A popular reason to visit the marsh is to see the least bittern, a small heron, which is rarely found in Vermont. The West Rutland Marsh is a designated Important Bird Area having met the necessary Vermont ornithological criteria as an essential habitat for one or more species of birds.
The marsh is a great place for quiet recreation and contemplation. The main marsh is surrounded by dirt roads that are used primarily by folks looking for respite from a busy world.
The 4-foot wide, 100-yard boardwalk ends at a viewing platform with benches. With only slight 2% slope and 0% cross slope, this nature experience is accessible for many people.
Trail conditions can change without warning. Trail last assessed: 8/22/2024
Rutland County Audubon has worked with the Town of West Rutland to help keep this marsh special. The biggest projects so far area a long boardwalk that extends into the heart of the marsh and an interpretive trail. This is the perfect place to bring a child. If you visit in early spring there will be plenty of red-winged blackbirds setting up territories and singing to attract mates. By late spring, the rattling song of the marsh wrens will be everywhere. Swamp sparrows will be sitting on top of grasses or bushes with their heads back proclaiming "what a great day!" The secretive virginia rails will be calling. Sometimes they will dash across the boardwalk. When you see them disappear into the cattails, you'll know where the expression "thin as a rail" comes from. By the end of June it becomes evident that marsh is an important breeding area as fledglings appear and adult birds search frantically to feed their new families. Fall provides the opportunity to see birds not always found in the marsh as migrants make their way south, stopping to rest and feed on the ripened berries and seeds.
This site is part of the Lake Champlain Birding Trail and a great place to observe wetland birds and birds of prey. The Audubon Society hosts monthly bird monitoring walks here. To date, over 900 participants have tallied 136 species from American bittern to northern shrike.
Visit Town of West Rutland or Rutland County Audubon online for more information or contact:
From Route 4, take Exit 6 (Proctor/West Rutland) then take Route 4A west into West Rutland. At the flashing red light at the intersection of US Business Route 4 (Main Street) and Marble Street at the town hall in West Rutland go north for 1.4 miles on Marble Street. Look for a small parking area on the left with a sign "West Rutland Marsh Boardwalk."
Success! A new password has been emailed to you.
