At Champlain Valley Union High School, the path to turf is full of PFAS

By Jason Starr | VT Digger | November 7, 2025

Read the full article by Jason Starr (VT Digger)

"Night games. Outdoor assemblies. Alumni events — members of the Champlain Valley Union High School community are thrilled at the possibility of adding an artificial turf field to the high school grounds in Hinesburg.

But a group of residents tasked with protecting the town’s natural resources is coalescing in opposition to the project.

In August, Charlotte parent Eli Lesser-Goldsmith approached the Champlain Valley School Board with an idea to privately fund a replacement of the school’s natural grass soccer-lacrosse field with synthetic turf, new bleachers and lights. Lesser-Goldsmith, CEO of Healthy Living market, is leading a fundraising group that intends to secure donations to cover the estimated $5.5 million installation cost."