The public is invited to join members of the Chester Conservation Committee on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7pm for a guided "Full Moon" snowshoe hike. The CCC is sponsoring this event to introduce hikers to our organization and to share the beauty of the Green Mountain Union HS Nature Trail. Last spring we sponsored a guided hike on this town treasure and now it's time to break out the snowshoes for a Full Moon snowshoe hiking experience. Whether you are new to snowshoes or an experienced hiker, this guided hike experience is sure to be interesting and fun.

The 2017 LEGO Contest is taking place on Saturday March 18 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the NewsBank Conference Center, 352 Main Street, Chester, VT. This event is open to LEGOmaniacs Pre-K through Grade 8 and their families. Participants should construct their original creations (no kits allowed), with a maximum size of 24" x 36", and bring them on March 18 between 9:00 and 10:00 AM to the Conference Center, generously donated by NewsBank for the event.

The excitement was high last weekend, as nine high school and junior high wrestlers from Springfield hit the mats at a tournament in Bristol, Vermont. Cardio and drills must be working, because the work put out by these kids was just excellent.

From February vacation camps including Brave Bears and Wild Walkers to the Mighty Acorns Club and The Nature Museum's new program Kindred Spirits, The Grafton Nature Museum offers ample opportunities for youngsters and families to enjoy the outdoors exercising their minds and bodies. Accredited environmental educators teach lessons that build resiliency skills in a safe and nurturing environment.

The Springfield Wrestling Team has had a busy season so far, with lots more action to come! Despite a few cancelled tournaments, wrestlers have been hitting the mats with determination and skill, bringing home plenty of wins.

Every year, The Nature Museum chooses a theme for its programming, and this year it's "symbiosis," a mutually beneficial relationship between different people or groups. In light of the new theme, The Nature Museum announces today a new program for 2017, Kindred Spirits. This monthly program is designed for families to share and explore the mysteries of nature through hands-on activities, both indoors and out. All ages are welcome. Full schedule of Kindred Spirits programming can be found at nature-museum.org.

The Nature Museum in Grafton, VT, announces new topics for the Mighty Acorns Club, a pre-school program designed for young explorers to discover the wonders of nature. This club for budding naturalists aged 3-5 and their caregivers meets on the third Thursday of every month of the school calendar year.

New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) is pleased to announce receipt of a $75,000 matching grant from the Jane's Trust. Jane's Trust offered NECCA the matching grant at the end of 2015. NECCA supporters met the challenge and the match was received in December. The total raised to date is now $1.3 million toward the $2.5 million goal.