2026 Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival

Sunday May 3rd, 2026

Presented by Ascutney Mountain Audubon Society, Vermont Fish and Wildlife, Great River Hydro, and Great Falls Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Herrick’s Cove Wildlife Festival, a beloved regional tradition celebrated each May since 2000, welcomed more than 1,500 attendees this year for a day filled with discovery, connection, and community spirit. Despite chilly, windy weather, festivalgoers remained in high spirits throughout the day—and when the sun finally emerged, it illuminated a vibrant and engaged crowd.

This year’s festival offered a rich mix of hands-on learning, live demonstrations, and guided experiences. Visitors explored interactive exhibits on environmental systems like the water, nutrient, and carbon cycles, engaged with wildlife educators from Vermont Institute of Natural Science, the Vermont Museum of Natural History, Upper Valley Land Trust, and the Grafton Nature Museum, and connected with organizations like DarkSky Vermont. Guided walks and talks added depth to the experience, including the ever-popular “Checking the Turtle Traps” walk with Jim Andrews of the Vermont Herpetology Atlas, “Raptors Up Close” with Liv Lemire of VINS, “Bird Walk for Kids” with Holly Henderson of Upper Valley Land Trust, and “Fish Grow On Trees” with Courtney Buckley of Vermont Fish & Wildlife, all of which drew curious and enthusiastic participants.

A particularly memorable highlight was the opportunity to view a nesting bald eagle through Ken Cox’s telescope, set up just behind the entrance booth. Interest was especially high, as many attendees had discovered the festival through the Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences’ live cam, which was livestreaming as a new eaglet hatched last week— and was recently highlighted by The New York Times as the “#1 Way to Add Delight to Your Day.”

Across the festival grounds, the energy was unmistakable. Children experimented with interactive play installations and gathered under tents for storytelling and educational programming. The kids’ tent was a hub of creativity and excitement, featuring the annual crowd-favorite T-shirt painting with Jerry Schneider, sensory play and nature games from SAPCC, hands-on crafts like mask-making and owl sculpting, and a face-painting station with a line that stayed ten-deep most of the day.

Live, participatory music drew visitors toward the food court, where families gathered to enjoy offerings from local vendors while kids played tambourines and bongo drums, creating a joyful, multigenerational atmosphere. Nearby, local artisans and exhibitors showcased regional goods, conservation efforts, and creative work.

The mission of the Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival is to provide a family-oriented outdoor educational event featuring nature-based programs, activities, walks, and hands-on experiences for all members of our community in an inclusive atmosphere and a natural setting.

The festival is made possible by the dedication of the Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival Planning Committee, grants from our sponsors, and time and material contributions from our supporters.

Sponsors and Supporters

Great Blue Heron: Vermont Fish & Wildlife Watershed Grant, Great River Hydro
Otter: Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, Ascutney Mountain Audubon Society, Magris Talc
Painted Turtle: Audubon Vermont, Orvis
Supporters: Decker’s Tent Rentals, VINS, HB Energy, Birds & Beans Coffee, Upper Valley Land Trust, 802 Soul Kitchen, Golden Cross Ambulance, Windham County Sheriff’s Office, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

Thanks to this collective support, many attendees discovered the magic of Herrick’s Cove for the first time—while longtime visitors were reminded why this event remains such a treasured regional tradition.

The festival was started in 2000 by Alma Beals to celebrate the designation of Herricks Cove as an Important Bird Area. The festival grew into AMAS’s signature event. AMAS will continue to help with the festival, but the coordination will be transferred to Aimee Parnell of the Great Falls Regional Chamber and become part of a festival series. Our shared hope for the future was summed up by Mike Walsh: “Next year, after more than 25 years at the helm, AMAS will be turning over the HCWF lead to Aimee and the Great Falls Regional Chamber of Commerce.  Let’s hope for another 25 years of educational fun in Southeast Vermont under her leadership!” Vermont Fish and Wildlife, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, and Great River Hydro will continue in their roles as hosts of the festival.

See you again next year!