Embrace Spring with these Activities in Vermont

Spring has officially sprung, which means it’s time to take advantage of the milder temperatures and longer days! In this article, we will explore some of our employees’ favorite spring activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Walking

Walking is an excellent form of exercise that not only promotes physical health but also reduces stress and anxiety. “Though it's so tempting to go—stay off the trails until the spring thaw hardens!” warns Government and Media Relations Liaison Rebecca Copans. Because we’re finally seeing more daylight, she opts for evening walks around her town with friends. Enjoy the fresh scents and sights of spring!

Biking

Explore the scenic roads in Vermont by bike this spring. Biking is a low-impact exercise that promotes cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves balance and coordination. (It’s also a great way to save money on gas!) Staff Accountant Kristie Rouleau says she enjoys family rides on rail trails.  

For the past nine years, we have offered the Wellness Revolution Women’s Cycling Program to our community. Wellness Revolution was created by women—for Vermonters who identify as women and who want to make cycling part of their wellness journey. 

Home Improvement

Look around at your space and consider starting on a new project. “It seems like I consistently tackle a small house project in the spring,” says Digital Communications Strategist Kylie Perry. “I've painted rooms in my house the last two Aprils - probably because it's warm enough to open the windows but not warm enough to want to be outside all the time.”

Working on even the smallest project this spring can spark your creativity as well as a sense of pride and ownership over your living space.

Gardening

Gardening is not only a great way to make a yard beautiful, but it can also provide many benefits for your health and well-being. 

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider getting your hands dirty this spring:

• Gardening can reduce stress and anxiety and improve your mood.
• It's a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, especially after a long winter.
• You can grow your own fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, which are often healthier (and more delicious) than store-bought produce.
• Gardening can help support local ecosystems by providing habitats for pollinators and other wildlife.
• It's a fun and rewarding activity that can be enjoyed alone or with friends and family.

If you're new to gardening, don't worry! There are many resources available online to help you get started. The Vermont Garden Network is a great place to begin, offering a list of how-to-gardening tips and resources.

“My go-to tip that has always worked out well for me is to plant Marigolds with your vegetables,” offers longtime gardener and Customer Service Operations Manager Danielle Ballenger. “Marigolds are a natural pest repellent and have saved my veggies for years from the wrath of hungry bugs.  I usually plant them in the four corners of each garden box and sometimes in the center.”

Bird Watching

As the weather warms up, many bird species migrate back to Vermont, making it a prime time for bird watching. Vermont has many bird sanctuaries and nature preserves, including the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge and the Green Mountain Audubon Center. These locations offer the opportunity to see a variety of bird species, including warblers, thrushes, and woodpeckers. 

Bird watching can be a fun and rewarding hobby as it encourages spending time in nature and environmental awareness. “I have a birdfeeder suction-cupped to the window near my desk so that I get to bird-watch all day long!” says Digital Engagement Strategist Cass Lang. "We most commonly see goldfinches, chickadees, sparrows, and cardinals." 

Fishing

Fishing can be a great way to connect with nature, and because it requires focus, patience, and attention to detail, it can also help develop important life skills. If you venture onto a body of water, it is important to wear a life jacket and be cautious. In early spring, water is often colder than expected and hypothermia is still a risk.  

“My son and I like to fish at the Waterbury Reservoir,” says B2B Marketing Communications Strategist Jeff Wise. “We go to the CCC Pond in Sharon area as it has typically easy-to-catch fish for littles!” adds Manager of Digital Engagement Ashley Legacy. 

Fun fact: Vermonters can get a lifetime fishing license for their children if they apply before they turn one.