MALT’s History

Almost Four Decades of Community Impact

The Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT) was incorporated in 1987 as the Middlebury Land Trust with the purpose of preserving key open and scenic lands in and around Middlebury. At the time, the town operated a local farmland tax abatement program. When the State of Vermont reintroduced its own tax abatement program, Middlebury residents voted to redirect those local funds into a permanent Conservation Fund dedicated to protecting the area’s natural landscapes. The newly formed land trust was tasked with advising the Selectboard on the use of these funds, and today one-half of the annual income from the Conservation Fund continues to support MALT’s work.

In 1996, the organization expanded its service area to surrounding communities and adopted the name Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT). Since then, MALT has grown into a leading local conservation organization dedicated to protecting natural lands, expanding access to outdoor recreation, and connecting people with nature across Addison County.

Today, MALT has helped conserve more than 3,500 acres of farmland, forests, wetlands, and natural areas through conservation easements and land ownership. The organization manages a growing network of trails, including the Trail Around Middlebury (TAM)—a roughly 19-mile loop connecting conserved lands around the town with bridges spanning Otter Creek and a spur trail leading to Snake Mountain. MALT is also working with partners such as the National Park Service and the North Country Trail Association to connect the TAM with the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Long Trail, strengthening regional trail connectivity.

Beyond land conservation, MALT offers a wide range of environmental education and outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all ages. Through naturalist-led programs, year-round youth activities, and partnerships with local schools and colleges, MALT’s conserved lands serve as outdoor classrooms that inspire deeper connections with the natural world.

MALT also works closely with regional partners to strengthen conservation, stewardship, and outdoor learning opportunities across Addison County. A key partner is Middlebury College, where we collaborate on the conservation and stewardship of local lands while providing hands-on learning opportunities for students. In 2026, MALT will host two Middlebury College interns supporting our education programs and one intern focused on GIS and mapping, building skills that support our conservation work. We also supported a Middlebury College Perennials Apprentice last year and regularly engage students through internships and field experiences. In addition, MALT currently hosts two AmeriCorps members who support our trails and stewardship programs and an intern from the University of Vermont contributing to conservation initiatives. MALT is also partnering with the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) to advance projects that strengthen climate resilience, expand recreation opportunities, and support long-term land stewardship across the region.