The Vermont Land Trust and Kingdom Trail Association announce Campaign to conserve land on Darling Ridge

October 7, 2020

Help conserve 269 acres for public access.

Today, the Kingdom Trail Association and Vermont Land Trust announce a campaign to conserve 269 acres of land on Darling Ridge. “We are thrilled to have an opportunity to secure this special site on the Darling Hill Ridge for permanent public trail access and protection of some of the most beautiful land in the Kingdom,” said Abby Long, KTA Executive Director. “We are now reaching out to all who enjoy Kingdom Trails and want to help us preserve this landscape for future generations.”

In September 2019, a key parcel in the heart of the trail system on Darling Hill Road in Lyndon, went on the market. The land, formerly owned by AOQ, LLC was at imminent risk of being purchased for subdivision and residential development that would have diminished the rural character of the ridge and placed the future of public access to the land at risk. Seeing this threat, the Kingdom Trail Association acted quickly to secure bridge financing to purchase the property and allow time to secure the funds needed for long-term ownership and conservation of the land. At the same time, KTA entered into a contract to purchase an adjoining 40 acre parcel and created a plan to work with the Vermont Land Trust to permanently protect the two properties from future development and ensure public access to the land in perpetuity.

Over seven miles of trails in the KT network and a one-mile segment of a VAST trail, traverse this property, extending through farm fields, descending down to the East Branch of the Passumpsic River. The property’s trails lead to "Heaven's Bench,” a grassy knoll and iconic destination offering panoramic views across the Northeast Kingdom. With streams, wetlands and forests, the land provides wildlife habitat and contributes to clean air and water, while contributing to the unique, rural character of Darling Hill Ridge.

With a total funding need of $671,305 for the purchase and conservation of the two properties, Kingdom Trails is pleased to have secured a $150,000 grant from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. The project has already received $291,433 in pledges and donations, including $3,813 donated by Lawson’s Finest Liquids with its release of Kingdom Trails IPA. A second release of this limited edition beer was released last week. Now, KTA in concert with the Vermont Land Trust, is teaming up to raise the remaining $229,872 needed to complete the project.

“We never imagined that we would be launching a fundraising campaign during a global pandemic and recognize the uncertainty and financial hardship communities across the NEK, Vermont and beyond continue to face,” said Tabitha Bowling, Treasurer of the Board of Directors and member of the Campaign Committee. “We also see that public access to the outdoors and recreation are needed more now, than ever. The Kingdom Trails truly provide refuge: a way for people to disconnect from Zoom screens or frontline jobs, safely get outside, get “lost” on a ride or run, and take care of mind, body and spirit. It is hard to put a value on that and we will be grateful for any measure of support—large, small or symbolic—for this campaign.”

For more information, or to make a donation to help the Kingdom Trail Association and Vermont Land Trust ensure that these 269 acres on Darling Hill in Lyndon, Vermont remain undeveloped and open to the public, visit vlt.org/darlingridge.

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Bear Den Partners, Owners of Burke Mountain, Make Unprecedented $100,000 Gift to Kingdom Trails, Securing Northeast Kingdom’s Recreational Future

By Jodi Flanagan • October 27, 2025

EAST BURKE, VT – October 27, 2025 – Kingdom Trails, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of recreational trails in the Northeast Kingdom, today announced it has received a monumental gift of $100,000 from Bear Den Partners, the owners of Burke Mountain, and Kingdom Trails’ single largest private landowner. This unprecedented corporate donation is the largest in Kingdom Trails’ history and signifies a powerful commitment to the economic vitality and future of recreation in the Northeast Kingdom. The $100,000 investment comes as both organizations continue to expand their collaborative efforts to enhance outdoor tourism and provide world-class experiences for visitors and local community members alike. This funding will be immediately directed toward critical trail maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable trail development projects across the network, allowing Kingdom Trails to build important new connections and keep the trails in top shape. “We are overwhelmed by the generosity and vision demonstrated by the leadership at Burke Mountain,” said Georgia Gould, Interim Executive Director of Kingdom Trails. “This is more than just a donation; it’s an unprecedented investment in the future health of our trails, our organization, and the entire Northeast Kingdom community. This investment ensures we can not only maintain the current quality of the Kingdom Trails experience but also pursue long-term sustainability and innovative projects.” The gift came during an evening of music and celebration of Kingdom Trails’ Landowners hosted by Bear Den Partners at the Burke Mountain Hotel. The event brought together the landowners, community members, and friends who make Kingdom Trails possible. The evening featured a powerful joint performance by national touring artists Adam Gardner of Guster and Stephen Kellogg, whose music captured the warmth, connection, and spirit that define the Northeast Kingdom. The relationship between Burke Mountain and Kingdom Trails has been instrumental in positioning the region as a premier mountain biking and outdoor destination. Burke Mountain’s contribution emphasizes a shared goal of drawing visitors to the region while ensuring responsible stewardship of the natural resources. “Burke Mountain is a proud neighbor and partner to Kingdom Trails,” said Jon Schaefer, CEO of Bear Den Partners. “We understand that the trails are a critical driver of our local economy and an important amenity for our guests. Making this $100,000 commitment was a clear decision—it ensures the longevity of this incredible network and helps secure the Northeast Kingdom’s reputation as a top-tier outdoor destination for generations to come.” The organizations encourage the public and corporate partners to view this as an inspiration for collective responsibility in protecting and preserving the trails that define Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom experience. Kingdom Trails extends its sincere gratitude to Bear Den Partners for their integral support of this investment and their dedication to the future of the trails. About Kingdom Trails Kingdom Trails is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of a 100+ mile network of non-motorized multi-use trails in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Utilizing a land-use agreement model with 106 private landowners, Kingdom Trails provides recreational access that promotes healthy lifestyles, economic vitality, and sustainable use of resources. About Burke Mountain Located in the heart of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Burke Mountain Resort is an independent, four-season destination owned by Bear Den Partners. Burke delivers 178 acres of world-class skiing and riding in the winter, and lift-served mountain biking and hiking in the summer. Burke’s bike park is adjacent to the world-renowned Kingdom Trails network, a mecca for mountain bikers. Year-round, Burke and the Burke Mountain Hotel host events and activities that reflect the culture and community of Vermont: down-to-earth, uncorporate and driven by the spirit of the mountain and the people who ride it. For more information, visit SkiBurke.com or follow on all major social platforms including Instagram , Facebook and YouTube .