s Snack bar and a roller coaster curve in the road-easier on horses than on automobiles.

The town select board and development board members were overjoyed with finding a new district within Jericho upon reviewing a Jericho map dated 1763. The map lay beneath antiquities, brittle yellowed newspapers, and no small amount of critter deposits and home-making materials.

It seems the fore-founders of Jericho had in mind to encompass Jericho into four districts, three of which we have now, and the newly discovered district. The reason the fourth district became lost in obscurity is that the founders of Jericho could not decide what to name the fourth district.

The town charter issued on June 7, 1763 by Benning Wentworth reads in part, “… all tract or Parcel of Land situate, lying and being within our said Province of New-Hampshire [From the New Hampshire Grants], containing by Admeasurement, 23040 Acres…”. It goes on to make allowances for roads, mountains, and rivers (don’t anyone try an hide, desecrate, or otherwise withhold from the residents of Jericho, their beloved view of Mount Mansfield).

Of note, also lost was the charter requirement that every Grantee, and their Heirs or Assigns, shall plant and cultivate a portion of their land and continue to improve the land on penalty of the forfeiture of his grant or share in the said township. That is another story for another time.

 A small portion of land along where route 15 is now between Raceway and Browns Trace was allotted for a future market once the town consisted of fifty families. This plot of land (“A tract of land near the center of the said Township”) was unnamed because the requisite number of families could not come to an agreement on what to name it.

 Over time, many more families moved into Jericho, however, given this jut of land inside Jericho had never been named; it was lost and not documented upon maps that are more modern.  It was said as each new generation came along the youngest upon reaching the age of agility would climb the tallest tree in Jericho and set sight on Lake Champlain upon which lay a shimmering setting sun, Lee River, Browns River, and Mill Brook and the Winooski River. The youth was tasked with seeking the now only rumored, long lost tract of land. The unnamed tract of land had long ago lost its whereabouts because  – a district unnamed is a district lost.

Given the density of the old-growth forest the small area within the township of Jericho remained lost for many a year. Still each year, as tradition called for, a representative of the latest generation, an agile youth, would take the search duty with the eternal hope of a gold miner. Whereupon, in the midst of massive clear-cutting (for sheep grazing) in the late 1800s, a sighting caused great excitement for one family member high atop a very tall and old withered, pecker-chiseled white pine. 

Much of the land cleared of trees allowed for a view of formerly unseen tracts and vistas, in the middle of which lay the lost unnamed Jericho tract. As the youngster counted out the district names and overlaid the map in his mind to what was in view, the joy of discovery overwhelmed the poor gent; head over heels toppling down the tree, he went.

Needless to say, the only word of the discovery went unheard in the whispering pines, which to this day when felled, either by man or storm, always fall pointing in the direction of Jericho's fourth district!

Therefore, for many more years, the unnamed land remained lost to all but the birds, squirrels, deer, and mice. By the time the next generation came along, and the respective tree climber set sight again, the forest had re-grown, all the sheep now being mutton and lamb chops, and the land once again unseen all but for a name.

Early in the year 2019, the original 1763 Jericho map came to light after over 200 years of hiding both itself and some of the Jericho land it represented on parchment.

The long lost map extends the coordinate points of Jericho from the latitude of 44.5000 to 44.5039 and longitude from 72.9900 to 72.9976.  The formal boundaries for the village (assuming Underhill does not call in its land-loan and retrieve the half of Underhill flats that Jericho currently holds title to) encompass a land area of 1.378 square miles. The new map makes it 1.40 sq miles. Given the current very low density of street trees in Jericho, the lost land is in plain view if one is patient enough to drive through it at a reasonable speed or better yet, to bike on the bikeways or walk along the someday installed sidewalks.

 This is HUGE, one property developer was heard to say. “That is more area than Burlington’s hole in the ground – way better than a pit and it is right here in the middle of Jericho. Why, we could fill that hole, oops sorry, that new commercial district with miles of concrete high up into the sky with a couple of obligatory trees upfront of course – after all, this is Jericho, not Burlington –geezeem-crow.”

The Planning Commission set out to conduct a survey on what to name the new commercial district. Name proposals such as “The land between Majestic Mount Mansfield  and Dollar General”, and “Raceway Browns -Fastest Way to BTV” were considered however they seemed too obvious for such a treasured newly discovered part of the township.  

Sampling of Survey questions and responses:

Q: What do you feel are the appropriate size of buildings for the Commercial District?

A: Of the residents and one dog that responded to this survey question: Twenty-seven felt that the size of a breadbox up to the size of a two-story home was an appropriate sized building for the commercial district. Sixteen felt buildings slightly smaller than the Empire state building were appropriate as long as they could still see the antennae atop Mt. Mansfield. While twenty-three felt that was too tall and might cause Jericho affectively a warming microclimate inside the valleys of all that concrete and steel. The dog was oblivious to the size of the buildings as long as they each included a fire hydrant.

Q: Would a Mountain Resort and mini ski Slope (think Jay Peak 4 season waterpark) fit into the district plan?

A: Twenty three - Yes, if I get a life-long free entry pass. Sixteen responded no unless the resort mountains were no bigger than the speed humps on Skunk Hollow road.

Q:  What uses do you want allowed in the commercial district?

A:  Agriculture  25 yes, 17 no. Are cows commercial, what about turnips?

A:  Forestry 18 yes, 25 no. 3 could not see the forest from the trees and 3 could not see the trees from the forest. One recent new resident from NJ had never seen a forest, therefore abstained from answering.

A: Green roofs - lest we forget the delicious color of VERD MONT in spring. 

     And Artscape on building walls and roofs, doors, or even drive tops

A: Stable-boarding/riding  24 yes, 18 no. We might need some bigger poo scoopers.

A: Nursing Home: 30 yes, 12 no. The yes folks perhaps figured the elderly were less likely cognizant (hearing wise anyway) of the urban like noise from increased traffic.

A: Community Maker and Incubator Space for the likes of Jericho Settlers Farm Fried Photovoltaic Chicken and Electro Syrup.  A zealous applause of YES from all.

A: Repair Cafe / Sharing Center.  Again, much applause and a resounding YES from all.

A: Food Hub (Food Processing Center). All YES, let's eat local and support our farmers.

     Combine with a local seed collection and preservation center.

A: Hug space. One square meter to stand upon and give or receive free hugs. All voted Yes - who doesn't like if not need a hug from time to time.

A: Outdoor Ice rink. Yes's around concluded ice storms are becoming more common, might as well skate.

Q: Will the town install a monument in the Commercial District recognizing the last snowflake to fall in Jericho? 

A: Alas, many respondents sighed in responding to the inevitable of climate warming. While others offered hope in suggesting the monument read

 "Save Our Snowflakes - Jericho, Vermont".

Q: Pet Parade road striping

A:  6,243 Yes, 6 no. The six were all pets – they did not want to be restricted to anything less than the whole road.

A: Related suggestion: Stone walls instead of curbs along the road.

Q: Will the Valentine’s Phantom be allowed to plaster the Commercial District with heart, love, and kindness messages, poems, paper hearts, and other Valentine materials?

A:  20,302 yes, Jericho Believes in Love.  

It may be interesting to note that a similar survey asking similar questions about fencing their neighbors wished to put up, realized about 300% more respondents than the commercial district survey. A survey about a possible quiet zone in Jericho and a proposal to unpave Browns Trace created the highest most vehement responses. 

Organic Jericho Satire thought there might be some more creative uses so why not ask the folks of Jericho, What do you want to build in the newly found land in Jericho? Read Seven Days article regarding BTV’s development ideas for their ‘commercial district pit’, to get your creative juices flowing.  

 Will Jericho residents agree on a name for the heretofore unknown district, quickly enough, to save this important part of Jericho’s history?

 NAME IT OR LOSE IT –
  YOUR VOICED OPINION COUNTS!

Take the REAL Jericho Town Development Review Board Survey at https://jerichovt.org/planning-commission

Locally sourced, Organic Jericho Satire for fun with a hint of serious thought for consideration.

Why Does the Commercial District Need a New Name?

SUSAN BRESEE, SABRESEE@GMAIL.COM, BIRCH LANE, JERICHO

DISCUSSION

A new name is just one part of the story.
Here's what's done - new vision, new master plan, and Town Plan updates
What's needed now - new name, updated zoning
What's next - new map with possible new streets, paths, sidewalks, infrastructure options

Where is the Commercial District?
Along both sides of Route 15, where Jeri-Hill Hardware, Clarks Truck Center, and Dollar General are. Also, some of Jericho East and many houses are located in the "commercial district." In fact, about half the development is residential, not commercial. And much of the area is still open undeveloped rural land.

Many Jericho businesses are located outside the "commercial district." Jericho Market, Synergy Dance Studio, JCAT, Joe's Snack Bar, Old Mill Craft store, Jericho General Store, Jericho Center Country Store, - are all businesses located in the Village Centers, which are different than the "commercial district." The Village Centers have always been the designated hubs for the community.

Why does the Commercial District need a new name?
Because it's not the only area in town where you can have a business. And because this area is not, and has never been, purely commercial. It's always been a mix of neighborhoods, farms, and small businesses. The area was named the "commercial district" over 50 years ago when Route 2 and Route 7 were developing as commercial highway corridors. Fortunately, development on Route 15 in Jericho didn't follow that pattern. Yet.

The Planning Commission spent more than a year talking to residents about how they want to see this part of Jericho grow and develop. More Industrial uses typical of "commercial" areas were not high on the list. Strip development wasn't wanted. What was high on the list? Locally-owned businesses, services for residents, (a brewery!), walkable neighborhoods, affordable housing, senior housing, recreation (pool and ice rink!), green spaces, small scale farming, bus access, river paths, broadband internet, renewable energy generation, and smart growth, were the most frequent requests.

This area could offer good locations for some of these to happen in Jericho. The topography is suitable, the location is central, some of the landowners are interested in development. We translated these ideas into a vision for the area and updated the Town Plan. The Town can't make these things happen. The Town doesn't own the land and typically doesn't invest in land development. But we can try to make them possible, by working to align private interests with community priorities. The Town Plan and zoning regulations are the Town's tools, to provide a framework of incentives and requirements for developers.

A new name will help communicate this new vision. The Selectboard recently adopted Town Plan updates to better reflect the district's role in our community. The Planning Commission will spend the next few months updating the zoning regulations to ensure that this area continues to be mixed-use, but with better assurances that any future development would be small scale, locally oriented, livable, walkable, sustainable, and will help connect the community and preserve the mountain views, and not be a disjointed place we drive through faster to get somewhere else.

Please help find a new name that's a better fit for this area by filling out the survey on the town website (LINK below). Survey: https://jerichovt.org/planning-commission
Town Plan updates info: https://jerichovt.org/2019-Town-Plan-Amendments

Thank you,
Susan Bresee
Jericho Planning Commission member

Jericho, Vermont Mystery Photo Series Listing

Jericho, Vermont Mystery Photo Series Listing

    Jericho, Vermont - but where exactly?

   In this Jericho Mystery Photo series, we will include an image that we think helps define the Jericho, VT. community. Perhaps you will have passed some of these iconic views many times not noticing them, or you have stopped to look closely at images small in themselves yet large in their contribution to this neighborly and creative town. 

I encourage you to share your thoughts about each photo, where it is located, what it is, and the story behind it as you know it.  Jericho Center, like Vermont - a special place because you make it so! 
     
        Bernie Paquette and Maeve Kim collaborate on discovering by observation, then sharing, photos and stories that make Jericho, like Vermont – a special place because you make it so! 

Links to past Mystery Photo postings

#9 Mystery Flier in PO Boxes

#8 Mystery Chairs

#7 Snowflake Bentley on Ice

#6 Winter Sliding

#5 Mermaid Sighting

#4 Pollination

#3 Woodpile

#2 If you ever saw him...

#1 Iconic of Jericho