In the 19th century, the land that is now Centennial Woods was primarily used for agriculture, much of it being pasture for livestock. Thus, less than 200 years ago, this land was completely cleared and has only recently undergone reforestation. Between 1891 and 1968, UVM acquired several parcels of this land from different owners adding up to about 216 acres. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, the woodland shrunk due to various reasons such as the construction of I-89 by the government and construction of parking lots, housing, stormwater retention ponds, etc. by the university. In 1997, 66 acres of woods were preserved by the university which has remained Centennial Woods Natural Area on campus. The current permitted land uses are trail use and maintenance, sugaring, soil pits, and current rates of stormwater discharge.
Brooks, C. (2020). Lecture 4. University of Vermont, Burlington VT.