Description
Otter Creek, Vermont's longest river, runs for 32 miles through the largest and most biologically diverse swamp complex in New England. The swamps that surround the creek are teeming with wildlife. In the summer wide-ranging mammals like bear, moose and bobcat feed here. Otter Creek Swamps is also one of the most important stopover areas for migratory waterfowl in the region.
There are seven named swamps along Otter Creek—Brandon, Leicester Junction, Long, Salisbury, Whiting, Middlebury and Cornwall Swamps—which are all part of the larger wetland system. Cornwall Swamp was designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. National Park Service in 1974. TNC helped the State of Vermont acquire portions of the Cornwall Swamp Wildlife Management Area.
Why TNC Selected This Site
The Otter Creek Swamp complex is the most biologically diverse wetland complex in New England. The complex is an important lowland habitat bridge for wide-ranging animals like bobcats, bear and moose.
What TNC is Doing
TNC is working in concert with Middlebury College and the federal Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program to restore portions of the swamp complex. TNC also continues to purchase land and easements in the Otter Creek Swamps.
