Jenckes Foundation Inc.

Activities Under Pandemic ConditionsThe direct activities of the Foundation in 2020, typically centering on group events and dependent of volunteer labor, were significantly constrained by pandemic conditions however the following activities continued despite the pandemic:Public access and enjoyment of parcels of land totaling 287 acres more or less, in the towns of Marlboro and Halifax, Vermont was provided. Use of a network of over 3 miles of trails, logging roads, abandoned town roads and historical sites on Foundation property significantly increased during pandemic restrictions. Although usage is not formally monitored and the many points of access make monitoring impractical, we observed signs of heavier than normal use by members of the public such as the width of worn tracks from foot and bike traffic on the trails. We estimate that several thousand trips were made into the Foundation lands.

Trail and historical site maintenance activities were conducted entirely by solitary individuals and socially distant small teams of volunteers due to COVID 19 precautions. Work included clearing fallen trees, branch trimming of major recreational trails, hardening of stream crossings, and miscellaneous mowing and drainage work. No costs were incurred by the Foundation for this program, labor, equipment use and fuel having been donated.

The Educational Program was suspended due to COVID 19 precautions.

Scientific cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Benchmark Network and National Water Quality Assessment Program continued with the provision of undisturbed experimental sites. The Surveys monitoring of the upper watershed of the Green River is expected to continue indefinitely on Jenckes Foundation land.Forest management programs demonstrating long-term multi-use stewardship pursuant to Current Use management plans, on file with the State, were primarily focused on incorporating a 275 acre bequest into the Foundations Current Use Forestry Management plans. Although the property remains in probate, special arrangements were made, working with the estates lawyers, a forester, and with the States county forester to create a new approved plan in anticipation of a land division and the Foundations acceptance of the bequest.