From the Director’s Desk

by Rob Terry, Executive Director

Branches are sagging with apples, second cut is flexing the haymow, hillsides are awash in vibrant hues, and tendrils of smoke are wafting on the wind. It would seem that fall has arrived right on schedule in the north country. In a typical year, school buses would be headed up the access road each morning, bringing 5th and 6th graders from regional schools to join our field educators for outdoor ecology lessons. This, however, as we all know, is not a typical year. Some in our community have suffered tragic losses, and for them our hearts break. Yet even for those who have avoided the devastation that Covid-19 can bring, the low-grade losses are piling up. Small to significant disruptions to work, school, socialization, and all facets of life take a powerful cumulative toll. Seeing the difficulties that our neighbors are facing has only strengthened our resolve to serve our community in any way that we can. Throughout this issue of the Ridgeline we will focus on many of the projects and initiatives that we have undertaken during these trying times.

Throughout the pandemic, our 3,200 acres and 30 miles of trail have remained open. Sharing the restorative power of nature continues to be a top priority for us. Now, more than ever, we can all stand to gain from the positive psychological and physiological benefits of spending time in the outdoors. Immersion in nature lowers stress, increases Vitamin D levels, improves concentration, and lessons the impacts of a host of potentially severe health issues.

Disruptions to school have created challenging situations for families everywhere. Seeing this, our education team has shifted its focus from hosting large seasonal events to developing digital content and designing new Covid-aligned small group programs. MFFC Educators have also been working to improve access to the organization’s new 144-acre satellite campus adjoining our community’s public school, and we are working closely with teachers and administrators there to help facilitate outdoor learning. Meanwhile, the team has been developing on-site programming designed to fill gaps in coverage for local families. With regional schools presently closed for in-person instruction on Wednesdays, our Education team has developed a series of day-long onsight experiential ecology programs that help fill that gap.

Disruptions to distribution channels and shut-down related unemployment have stressed both regional food producers and consumers. In response, our advancement team has taken on the coordination of a multi-producer community supported agricultural project that has transferred $135,000 of food from regional producers directly into the hands of local consumers. As a component of this effort, the team has engaged consumers, producers, and local funders in the effort to help procure and distribute over 300 nocost boxes full of fresh, local meat, dairy, bread, and produce to 60 regional families struggling with food insecurity.

Throughout the pandemic and beyond, we remain committed to serving our community in any and every way that we can. In the face of this challenge, we will continue to iterate and innovate. Our capacity to do this work is a direct result of your continued support. Thank you for staying engaged during these difficult days and helping us as we strive to identify new ways to use our resources to serve our community, and continue to inspire curiosity, love, and responsibility for our working and natural lands.

Board Of Trustees

George Hatch

President

Ann Jackson Vice President

Kat Deeley Secretary

Keld Alstrup Treasurer

Dinah Buechner-Vischer

Jeromy Gardner

Jim Hand

Mark Lourie

Sam Schneski

Sue Van Hook

Brian Vargo

Staff

Rachel Batz

Recreation Technician

Darla Belevich

Visitor Center

Stephanie Breed Visitor Center

Eli Crumley

Grounds/Maintenance

Cara Davenport Program Coordinator

Tim Duclos

Conservation Manager

Dylan Durkee

Farm Manager

Chris Ferris-Hubbard

Education Director

Kathryn Lawrence

Assistant Executive Director

Marybeth Leu

Communications Coordinator

Liz Ruffa

PHOTO CREDITS:

Rachel Batz: p. 13 • Cara Davenport: pp. 6, 12, 20, 24

Tim Duclos: pp. 4, 8, 9 • Marybeth Leu: p. 14 • Liz Ruffa: p. 22

Anna Terry: front cover, pp. 13, 19, 23 • Rob Terry: pp. 3, 9, 15, 16-17 courtesy of Dorset Historical Society: p. 7 • courtesy of Erica Houskeeper: p.5 courtesy of Manchester Journal: pp. 10, 11 • courtesy of Middletown Farm, Londonderry: p. 21 • Tim Duclos: maps and graphics: pp. 8, 11, 17

Director Of Institutional Advancement

Rob Terry Executive Director