Hogback Mountain Conservation Association received a grant in 2008 to develop materials to support a capital campaign aimed at raising the funds needed to buy a 591-acre parcel (including a defunct ski area) that was on the market and threatened with development. The campaign was a success, and in 2010 the land was donated to the town of Marlboro, Vermont as conservation land, protected in perpetuity by a conservation easement held by the Vermont Land Trust. The volunteer group has now shifted its focus to helping both humans and wildlife enjoy the land.Several miles of multi-purpose trails (hiking, biking, XC skiing, snowshoeing) have been developed in some sections, while other areas have been left intentionally free from human intrusion.HMCA volunteers organize guided hikes with experts who can help people learn about the flora, fauna, geology and history of the property.Several local schools, from the elementary schools to colleges, come to the mountain to do research projects. HMCA is now in the midst of a 10-year project to enhance habitat variety on the mountain by creating patches of early successional habitat (ESH).When the ski area went out of business in 1986, the forest quickly reclaimed the ski slopes.That early regrowth, once a haven for woodcock, grouse, rabbits, and other wildlife, is now no longer “early”.When we acquired the land in 2010, the regrowing slopes were quickly maturing and the area was losing valuable habitat diversity.The 10-year plan, started in 2013, calls for clearing the five major ski slopes, one every two years, then letting the slopes once again regrow, generating new patches of ESH.We’ve been doing the work with volunteers, with over 50 people participating in one or more fall work parties over the last three years.But the job’s a big one, and we’re now hoping to hire the non-profit Vermont Youth Conservation Corps to supplement the work done by our volunteers.