Friends of Stranahan Town Forest - Marshfield, VT

07/03/2026

Multiple Trails Closed in Stranahan Forest!
Due to continued goshawk nesting activity, multiple trails are closed in the town forest.
-Homestead Lane
-Upper end of Ravine Trail
-Thompson Road north of King Brook junction
Goshawks are territorial around their nest site and will actively protect the area until the young fledge.
Please avoid these areas for your safety!
Additionally, the last phase of construction repairing storm damage from '23 and '24 flooding is currently under way on the Thompson Road. They expect to wrap up next week (week of July 6-10).
They are not working today or over the weekend, or in the evening, so it is safe to walk the trail at these times. During the work day while equipment is active it is best to avoid Thompson Road and access the forest from the other parking on Jake Martin Road.
Thanks for enjoying your local town forest!

06/07/2026

CAUTION, it has been reported that a pair of raptors near the intersection of Thompson Road and King Brook Trail have been aggressive.

If possible try and avoid this section of the trail.

06/05/2026

Young Wildlife and Dogs in Town Forest

Mia Roethlein • US Rte 2, Plainfield
Wildlife

Hi All,

My dog and I spooked a doe yesterday who must have had a fawn nearby. I leashed my dog as soon as she ran by us but she continued to circle and follow us for about 10 minutes stomping and huffing.

Just a heads up to keep our dogs close or leashed so we don't upset any other protective Mamas or scare young wildlife.

Also, There has been a bear with 2 cubs in the forest and many slow moving porcupines:)

Happy Spring!

05/05/2026

05/04/2026

Update on Stranahan Bridges - Trails Are Closed
via Sarah Galbraith •

Hi! I shared an update recently about the bridges being out of commission on the Uncle Maple and Tapline mountain bike trails in the Stranahan town forest. The trails are now closed and we have begun the process of deconstructing the bridges. Thank you to the people who offered to help after my last message!

04/30/2026

Spring Wildflower Walk

02/23/2026

some winter scenes, sking, and hiking at STF

02/23/2026

Stranahan Committee Meeting
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 5:45 PM

SFSC Meeting Agenda

SFSC Meeting Agenda

February 24, 2026

Time: 5:45-7:00 pm

Date: 2/24/26

Location: OSC (back meeting room where Selectboard meets) and virtual

https://meet.jit.si/moderated/f9509ee828c7d9ebfbffc1a4a0ce4047bb3df56d6ef211da081a1141378d1b91 {Please be sure to allow the site to use your camera and microphone before entering.}

Facilitator: Nancy

Present:

CC Rep:

Public:

Public Comment (5 minutes)

Agenda adjustment(s):

Agenda topics:

Approve January meeting minutes (5 minutes)

Tiny Grant 2026 application to help pay for new signs - due April 11 (5 minutes)

Mia and Patrick will write and submit

need Selectboard approval prior to submitting

any questions, need for discussion?

SFSC openings: (5 minutes)

General trail and parking lot updates (10 minutes)

2026 project priorities (20 minutes)

Committee brainstorm - review updated workplan

Community engagement (10 minutes)

brainstorm ideas, including:

additional guided tours/hikes?

create Trail stewards?

System for users to report blowdowns or trail damage?

social media - reinvigorate Stranahan FB page?

other ideas?

SFSC Display - (20 minutes)

review and choose pictures uploaded to SFSC photo folder

plan to complete updating for Town Meeting

Spring Star gazing in the Moon field - any dates from George Springston?

(5 min)

Other business?

Confirm facilitator for March and April - (Nancy away March and April)

Join a WebRTC video conference powered by the Jitsi Videobridge

11/19/2025

Stranahan Forest Stewardship Committee Openings

Nancy Everhart • Bent Rd, Marshfield
Announcement

The Stranahan Forest Stewardship Committee has two vacancies. This Committee is appointed by the Marshfield Selectboard to manage the 620-acre Stranahan Forest in Marshfield. We maintain the trails, update and act upon the management plan, and make recommendations to the Selectboard for major changes and improvements. We meet monthly in Marshfield. It's a great group - and we need your help! We could particularly use expertise and interest in wildlife, ecological systems, and mapping - but encourage anyone interested in helping us steward this special place to consider joining us. To learn more, attend our next meeting (Tuesday, Nov. 25, 5:30 pm at the History room (back room) of the Jaquith Library) - or email me at [email protected], or call 802-522-6263.

11/05/2025

Marshfield Stranahan Town Forest Notices

Mia Roethlein • US Rte 2, Plainfield
Announcement

A couple of important notices related to the Marshfield Stranahan Town Forest

1.) DOGS
Please keep your dogs under control when at the town forest. This means that your dog needs to either be leashed or under verbal command. Verbal command means your dog is close by and comes directly back to you.
We have had a couple of folks recently complain about unleashed dogs running up to them barking. Even if you think your dog is okay with other dogs or people- please respect that some folks may not be comfortable with a dog running up to them and also that they may have a dog on a leash who is fearful. In addition, dogs are dogs and sometimes you can't always predict how they will behave.

We all love going to the town forest with our canine companions so let's make sure we keep it safe and welcoming for all.
Also, the town does have an ordinance requiring that dogs be kept from running at large which is posted on the town website.
Town Ordinance on Keeping Dogs and other Domestic Pets under control:
https://marshfieldvt.gov/vertical/sites/%7BDE838A07-5D57-4E6F-95DF-7C05B7FB1126%7D/uploads/O[...]pdf

2.) HUNTING
Hunting is allowed in the town forest and Deer Hunting Season (and bear) are upon us.
A full schedule is posted on the VT Fish and Wildlife page: https://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/hunt/hunting-and-trapping-seasons

Please remember to wear blaze orange and keep your dogs close.
Deer Archery Season goes until November 14th and then is followed by Regular(Rifle) Deer season starting November 15th.

Lastly, come check out our new boardwalks along the trails so you don't have to have wet feet when you walk!

The Stranahan Town Forest Committee

View and Print Seasons Summary (PDF)