JULT Names Donated Land
 
After much discussion, the board members of the Jericho Underhill Land Trust decided on a name for the 280 acres of forest and field that we received from the Snyder Companies in October.  This working landscape, with sweeping vistas of Mt. Mansfield and Camels Hump, is now called Kikas Valley Farm.  Kikas (pronounced Keekas) is the Abenaki name for the month of May and it means “field planter” We wanted to honor this land’s long history of cultivation and its use as a hunting and gathering site for early Indian settlement.  The University of Maine has discovered artifacts dating back over 9,000 years during their recent archeological work on this property. JULT has donated a conservation easement to the Vermont Land Trust which protects this important landscape forever.

If you would like to visit Kikas Valley Farm, please take Skunk Hollow Road in Jericho to Tyler Place. Continue into the Wingate development and park at the small gravel parking area on the left just prior to the first house. You ca park here and walk the perimeter of the fields and follow trails into the woods.  Trails are open for non-motorized use and enjoyment.  Please stay clear of tractor work and the heavy equipment associated with home building.

Casey’s Hill - Saved

Casey’s Hill, the unique natural landmark and famous sledding hill, was purchased on July 21, 2005 for the Town of Underhill by the Jericho Underhill Land Trust (JULT). The Town has donated a conservation easement on this property to the Vermont Land Trust (VLT) which ensures that no development will ever take place and that winter sliding will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Almost two years ago, the landowner contacted JULT with the need to sell this precious land but the desire to preserve it also. The transaction proved to be lengthy and complex as there were multiple parties involved and significant fundraising needed. JULT contacted the VLT to discuss a partnership and fundraising opportunities. Following an appraisal process and discussions with a neighboring landowner, a fundraising goal of $245,000 was established. The Town of Underhill has leased and managed this private land for over eleven years and appeared to be the logical new owner of Casey’s Hill. However, this decision needed to be confirmed by popular vote. Two informational meetings were held in August and September 2004 and town residents were asked to vote on accepting the property and providing $20,000 in funding. Both ballot items were overwhelmingly approved on September 7, 2004.

Jericho Underhill Land Trust began a local fundraising campaign for $75,000 in November 2004. A simple sign was established to mark our progress at Casey’s Hill. Within three and a half months, this goal was achieved, even exceeded. This outpouring of community support demonstrated the importance of this favorite sliding hill. A silent auction, gourmet dinner, teen concert and profits from a CD sale all contributed to this exceptional financial support.

JULT and VLT collaborated on several grant opportunities and were successful on a number of them. The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board approved $100,000 on December 10, 2004. The Kelsey Trust, Pizzagalli Construction, the Pecor family and the Merchants Bank Foundation were major contributors as well. Within six months, $212,000 had been raised. This funding was sufficient to begin drafting the conservation easement, the document that would permanently protect Casey’s Hill. JULT and VLT met several times with the Underhill Selectboard in order to craft language which reflected Town wishes and management concerns. An Interim Management Plan was created as well. Finally, a closing date of July 21, 2005 was established and this magic day was on a number of calendars. Two landowners, the Town and representatives from both land trusts met to handle this complex transaction. Almost two years of work by JULT was completed in just two hours that afternoon. Casey’s Hill was saved.

JULT could not have accomplished this preservation work without strong membership support and a community that cherishes its important landscape. Without your help, a scenic gateway and traditional sliding hill would have been lost to development. Thank you!

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