The Redstone Quarry was purchased in 1958 by the University of Vermont (UVM) to be used primarily for geology courses. Redstone was a popular building material in Burlington in the 1800s, not only for its remarkable appearance and durability, but also because it was readily available at a small quarry within the city limits.

The name of this “redstone” rock is Monkton quartzite, formed in the Cambrian Period 500 million years ago. Upon close inspection you can see the small quartz grains, and it's the iron oxide that gives the red appearance.

This area is highly altered by its history of human uses, but slowly experiencing succession as trees take root in cracks and across surfaces of the rock, and water pools in the low areas creating wetland communities. At the right times of year, you’ll find that the small pond at the southern end of the quarry rings with a chorus of toads, or serves as a rest stop for migrating waterfowl, and tracks through the mud may lead you to a snapping turtle.