Reading Rock Point: A 5-Part Naturalist Class

Reading Rock Point is designed to give you a basic framework and skillset for reading and connecting with landscapes around Vermont and beyond. We will cover geoglogy, plant and tree identification, human history, wildlife tracking, and how to piece these together into a story of a place. Our story will begin over 500 millions years ago when "Vermont" was a tropical ocean floor, and we'll see how this bedrock story gives way to the mosaic of natural communities we see around the state. Each plant, tree, animal, and rock we identify comes with its own story and invitation to engage our senses and connect deeper with a place and those that inhabit it.

Location: All classes will take place at Rock Point and Arm's Forest in Burlington, VT. We'll typically meet in the parking lot at 5 Rock Point Road, but may meet at Leddy Park on occasion.

Dates & Times: This course includes 5 field days, each scheduled on a Saturday from 10am-3pm. Curriculum is designed to wrap up by 2pm - the extra hour is to leave space for plenty of curiousity stops throughout the day. By spreading our sessions throughout the year, we'll learn the landscape in each season and reinforce the information and skills over time. If you're not able to make it to a session, let me know! You'll at least be provided with resources and we may be able to schedule a make-up walk.

1. Geology & Wildflowers – May 11th, 2024
2. Trees – June 29th, 2024
3. Natural communities – August 17th, 2024
4. Human History – October 12th, 2024
5. Winter trees & tracking – January 18th, 2025

Price

The price is set with 3 tiers in an effort to keep the class as accessible as possible and also promote generosity. $200 per ticket will cover the cost of the program. All 3 tiers are well below market rate for this kind of course, so please keep this in mind when deciding what to contribute. Rock Point Commons is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Tier 3 contributions will support future programming and will help us keep prices affordable to as many folks as possible.

Accessibility

• This class will involve being on your feet for most of the day and hiking around our 2+ miles of trails. These trails include short sections that are steep and rocky.
• If you cannot afford the lowest price, we welcome you reaching out. We don't have a scholarship fund yet and can't guarantee you a spot, but we'd like to know and may be able to work something out!
• Pets may not join
• We're committed to maintaining a welcoming and safe community and learning environment
• Please reach out if you have any questions!

About the Intructor

Tyler Pastorok (he/they) has been our Land Steward and Programs Coordinator at Rock Point Commons for the past two years. During that time, he's been studying the inhabitants of this landscape and the stories and relationships that tie them together. Tyler has a degree in Outdoor Education and has been working in the field for 8 years. He's had the privilege of learning from and working with many talented naturalists and educators in the region since moving to Vermont in 2016.

Questions! Please reach out to Tyler at [email protected]

Host or Publisher Rock Point Commons