The crowd watches the film premier of "Riparian" at Patagonia Burlington. Photo credit: Zach Walbridge.
The crowd watches the film premier of "Riparian" at Patagonia Burlington. Photo credit: Zach Walbridge.

As a locally owned and operated store, Patagonia Burlington is fortunate enough to collaborate with local action-oriented organizations. Through Patagonia’s environmental grant program, we partnered with Burlington’s Intervale Center and the Intervale Conservation Nursery to create a grant proposal. Over the last 2 years, the Intervale Conservation Nursery has been awarded $25,000 to raise awareness within our community about the importance of riparian buffers for the health of our waterways and to continue to grow the conservation nursery itself.

Enjoying a brew donated by Foam Brewers at the film premier of "Riparian" at Patagonia Burlington. Photo credit: Zach Walbridge.
Enjoying a brew donated by Foam Brewers at the film premier of "Riparian" at Patagonia Burlington. Photo credit: Zach Walbridge.

The past two summers, we’ve closed up shop for a day and our staff has embarked on field days to steward farm fields along the Winooski river, planting 500+ trees to better strengthen the riparian buffer.

Riparian Buffer - An area of vegetation that borders a body of water, usually a river or a lake, that helps to protect the water quality and ecosystem health from adjacent land uses.

In collaboration with local photo/videographer, Zach Wallbridge and local singer/songwriter, Emma Cook, Patagonia Burlington created, “Riparian,” a short film to highlight our partnership and the imperative work of the Intervale Center and Conservation Nursery.

On February 21st, we were excited to host a premier screening of “Riparian.” Following the film, Mike Ingalls, the manager of the nursery and star of the film, facilitated a Q&A. He shared that, “Last year, we planted enough trees to fill 60 football fields.”

Photo 2: Emma Cook who wrote and recorded the
Emma Cook who wrote and recorded the "Riparian" soundtrack preforms and in-store set. Photo credit: Zach Walbridge.

With a turnout close to 150 people, we celebrated our partnership with Patagonia Provisions and brews donated by Foam Brewers. We hosted a $5 Miir pint night with proceeds close to $400 going to the Intervale to further our impact. Following the film, Emma Cook, who wrote and recorded the film's soundtrack, performed an in-store set.

Thanks to all who joined us! We hope you enjoyed yourself as much as we did!

Below is the final cut of the film. If you are interested in taking action, be sure to check out all of the volunteer opportunities the Intervale Center has to offer.

- Harper Simpson,
Patagonia Burlington