Reading Rock Point 2026: A 5-Part Naturalist Class

Reading Rock Point is designed to give you a basic framework and skillset for reading and connecting with landscapes around Vermont and beyond. We will cover geology, plant and tree identification, human history, wildlife tracking, and how to piece these together into a story of a place. Our story will begin over 500 million years ago when "Vermont" was a tropical ocean floor, and we'll see how this bedrock story gives way to the mosaic of natural communities we see around the state. Each plant, tree, animal, and rock we identify comes with its own story and invitation to engage our senses and connect deeper with a place and those that inhabit it.

Location: All classes will take place at Rock Point and Arms Forest in Burlington, VT. We'll typically meet in the parking lot at 20 Rock Point Road.

Dates & Times: This course includes 5 field days, each scheduled on a Sunday from 10am-3pm. This leaves space for plenty of curiosity stops throughout the day. By spreading our sessions throughout the year, we'll learn the landscape in each season and reinforce the information and skills over time. If you're not able to make it to a session, let me know! You'll at least be provided with resources and on occasion I may be able to schedule a shortened make-up walk.

1. Geology & Wildflowers – May 17th, 2026
2. Trees – June 28th, 2026
3. Natural communities – August 16th, 2026
4. Human History – October 11th, 2026
5. Winter trees & Wildlife Tracking – January 17th, 2027

Make-up date - November 8th, 2025 (save this date in case Tyler gets sick on one of the days)

Price

The price is set with 3 tiers in an effort to keep the class as accessible as possible and also promote generosity. $275 per ticket and 17 tickets will cover the cost of the program. All 3 tiers are well below market rate for this kind of course, so please keep this in mind when deciding what to contribute. Rock Point Commons is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Tier 3 contributions will support future programming and will help us keep prices affordable to as many folks as possible. Please reach out if the lowest tier is still a barrier for you and we'd be happy to discuss options!

Accessibility

• This class will involve being on your feet for much of the day and hiking around our 2+ miles of trails. These trails include short sections that are steep and rocky.
• If you cannot afford the lowest price, we welcome you reaching out. We don't have a scholarship fund yet and can't guarantee you a spot, but we'd like to know and may be able to work something out.
• Pets may not join, though occosional exceptions are made if you would otherwise need to miss class
• We're committed to maintaining a welcoming and safe community and learning environment, and expect this of all participants as well
• Please reach out if you have any questions

About the Intructor

Tyler Pastorok has been our Land Steward and Programs Coordinator at Rock Point Commons for the past three years. During that time, he's been studying the inhabitants of this landscape and the stories and relationships that tie them together. Tyler has a degree in Outdoor Education and has been working in the field for 10 years. He's had the privilege of learning from and working with many talented naturalists and educators in the region since moving to Vermont in 2016, from whom he drew much inspiration in designing this class.

Course Testimony

-"This was such a fun and engaging class that left me with a deeper appreciation for rock point and the long living history of the land here and beyond. Not only can I identify more trees and wildflowers, but I have more ways of looking at them and the whole natural community that I feel expands my ability to keep growing and learning."

-"Tyler’s teaching style encouraged students to work together to think through the questions he posed, which helped us get to know each other and share skill sets. I think this class is a wonderful resource for anyone who wants to learn more about nature or expand their knowledge of Vermont’s natural systems."

Questions? Please reach out to Tyler at tpastorok@diovermont.org