Building Connections & Sharing Gratitude in the Mad River Valley

Here in the Mad River Valley, we know that when we come together as a community, we can build things that will benefit generations to come. Two important efforts are underway right now—both rooted in connection, well-being, and care for this special place—and the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce is integrally involved and actively engaged in helping move them forward.

Active Transportation Corridor – Final Public Meeting

Wednesday, October 1 • 5:30 PM • Lareau Pavilion

The scoping study for the Active Transportation Corridor, which will connect Warren, Waitsfield, Moretown, and Middlesex, is complete! The advisory committee—on which the MRV Chamber has been an active participant—is ready to share the final report and lay out the path to implementation.

This is more than just a study—it’s the next step toward a safe, off-road bike and pedestrian path that links our villages, fosters sustainable economic growth, and promotes health, recreation, and safety.

The final public meeting will be held at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, October 1 at the Lareau Pavilion. It will be a fun and engaging gathering, complete with food and kids’ activities. Most importantly, it’s a chance for our community to show support and keep the momentum going for this transformational project. The MRV Chamber is proud to play a role in convening and supporting this effort that will strengthen our community for generations to come.

Attitude of Gratitude for the Mad River Valley

At the same time, another project is asking us to look inward—at how we connect with nature and one another. Attitude of Gratitude, a project of MRV Conservation and Recreation Visioning, is being created in collaboration with the Mad River Riders, Friends of the Mad River, Three Peaks Media, and with the MRV Chamber’s ongoing support and engagement.

This film explores the relationship between humans and the natural world, narrated by a child from the future who asks us to reflect on the choices we make today. Filming kicked off last week with eighteen Valley residents volunteering their time—biking, running, swimming, fishing, canoeing, birdwatching, trail building, and even dog walking.

Sam Davies and Ivar Bastress of Three Peaks Media used drones, line cameras, and other advanced techniques to capture both the beauty of the Valley and the spirit of outdoor adventure. Some shots required hours of set-up for just seconds of film, and volunteers gamely repeated their activities over and over to get the perfect take.

Filming will continue through fall and winter, with a premiere set for spring 2026. Alongside the film, the team is developing an MRV Recreational Code of Ethics and the Attitude of Gratitude Pledge, which will be shared across the Valley’s recreation, conservation, and hospitality networks—helped along by the Chamber’s communications channels—spreading the ethic of gratitude to all who recreate here.

Moving Forward Together

From building an Active Transportation Corridor that connects our villages to fostering an Attitude of Gratitude that connects us to nature, these projects highlight what makes the Mad River Valley so special: a community that invests in its future while honoring the place we call home. The Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to be at the table, helping ensure these efforts succeed and deliver long-lasting benefits for our Valley.