Focal Places in Burlington

Englesby Brook

Englesby Brook is an urban stream that originates within the Burlington Country Club and University of Vermont properties and empties into Lake Champlain near Blanchard Beach and Oakledge Park. Englesby Brook Watershed is primarily located in Burlington, with a small area in South Burlington.While some areas of the brook fall within private property, one section, named Crescent Woods, is public land.

Englesby Brook is currently considered an impaired watershed, meaning it does not comply with standards imposed by the Clean Water Act. It is important that the brook be managed in order to comply with the Clean Water Act, but also to provide a healthy habitat for resident plants and animals (including humans).

For a stream as small and unsuspecting as Englesby Brook, there are many stories one can stumble upon: from the stone bridge that was likely owned by Henry Holt (of Henry Holt & Company Publishers) to the Sugar Maples that used to be tapped for syrup by a local resident to exploring the culvert ecology to the discovery that the Englesby Ravine was once filled in with garbage where a Chinese food restaurant now sits. The interactive map below is one of the many ways to begin planning out an exploration of Englesby Brook. Take note of the features that intrigue you and then plan a visit to see them for yourself.

View Englesby Brook in a larger map