Watershed + Wetlands

With two major perennial streams and a network of seasonal streams, seeps, and vernal pools, Sage Mountain’s rich biodiversity is largely attributed to the rich aquatic habitats and riparian corridors covering the mountain.

Streams from our mountain springs feed into tributary headwaters of the Waits River in the Upper Connecticut-Mascoma watershed. The waters that originate at this mountain landscape eventually feed into the Atlantic Ocean. The aquatic habitats provided by our mountain streams and ponds, Class 2 wetlands, and riparian wildlife corridors at Sage Mountain are classified by Vermont’s Department of Environmental Conservation as highest priority for conservation.

Wetlands form the transition between terrestrial and aquatic environments, and contribute significantly to the health, productivity, and uniqueness of the region. Wetlands are especially important because they maintain biodiversity by providing a habitat for a wide range of species. As transitional areas from upland to water habitats, wetlands are important natural resources to protect our environment from natural disasters.

Native wildlife frequent wetlands alongside species that are nesting, overwintering or migrating, such as birds along the Atlantic flyway. Most of Sage Mountain’s state-listed rare plants are found in our wetland habitats.

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