Mad River (Vermont) facts for kids
The Mad River is a special river in Vermont. It flows into a bigger river called the Winooski River. The Mad River starts in a place called Granville Gulf. From there, it flows north through several towns. These towns include Warren, Waitsfield, and Moretown. Finally, it joins the Winooski River near Middlesex.
The Mad River also gets water from other areas. The entire town of Fayston is part of its watershed. A watershed is all the land where water drains into a specific river. Part of the town of Duxbury also drains into the Mad River. This river is known for being quite rocky and clear. This makes it a very popular spot for swimming, especially in the summer. In 2008, a type of algae called didymo was found in the river. People sometimes call it "Rock Snot" because of how it looks.
Exploring the Mad River Valley
The area around the Mad River is called the Mad River Valley. It's a very popular place for visitors. People love its beautiful scenery, with mountains and forests. The valley is also home to two popular ski resorts. These are Mad River Glen and Sugarbush Resort. Many people come here to ski and snowboard in winter.
Protecting the River
Since 1990, a group called the Friends of the Mad River has been working hard. This group is a non-profit organization. That means they don't work to make money. Instead, they work to help the community and the environment. Their main goal is to protect the Mad River. They want to keep it healthy for everyone to enjoy.
The Friends of the Mad River do many important things. They check the river's water quality regularly. This helps them know if the water is clean and safe. They also work on river restoration projects. This means they help fix parts of the river that might be damaged. They also help protect land near the river. This keeps the river's natural areas safe. Finally, they teach people about the river. They help everyone learn how to protect this important natural resource.