Roots School is based in East Calais, Vermont at the top of a long broad west facing ridge. The Worcester Range and Camels Hump command the view as the land drops to a rolling vista of central Vermont. The terrain itself is varied, and offers northern hardwood forests, evergreen stands, beaver ponds, and pasture, as the land rolls towards a series of springs and streams.

Many lessons in tracking may be found as whitetails, moose, black bear, fishers, bobcats, porcupine, coyotes, foxes, mink, ermine, snowshoe hare, wild turkey, and ruffled grouse, are commonly seen and tracked on the land. Often times we are also lucky enough to catch a hawk circling the pasture and to hear the barred owls remarkable calls in the darkness of night.

We see this land as a blessing to ourselves and our students, for to learn survival, tracking, and awareness, the Earth itself must be our greatest teacher. The diversity of plants, trees, and animals make the Ridge an ideal place to study and grow. As our school develops, we continue to build a relationship to this land, as do our students with whom we are always excited to share the experience of this place.

Camping at Roots

Roots School offers both overnight courses as well as the opportunity to camp on location at classes not deemed to be overnight. Camping facilities are rustic, limited to tent and tarp set up locations, outhouses, and an outdoor kitchen area with bear boxes. In the winter months, people can stay in the warm and dry yurt. Water is always available either from the well or the spring.

For overnight classes camping is provided. For students wishing to spend the night before, during, or after course days in order for travel plans to work out, there is a small fee of $5 dollars a night per site. Parking is available for the duration of your stay.

Directions

Directions
We are located off a dirt road on the border of Marshfield, and East Calais.  In this out-of- the-way location, we run a multitude of classes throughout the year.  In the spring time, the few miles of dirt road can be a hazard with the mud, pot holes, and wash boarding if you drive fast.  Please take it easy, and it should be no problem.  Furthermore, the roads in Vermont can be difficult to traverse during storms and severe winter weather. If you do not have a vehicle with snow tires, four, or all wheel drive you may have difficulty getting to our location in the winter. If this is a concern, please contact us and we can arrange alternate plans for you to get here safe and sound. 
 

From 89

Take 89 to Exit 8                                                                
Merge onto Memorial Drive    1.2 miles
Continue onto Berlin St.     .5 miles
Slight left at River St.     1.4 miles
At the traffic circle,
    continue straight to stay on River Street.
Continue onto East Montpelier Rd./
    US-2 East.  Continue to Follow US-2 E    4.7 miles
Make a left onto VT-14 N    7.8 miles
Sharp Right at Marshfield Rd    1.3 miles
This turn is tricky. As you come into the village of East Calais there will be a stone retaining wall on the right and then a white church. Marshfield Rd is poorly marked and is right at the church with the road actually splitting around the church.  This little road has recently beeb marked as Church Rd. It quickly becomes the Marshfield Rd. and continues up the hill behind the church.
Turn Left at East Hill    .8 miles
Continue on Blachly Rd    272 feet
Make a right onto our driveway, 20 Blachly Rd.

Heading South from Hardwick and the junction of VT-14/VT-15

Head South on VT-14    11.6 miles
Turn Left at Marshfield Rd.    1.3 miles
Turn Left at East Hill    .8 miles
Continue on Blachly Rd    272 feet
Make a right onto our driveway, 20 Blachly Rd.

Heading West from St. Johnsbury/91

Head South on Cherry St toward Eastern Ave/US-2        0.1 mi
Turn Right at Eastern Ave/US-2                    0.2 mi
Turn Left at Main St/US-2
Continue to follow US-2                        20.4 mi

Turn Right at Creamery St                        0.5 mi
Continue on Brook Rd                        2.1 mi
Turn Left at Ducharme Rd                        0.5 mi
Continue on Blachly Rd                        1.3 mi
Make a right onto our driveway, 20 Blachly Rd.

**Our driveway is the first right after Bliss Rd (which you pass on the left). The driveway is a sharp right hand turn. Look for Roots School sign, set back off the road a little bit on the right.  After the first big incline there is a parking lot to the right, please park there and walk up the driveway till you see the classroom signs, follow these to the outdoor classroom where we will be waiting to complete registration. 

If you need more specific directions please contact us.
 
*To those relying on Gps systems, they have helped students as much as hindered them.  Please take a copy of our directions along with you if you plan on using one.

Wilderness Survival Training | Outdoor Survival Classes