Around here, connecting with nature isn’t difficult and it comes, well, quite naturally. You can do it by simply going bird watching, hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing, or on a photograph safari. Furthermore, while enjoying nature is easy for residents and visitors alike, state agencies are also working hard to make it comfortable for the wildlife, as well.

According to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, there are no less than 84 wildlife management areas throughout the state. You can download detailed maps of these areas, complete with trails and topography at the department’s web site, www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

There are also several National Wildlife Refuges. The Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, for example, attracts large flocks of migratory birds to its quiet waters and wetlands. Here on the shores of northern Lake Champlain, you’re likely to see an abundance of waterfowl, such as mallards, black ducks, wood ducks, ring-necked ducks, snow geese, and more.

While you’re out enjoying nature this summer, remember these tips:

• Don’t feed the deer or other game animals. Although well intentioned, feeding deer, turkeys, or bears is actually bad for them.
• Don’t use lead fishing sinkers. Lead sinkers are deadly to loons and waterfowl.
• Leave nature as you find it. Don’t even carry bait or bucket water from one waterway to another. This can lead to the invasion of non-native species.
• Control your pets.
• Stay on designated hiking trails.
• Always be careful with campfires.

Most of all, get out and enjoy the outdoors! And let’s keep Vermont a haven for wildlife and wildlife lovers. For more information on the joys of watching wildlife, visit www.watchablewildlife.org. Also, check out the Nulhegan and Moosalooma regions, two of the best areas for wildlife lovers.