This guide lists resources about the H. Laurence Achilles Natural Area at Shelburne Pond, a biologically rich area located in the town of Shelburne. Lying in the heart of one of Vermont’s most developed areas, it encompasses over 1,300 acres of freshwater wetlands, forested uplands, and current-use agricultural lands. Because of the confluence of wetlands, wildlife corridors, rare communities, and endangered species associated with Shelburne Pond, the state of Vermont recognizes it as a site of extremely high biological and ecological significance.
Over the past several decades, the Nature Conservancy and the University of Vermont purchased over 1100 acres at Shelburne Pond, including 3.5 miles of shoreline. Much of this property is preserved for its ecological, recreational, and educational value, although some is still actively farmed under terms outlined in conservation easements. As one of the University of Vermont's ten natural areas, the H. Laurence Achilles Natural Area at Shelburne Pond is managed by the UVM Environmental Program.
Students in NR 378, Place-Based Landscape Analysis, identified and compiled many of the resources included in this guide.
