About Natalie Bankmann
Natalie Bankmann is a sophomore philosophy major interested in reporting on human interest. She loves plants and is always growing her garden.
New stormwater treatment plant in Barton diverts pollution from waterways
“The first flush is the most concentrated pollution load, and over time, dripping oil in grease from cars, road grit, and leaf litter are all built up. This system is specifically created to treat that buildup,” said Patrick Hurley, the Project Manager at Memphremagog Watershed Association.
Placing trees in streams benefits fish and protects towns from flooding
“We are always looking for opportunities on the stream where we can feasibly drop wood,” said James King.
Experts collect seeds to create diverse, flood-resistant forests
“This spring, we collected 960 grams of seeds. That was mostly fluffy seeds, so that’s millions and millions of seeds,” said land steward Jess Colby.
Herbalists teach a lesson in restraint as plants grow rarer
As plant species face population decline, herbalists teach foragers to be mindful of what they are taking
Organization takes community voices into account for clean water in Franklin County
Community members share their concerns about water quality through state grants that could clean up waterways
Two central Vermont companies turn goat’s milk into caramel
The goats’ milk is creamed into an increasingly popular treat in the U.S., velvety caramel.
Farmer-led project gets grant to recycle agricultural plastics
Guy Crosby collects plastic waste from farms and brings them to a landfill in New Hampshire, where they are compacted into a bale.
Green Mountain Druid School in limbo after 19 years, may get new owner
In a state where about 47% of adults never attend religious ceremonies, spirituality is still fostered amid yoga studios, apothecaries, mindfulness retreats and in nature itself through pagan practices.
No consensus but continuing talks for psychedelic therapy in Vermont
The state advisory group plans to keep monitoring research and policy around psilocybin nationwide.
Winooski Bike Gang romps through cycling lanes and mountain trails alike
The cycling crew that organizes bike rides around the city from mid-April to the end of September.
Carving canoe with fire, Vermont Abenaki tribes find reflection along the Missisquoi
The event marked the first Abenaki log burn in the delta in over 300 years, said a member of the Nulhegan Abenaki tribe.
Green Mountain Peanut Butter: By Munch, for munching
On a recent afternoon, entrepreneurs like Adriana Munch congregated in the warehouse, sinking their boots into disinfectant and slipping past each other as they hunkered down in kitchens.
Jeudevine Memorial Library construction set for fall finish
The town-owned library in Hardwick is getting an expansion for more books, space for quiet reading and youth sections and events.
Nonprofit ownership shifts farm’s focus from cows to culture
Many black artists and historians have gathered for the past five years at Clemmons farm to discuss Black history and culture in Vermont.
A new Williamstown United Church rises next to the ashes left by a 2021 fire
After their church burned to the ground, the congregation met in an abandoned church nearby. Then they decided to revive it.
Topsham elects new town clerk
They came to vote on the town budget and other matters but, just as importantly, to wave goodbye to their town clerk and treasurer, Cynthia Flannigan, who retired after 25 years in office.
Ryegate says no to retail cannabis
The town hall didn’t have enough seats for the roughly 100 residents who showed up to vote.