Mount Holly Newsflash 4/1/26

Mount Holly Newsflash

Today's Forecast: Rain likely before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Northwest wind 8 to 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Archived Newsflash emails can be read at: https://mthollynewsflash.blogspot.com

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April 1: Mount Holly Biodiversity News
We are very excited to announce a new project to document an endangered species believed to be present in Star Lake. The Northern Freshwater Octopus (also known as Northern Tree Octopus) was reported last year by several iNaturalist observers in the waters of Star Lake and in nearby trees of the adjoining Wildlife Management Area. Unfortunately, no photos have yet been submitted. We are asking that anyone swimming, snorkeling, or boating in the lake to be especially observant for the octopus.
These solitary Cephalopods are amphibious spending their early life and mating season in shallow aquatic environments like Star Lake and then moving into wetlands and moist forest habitats for their adult life. Like all amphibious species, they then return to the aquatic environment to lay their eggs in late fall which hatch in the spring after overwintering in the soft lake bottom. Cephalopods are known to be extremely intelligent and inquisitive with the largest brain-to-body ratio of all Mollusks. The Tree Octopus is often found exploring in trees and on wetland vegetation at night but has been seen resting in shady evergreen trees in the daytime. See my only photo below.
The Northern Freshwater Octopus is extremely shy and harmless to people or pets so please do not disturb or harm them. (This is an Endangered Species!) We ask for any photos you get to be submitted to the Mount Holly Biodiversity Project. Thank You!

Friendly Reminder

Dog Licenses are due by April 1, 2026
This is just a reminder to any dog owners that you must register your dog (s) by April 1, 2026, at the Mount Holly Town Office. If you cannot, make it to the office you can mail in your rabies certificate and payment.
Fees for Dog Licenses Amount
Spayed or neutered dog $11.00
Male or female unneutered $15.00

FEES FOR DOG LICENSES AFTER APRIL 1, 2026
Fees for Dog Licenses Amount
Spayed or neutered dog $13.00
Male or female unneutered $19.00
Office is open Monday – Thursday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
We are closed on State Holidays

Mud season has officially arrived in Vermont... and we've decided to embrace it in true Wally's Corner fashion.

Introducing our very limited
✨ Authentic Vermont Mud Season – In a Jar✨

Locally sourced (of course), each jar captures the true spirit of spring in Cuttingsville... complete with rich earth tones and just a hint of "did I wear the wrong shoes today?"

While supplies last, we'll be including a complimentary "mud sample" with any purchase of $25 or more — because nothing says Vermont quite like it. Shop here, https://www.wallyscorner.com/, to get your free gift!

Stop in, say hello, and celebrate the season with us (clean boots optional).

Mount Holly Newsflash 3/31/26

Mount Holly Newsflash

Today's Forecast:Rain before 8am, then rain and a chance of thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, with a high near 57. Southwest wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Archived Newsflash emails can be read at: https://mthollynewsflash.blogspot.com

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Get Your Bees!

Beginning beekeeping class

The Vermont Beekeepers Association (VBA) will be holding a 3-day class for new Vermont beekeepers who have just gotten honey bees or will have them soon. First and second-year beekeepers are also welcome to attend.

Where: Rutland Free Library, 10 Court St, Rutland, VT

When: April 4 & 11, 2026, 10:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. each day. May 16: Outdoor, in-hive workshop at an apiary in Wallingford.

Registration fee: $60, covers 3 days of instruction plus the text "The Backyard Beekeeper, 5th Edition: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Keeping Bees in Your Yard and Garden" by Kim Flottum.

Register here:

https://vermontbeekeepers.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=703671&item_id=2915164&event_date_id=456160

Participants who complete all 3 days will receive a free one-year membership in the Vermont Beekeepers Association, which will give access to several additional online seasonal educational workshops free.

They will be eligible to have a mentor through the VBA mentoring program.

Also included:

§ Beekeeping In Northern Climates 3rd Edition, Jan, 2025, 144 pages from UNM, Dept of Entomology.

§ Hive and apiary hygiene.

§ Colony inspection forms.

§ Vermont Honey labelling requirements.

Class size will be limited to 25. The last date to sign up is Thursday April 2.

Vermont Conservation Plan (Act 59)

Thanks to the participation of 40+ community members from Mount Holly, Shrewsbury, Ludlow, E. Wallingford, and Plymouth at the recent Listening Session our voice will be heard when the final Plan is developed for Vermont conservation opportunities. Everyone's comments and ideas were recorded and will be submitted to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board so they know our concerns and priorities.

If you were unable to attend, or even if you did and have more to say, there is still time to submit your thoughts about how Vermont should proceed with achieving the goals of 30% of Vermont conserved by 2030 and 50% conserved by 2050 using voluntary initiatives for landowners and communities. Written comments may be submitted through the Vermont Conservation Plan website at www.vermontconservationplan.com or by emailing vcpadmin@vhcb.org.

Thank You!
Mount Holly Conservation Trust

Mount Holly Newsflash 3/30/26

Mount Holly Newsflash

Today's Forecast: Partly sunny, with a high near 57. Southwest wind 9 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Archived Newsflash emails can be read at: https://mthollynewsflash.blogspot.com

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Maple Monday!

Happy Monday! Let's start the week on a sweet note — a brand new maple recipe is here and this one is a showstopper!

Growing up, pie was always the dessert that said I love you. My mom and grandmothers made the best pies around, and if someone needed a little pick-me-up, a homemade pie was already on its way. There's just something about a slice of pie that feels like home.

This week we stumbled upon a classic recipe with a maple twist that stopped us in our tracks — Banana Maple Cream Pie. Yes, you heard that right! We gave it a whirl and let's just say — it did not last long! Whether you go with a graham cracker crust or a classic pie crust, you truly cannot go wrong. One bite and you'll be hooked!

Ready to bake? You're going to need some good maple syrup! Our website is open around the clock and stocked with everything you need — syrup, almonds, candy, cream, and sugar. Bring a little taste of Vermont into your kitchen and straight to your family's table. You shop, we ship — it's that simple!

👉 Order today at our website!


Plew Farm

1966 Healdville Rd, Mount Holly, VT 05758

Farm stand open Thursdays through Sundays from 12:00 - 5:00. 802-259-2250