LGBTQIA++ hikers are gathering for some birding and to explore the trails of Aldis Hill - Hard'ack Recreation Area in St. Albans, Vermont. The lovely park features wide paths that are easy to navigate. There are many different options to take through the woods. There is a lookout spot that offers a view of the City of St. Albans and Lake Champlain. There will be a post-hike creemee stop along the shores of St. Albans Bay.

This month's Pride Hike is part of Pride Week 2021! More details here: https://www.pridecentervt.org/pride/

Please register in advance for COVID contact-tracing purposes. Your information will be kept confidential and used only for COVID-19 tracing. To hold your spot, email Gwendolyn Causer at Audubon Vermont: gwendolyn.causer@audubon.org. 

Pride Hikes are a collaboration between Audubon Vermont, the Pride Center of Vermont, and Outright Vermont.  Pride Hikes have been happening every month since June of 2018 and go beyond being "welcoming to everyone" to creating a safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA++ community members.

All ages, allies, and families welcome! Youth under 18 years should be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Please wear weather-appropriate clothing, bring a mask (see more COVID details below), snacks, and plenty of water!  Please bring anything else you will need to feel comfortable outdoors for a little over an hour or two, such as sturdy walking shoes, insect repellent, and sunscreen. 

Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed.

Trail/accessibility information: The trail system is under two miles total, with hilly sections.  It is on a wide, gravel and/or grassy paths and partially on natural terrain with roots and rocks.  There is an non-ADA accessible all gender porta-potty at the parking area trailhead. No running water is available. A map of the trails is available here: https://stalbansvt.myrec.com/forms/5375_hardack_trail_map.pdf

COVID Safety: We are committed to our community's health & safety.  

We have developed safety protocols for our Audubon Center and our programs based on guidance from the Vermont State Health Department and the CDC. Given the rapidly changing situation with the highly contagious Covid-19 Delta variant, Audubon Vermont is currently requiring all visitors to our Center to wear a mask when indoors. Masks are not required outdoors when people can be socially distanced, however they are encouraged for those who are unvaccinated. Please bring a mask to this event. If you do not have one, please reach out to staff and we will provide one for you.  Please see the Covid Data Tracker for more information about Covid-19 transmission rates by county in Vermont.  

We understand that some people - even those who are vaccinated, or those who have health concerns, or those who might just feel more comfortable - may choose to continue to wear a mask even when outdoors and distanced. We wholeheartedly support their decision and ask all program participants to be respectful of their choice. We recognize that the decision to wear a mask and comfort levels could change for individuals, even over the course of an event. Program participants should feel comfortable to ask others to physically distance. 

 Please do not attend if you are sick or symptomatic (with fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath), if you have received a positive COVID-19 test result within the last 14 days, or if you have had contact with any other person who is diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days.   

 We will be collecting COVID-19 contact tracing information from everyone when you register for the event. This information will be kept confidential and will be used only for COVID-19 tracing or to contact you should the event need to be cancelled or rescheduled.