Forest Notes, Spring 2023

THE MAGIC OF GRAFTON POND | STAFF PICKS

Recreation Roadmap Your adventure awaits in our featured property guide SPRING 2023

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5 HIKES CHALLENGE: August 31 - October 31 Challenge yourself to complete five hikes this fall on Forest Society reservations!

FREE for Forest Society members.

Registration opens August 17.

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CONTENTS Spring 2023, No. 313

FEATURES 5 The 2023 Guide to Forest Society Featured Properties 6 Seacoast Region 8 Merrimack Valley Region 10 Monadnock Region 12 Upper Valley Region 14 Lakes Region 16 White Mountains and North Country Region

18 Prized Properties: Staff Go-tos for Recreation 22 The Magic of Grafton Pond 24 A Generational Feat

DEPARTMENTS 2 FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK Welcome to our forests 26 PUBLIC POLICY Looking back on 50 years of Current Use 28 PROJECT IN PROGRESS One step at a time—times 80,000!

30 THE MANY FACES OF CONSERVATION A love affair for recreation!

On our cover and this page: It’s hard not to appreciate the beauty and wonder of Monson Center in Hollis and Milford.

Just 20 minutes from Nashua, this perfect family getaway offers easy hikes through fields and forests, shade trees to nap under, and history that hearkens back to colonial times.

To learn more, turn to page 9. Photos by Ryan Smith.

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

CHAIR Drew Kellner, Brookline

VICE CHAIR Bill Crangle, Plymouth

SECRETARY Allyson Hicks, Concord

TREASURER Andrew Smith, Twin Mountain

PRESIDENT Jack Savage, Middleton

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Philip Bryce, Deering Deb Buxton, Greenfield George Epstein, Silver Lake Elizabeth Salas Evans, Weare Peter Fauver, North Conway Don Floyd, Concord Jason Hicks, Meredith Patricia Losik, Rye Nancy Martland, Sugar Hill Michael Morison, Peterborough Bill “Tuck” Tucker, Goffstown Tom Wagner, Campton Janet Zeller, Concord

STAFF Will Abbott, Project Manager, The Rocks Frank Allen, Building and Grounds Assistant Sarah AlSamaraee, Stewardship & Forestry Administrative Coordinator Dave Anderson, Senior Director of Education Brie Belisle, Regional Stewardship Manager Anna Berry, Director of Communications and Digital Outreach Nik Berube, Maintenance Assistant Naomi Brattlof, Director of Easement Stewardship Rita Carroll, Tree Farm Administrator Tony Cheek, Vice President for Finance Connie Colton, Land Protection and Stewardship Coordinator Linda Dammann, Development Assistant Carrie Deegan, Reservation Stewardship and Engagement Director Leah Hart, Land Conservation Project Manager Stacie Hernandez, Land Conservation Project Manager Brian Hotz, Vice President for Land Conservation Steve Junkin, Field Forester Sarah Kern, Creek Farm Education Program Coordinator Susanne Kibler-Hacker, Senior Philanthropy Advisor Allan Krygeris, Senior Technology Specialist Sara Krzyzaniak, Data Processor Matt Leahy, Public Policy Director Cameron Larnerd, Christmas Tree Farm Manager, The Rocks Margaret Liszka, Membership Director Nigel Manley, Senior Outreach Manager, The Rocks Ann McCoy, Development Manager Stephanie Milender, Human Resource Director Jack Minich, Regional Stewardship Manager Michelle Morse, Finance Specialist Carl Murphy, Facilities Manager Meredith Reed O’Donnell, Foundation Relations Manager Tina Ripley, Administrative Coordinator Sophie Oehler, Communications Coordinator Cara Pearson, Membership Specialist John Plummer, Regional Stewardship Manager Gabe Roxby, Field Forester Jack Savage, President Matt Scaccia, Recreation and Community Relations Manager Ryan Smith, Communications Manager Ron Snow, Manager of Individual Giving Maria Stewart, Senior Executive Assistant Dylan Summers, Stewardship Projects Manager Laurel Swope-Brush, Land Steward & Volunteer Programs Coordinator Anne Truslow, Vice President for Development Wendy Weisiger, Managing Forester Harriette Yazzie-Whitcomb, Administrative Assistant

Welcome to Our Forests!

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very year, as many as a half million people visit our nearly 200 conserved forests, ranging from popular destinations like Mount Major, Mount Monadnock, and Lost River, to quieter, out-of-the way spots that offer the opportunity for reflection on a walk in the woods, hunting, fishing, birdwatching, or just a chance to get away from it all.

The Forest Society’s mission, to perpetuate the forests of New Hampshire, encompasses a commitment to welcome the public to our conserved lands. You can help.

You can help by appreciating the hard work by hundreds of volunteers who, along with our dedicated staff, care for these lands. We want to improve the experience for all who visit our properties, and we have been making a concerted effort to do that. It’s often the case that when we improve a trail, we are achieving multiple purposes: it’s better for the visitor, and a properly sited and constructed trail will better protect the wildlife habitat, water resources, and other features of the forest.

You can help by introducing a friend to the woods. We achieve our goals thanks to the support of those who care, and among the best ways to recruit more stewards of the environment is to get them outside.

You can help by showing others how to recreate responsibly on the conserved land we all enjoy. When you follow Leave No Trace principles on your visit (learn more on page 5), others will follow. Be exemplary.

You can help by being welcoming to others you meet on the trail. We observe that our lands host a diverse array of people, all of whom at that moment have something in common: a desire to immerse themselves in nature, enjoy a view, or share a walk with good friends. Let’s celebrate that common appreciation of the many benefits of forests.

I want to thank everyone who, over the course of more than a century, has made it possible through your generosity to permanently protect these lands and make them available for responsible recreational use. From Lost River Gorge, the first property we owned in 1912, to the newly protected Ammonoosuc River Forest, there are a lot of places to explore!

See you on the trail.

Jack Savage is the president of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.

He can be reached by email at jsavage @forestsociety.org.

WEB EXCLUSIVES

(OPPOSITE PAGE) RYAN SMITH; (THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) NIGEL MANLEY, LAUREL SWOPE BRUSH, SOPHIE OEHLER, CHRIS WHITON

A Forevergreen Spring The Rocks’ education program kicks off forestsociety.org/forevergreen23

From Branch to Bench Milling timber into bat houses & benches forestsociety.org/creekfarmmill

Hidden History A tour at The Fells with multiple meanings forestsociety.org/hiddenhistories

Save the Date!

2023 Annual Meeting and Grand Reopening of Forest Society North at The Rocks!

Saturday, September 23 Featuring A Journey to the White Mountains in Words and Music with author Howard Mansfield and musician Ben Cosgrove, along with field trips, awards, and business meeting.

Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests A nonprofit membership organization founded in 1901 to protect the state’s most important landscapes and promote wise use of its renewable natural resources.

Basic annual membership fee is $45 and includes a subscription to Forest Notes.

Editor: Ryan Smith Design & Production: The Secret Agency Printing: R.C. Brayshaw & Company, Inc. Forest Notes is printed on elemental chlorine-free Sappi Flo paper with 10 percent post-consumer recycled content. Sappi Flo is made from pulp purchased from suppliers who document sound environmental practices and sustainable forest management.

Permission is required for reproduction of any part of this magazine.

Copyright 2023 SPNHF. US ISSN: 0015 7457 54 Portsmouth Street, Concord, N.H. 03301 | Phone: 603-224-9945 | Fax: 603-228-0423 info@forestsociety.org | forestsociety.org The Forest Society proudly supports the following organizations:

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Spring 2023 FOREST NOTES | 3

Consulting Foresters

The Forest Society encourages landowners to consult with a licensed forester before undertaking land management activities.

The following are paid advertisers.

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Martin Forestry Consulting, LLC Offering complete forest management services, including timber sales, cruises, appraisals, and wildlife habitat management. Ask us about recreation trail planning, construction Brontosaurus mowing, and forestry excavation services.

P.O. Box 89, New Hampton, NH 03256 • 603-744-9484 Email: martinforestry@gmail.com

MICHAEL TRAGNER michael.tragner@fountainsland.com 802.233.9040 www.fountainsland.com | Trusted Professionals in Timberland Brokerage for Over 40 Years

Eastern Old-Growth Forest Conference Exploring Connections: The Value of Old-Growth Forests in Today’s World

September 21-23, 2023 Moultonborough, NH

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Jeremy Turner, NHLPF #318 — Southern NH jturner@meadowsendco.com Matthias Nevins, NHLPF #518 — Central NH mnevins@meadowsendco.com Ryan Kilborn, NHLPF #442 — Northern NH rkilborn@meadowsendco.com Vast range of quality land management services.

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meadowsendco.com • 603.526.8686 Licensed foresters should address inquiries about advertising to Anne Truslow by calling 603-224-9945 or emailing atruslow@forestsociety.org.

4 | FOREST NOTES Spring 2023

Scan me! Register today.

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IT’S TIME TO GET OUTSIDE! Welcome to the Forest Society’s 2023 recreation issue! The Forest Society owns more than 190 properties across New Hampshire, and we want you to explore them. On the following pages, you’ll find regional maps highlighting featured destinations, along with property descriptions chock full of things to do and see, parking information, and best times to visit.

This guide includes land protected by conservation easements or deed restrictions held by the Forest Society, noted on the maps with a [CE]. These properties are owned by private individuals or entities—such as land trusts, conservation organizations, or town, state, or federal agencies—but they are open to the public.

The easements and deed restrictions limit the type of activities that can occur there, which protects the conservation and open space values of the land.

With hundreds of miles of trails to hike on from the North Country to the Seacoast, there is something for everyone in your family to enjoy in this guide. Pro tip: Don’t forget to download the Forest Society’s OuterSpatial app before you go to have detailed maps and trail descriptions at your fingertips. To learn more, visit forestsociety.org/app.

Have some fun, be safe, and I’ll see you on the trails and water.

— Ryan Smith, Forest Notes editor

You can help us care for our properties and easements by practicing Leave No Trace. Every outing is an opportunity to practice these principles and ensure our shared resources will be sustained into the future.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Learn about the property you plan to visit ahead of time: do your research and check the weather. Have a plan B ready in case you encounter full parking lots. Remember to park safely and don’t park in front of gates. Care for your pets by knowing their limitations and always keeping them under control.

TRASH YOUR TRASH: Pack out all of your trash, including pet waste, and consider disposing of other refuse you find during your visit.

LEAVE IT AS YOU FIND IT: Leave plants, rocks, and historical items as you find them so others can enjoy them, too. Avoid damaging living trees and plants. Common edible plants (e.g., berries) may be collected for limited personal consumption.

Remember to rinse, drain, and dry your boat, trailer, and all water recreation gear after every use to help prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species.

KEEP WILDLIFE WILD: Observe wildlife from a distance, don’t feed them, and store your food and trash securely.

SHARE THE OUTDOORS: Be friendly to others you encounter outdoors. To limit crowding at our popular destinations, consider visiting on a weekday. Use headphones if you choose to listen to music.

STICK TO TRAILS: Walk and ride on designated trails whenever possible. If you are using a motorized vehicle, be sure that you are allowed to use it where you are riding. Find durable surfaces (e.g., rocks) or pull-offs if you need to stop and take a break. Bicycles and horses are only allowed on vehicular access roads or specially designated routes.

For more Forest Society guidelines, visit forestsociety.org/visitor-use-guidelines.

For additional Leave No Trace tips, go to visitnh.gov/leavenotrace, and for safe hiking tips, visit hikesafe.com.

Spring 2023 FOREST NOTES | 5

SEACOAST REGION New Hampshire’s Seacoast is both spectacularly beautiful and biologically diverse. Five rivers flow into the 6,000-acre Great Bay estuary, ultimately feeding into the Piscataqua River that drains into the Gulf of Maine. Thanks to years of investment through the Great Bay Partnership and by many other organizations, the Seacoast is rich in conservation gems. Forest Society properties in the region host tucked-away trails that traverse a variety of habitats and terrain from the forest to the coast.

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1. WILLIAM H. CHAMPLIN JR. FOREST | 307 ACRES

4. DAME FOREST | 95 ACRES

Only a few minutes from the bustle of downtown Rochester, the Champlin Forest offers a peaceful patchwork of diverse habitats to explore. Two miles of gentle trails connect fields dotted with wildflowers, varied woodlands, vernal pools, wetlands, and former ponds now reverting to forest. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike with the family or a place to walk your dog, Champlin has something for everyone to enjoy.

PARKING: Route 108, Rochester WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailhead unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: forestsociety.org/champlin

Nestled within a network of conservation lands that protect the Great Bay watershed, the Dame Forest contains a mix of wetland and upland habitats, including beaver marshes, seeps, vernal pools, and Appalachian oak–sugar maple forests. Areas surrounding Crommet Creek are excellent spots for viewing waterfowl, turtles, and amphibians. The Dame Forest is easily accessible via the northerly start of the Sweet Trail (named in honor of Cy and Bobbie Sweet), a 4-mile trail that winds through the Dame Forest and crosses other conserved lands before finishing on the shore of Great Bay. PARKING: Longmarsh Road, Durham WHEN TO VISIT: Year round, daily, dawn to dusk ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: forestsociety.org/dame-forest

2. POWDER MAJOR’S FOREST | 193 ACRES Powder Major’s Forest is an important recreational, ecological, and historical resource on the Seacoast. Located at the intersection of the town boundaries of Madbury, Lee, and Durham, this land was once owned by Revolutionary War hero John Demeritt (“The Powder Major”), who is credited for hiding the stolen gunpowder that was used in the Battle of Bunker Hill at his Madbury farm. Hikers will appreciate the relatively level trails, including a 2.4-mile outer loop trail marked with yellow blazes that runs through wetlands along the Oyster River. During your visit, try to locate where the town lines of Madbury, Lee, and Durham meet. Pro tip: Look for the granite marker just off-trail in the southern portion of the property.

PARKING: Tibbetts Field, Madbury WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailhead unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: forestsociety.org/powder-majors-forest

3. EMERY FARM | 95-ACRE CONSERVATION EASEMENT

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Locally owned and operated by the same family for more than 350 years, Emery Farm has been a part of the fabric of the Seacoast for generations. When the Forest Society purchased a conservation easement from owners David Hills and Catherine McLaughlin-Hills in 2018, it marked the third and final phase of the family's plan to ensure that their historic property would stay undeveloped forever. The farm’s market and café sells seasonal produce and tasty take-away treats, including their awardwinning cider donuts and local-favorite Annabelle’s ice cream.

Save some time to wander the fields and visit the petting farm.

PARKING: Piscataqua Road (Route 4), Durham WHEN TO VISIT: Year round ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: emeryfarm.com

5. GEORGE F. SMITH WOODLOT | 80 ACRES At the George F. Smith Woodlot, visitors will find a short loop trail system that meanders through gently rolling terrain and provides a perfect opportunity to slow down and appreciate the solace of a pine-oak forest. Acquired in 1976, this forest had been carefully managed for timber production for many generations and the Forest Society has continued this legacy since.

PARKING: Baker Street, Newfields WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailhead unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: forestsociety.org/george-f-smith-woodlot F

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6. CREEK FARM | 35 ACRES One of Portsmouth’s hidden gems, Creek Farm borders the scenic shoreline of Sagamore Creek and serves as the Forest Society’s Seacoast program center. From the main parking area, a short walk brings visitors to the lawn in front of the Carey Cottage (no public entry), where you can enjoy a picnic or launch a paddleboard, canoe, or kayak. The 1.5-mile Little Harbor Loop Trail connects Creek Farm to the neighboring state-owned Wentworth Coolidge Mansion and city-owned conservation land and provides numerous scenic viewpoints along the way. The Forest Society Education Center at Creek Farm hosts hands-on activities and guided walks run by the Forest Society and summer camps run by the Gundalow Company.

PARKING: Creek Farm Road, Portsmouth WHEN TO VISIT: Year round, daily, dawn to dusk (note: dogs must be leashed) ADMISSION FEE: $5 suggested donation INFO: forestsociety.org/creekfarm

Spring 2023 FOREST NOTES | 7

MERRIMACK VALLEY REGION

Property Features:

Looking for a taste of the outdoors close to New Hampshire’s largest cities?

The Merrimack River Valley features many wonderful Forest Society properties that are rich with scenic beauty, wildlife, history, and more. The Merrimack Conservation Partnership, a coalition of many groups and agencies, has accelerated conservation efforts in this key two-state watershed, with a focus on protecting water quality. The destinations that follow offer trails, woods, and waters providing convenient settings for active living and maintaining wellness a stone’s throw from the state’s major highways.

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1. HUTCHINS FOREST AND THE PAUL & THELMA AMBEAU MEMORIAL FOREST | 108 ACRES

4. TOWER HILL POND | 1,942-ACRE CONSERVATION EASEMENT

Quiet and peaceful intersecting loop trails, a brookside meadow, and an enormous pine tree that exploded after a lightning strike in 2020 are just some of the features waiting to be discovered at these beautiful Canterbury properties. The trails pass through pine and hardwood forests that were lightly managed by land donor Quentin Hutchins. Careful forest management has been implemented on the Hutchins tree farm for many decades, which helps contribute to the health and diversity of the lands while improving standing timber. The adjoining Ambeau Forest has a similar history of land use, but with slightly better soils, it has hosted a more productive forest over time.

PARKING: Mountain Road (Rt. 132), Canterbury; Pickard Road, Canterbury (limited spaces at both locations) WHEN TO VISIT: Year round, daily, dawn to dusk ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: forestsociety.org/hutchins-ambeau-forest

In 2019, the Forest Society and the Manchester Water Works joined together to permanently conserve 1,942 acres surrounding Tower Hill Pond in Candia and Hooksett. The nearly 2,000 acres are part of the 8,000 acres that the Manchester Water Works owns and manages to ensure clean drinking water for the City of Manchester and surrounding towns. The property offers numerous recreational opportunities, including a six-mile trail system of fire roads used by mountain bikers, hikers, dog walkers, and runners. There are also several state-designated snowmobile trails, and the stocked trout pond is open for canoeing and fishing.

PARKING: Tower Hill Road, Candia WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: forestsociety.org/towerhillpond

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5. MONSON CENTER | 269 ACRES

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2. MERRIMACK RIVER OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION AREA | 103 ACRES Often referred to as “The Floodplain,” the Merrimack River Outdoor Education and Conservation Area is a highly diverse landscape home to a myriad of aquatic, avian, and mammalian species for visitors to observe throughout the year. Located along Mill Brook and the north side of the Merrimack River as it meanders through New Hampshire’s capital city, the property includes a two-mile trail system and ample parking.

PARKING: Les Clark Nature Trailhead off Portsmouth Street, Concord WHEN TO VISIT: Year round, daily, dawn to dusk ADMISSION FEE: $5 suggested donation INFO: forestsociety.org/floodplain V

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3. BUXTON FOREST AND ELIZABETH SIMONS PRESERVE | 227 ACRES The trail at the Buxton-Simons Forest begins from the property gate and sign off Flanders Memorial Drive and leads into a beautiful hemlock forest along a marsh. Along the trail, observant visitors will notice that the area was sustainably harvested in 2018. Evidence of forest thinning and a series of patch cuts are visible from the trail. These valuable openings will allow light to reach the forest floor and encourage new growth. The trail’s elevation increases steadily, leading to the 1,201-foot summit of Mount Wallingford, the highest point in the town of Weare. On a clear day, visitors can see the summit of Mount Washington.

PARKING: Flanders Memorial Drive, Weare (fits 2–3 vehicles) WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailhead unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: forestsociety.org/bforest-espreserve

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After lying undisturbed and nearly forgotten for more than 200 years, the abandoned settlement of Monson Center was saved from development and protected in 1998 as a recreational and archaeological treasure. From 1738–1770, Monson was the earliest inland colonial settlement in the territory that eventually became New Hampshire. Today, a 3-mile trail system leads visitors to seven original home sites with biographical markers describing the colonial settlers who once lived there. Wellmaintained open fields and long stone walls provide an ideal setting to contemplate New England’s history of colonial settlement. The main trails also converge at a sprawling beaver wetland, which hosts an active heron rookery in early summer.

PARKING: Federal Hill Road, Hollis WHEN TO VISIT: Year round, daily, dawn to dusk ADMISSION FEE: $5 suggested donation INFO: forestsociety.org/monson-center

6. LESLIE C. BOCKES MEMORIAL FOREST | 226 ACRES More than 2 miles of trail wind through pine-oak forest at the Bockes Memorial Forest, offering peaceful solitude in the heart of suburban Londonderry and Hudson. Located within walking distance of a dense residential area, this forest provides important habitat for wildlife. Portions of the forest were carefully thinned in 2014, providing opportunities for fox, fisher, coyote, raccoon, and weasel to hunt smaller animals in bigger openings. With long views down its woods roads, the Bockes Memorial Forest is an excellent choice for close-to-home leafpeeping and dog walking.

PARKING: Mill Road, Londonderry WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailhead unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: forestsociety.org/bockesforest Spring 2023 FOREST NOTES | 9

MONADNOCK REGION Boundless hiking opportunities await in New Hampshire’s southwest corner!

The Monadnock region offers a mesmerizing array of different experiences and levels of challenge. You can explore gentle waterside trails or middlesized mountains. Or put your hiking skills to the test climbing to the summit of Mount Monadnock. Feeling even more ambitious? Plan a trek along the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, a 50-mile hiking trail first established by the Forest Society in 1921!

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1. HEDGEHOG MOUNTAIN FOREST | 1,086 ACRES 2. HIGH FIVE | 53 ACRES

5. MOUNT MONADNOCK | 4,519 ACRES

Bookended to the north by Hedgehog Mountain Forest and to the south by High Five, the nearly 5-mile Hedgehog Ridge Trail is the connecting footpath between these two irresistibly scenic spots.

Choose your own adventure: you can walk the short 1/3-mile trail to the summit of Wilson Hill at High Five to find spectacular views (and a perfect picnic spot); hike Hedgehog Mountain for more sweeping views of the Contoocook River Valley (1.2 miles roundtrip); or challenge yourself to hike nearly 10 miles out and back along the Hedgehog Ridge Trail. If you can spot a car at either end of the trail, the 5-mile one way trek may be your perfect compromise!

PARKING: Northern trailhead: Hedgehog Mountain Road, Deering; southern trailhead: Sky Farm Road, Deering WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailheads unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: $5 suggested donation (mobile only) INFO: forestsociety.org/hedgehog-mountain-forest; forestsociety.org/high-five F

3. MCCABE FOREST | 189 ACRES Explore two miles of looping trails at the McCabe Forest where a secluded section of the Contoocook River slowly meanders along the eastern side of the property. The trails along the river pass through floodplain forests where routine spring flooding supports beautiful, arching silver maple trees overhead and large ostrich ferns on the forest floor. Hikers will appreciate the property’s relatively gentle terrain and cool, shady stands of hemlock trees on warm summer days. Listen for black-throated green warblers in the spring. Watch for beaver and otter in the river oxbows.

PARKING: Route 202, Antrim WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailhead unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: $5 suggested donation (mobile only) INFO: forestsociety.org/mccabe-forest V

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JERRY MONKMAN/ECOPHOTOGRAPHY

4. MADAME SHERRI FOREST | 513 ACRES Once owned by the eccentric actress and socialite Antoinette “Madame Sherri” Bramare, this property now draws visitors to marvel at the ruins of her summer castle-style home. The site of the ruins, including the iconic decaying stone staircase, is only a short walk from the Gulf Road trailhead. A hike beyond the landmark on the Ann Stokes Loop leads to scenic Indian Pond. To extend your outing, continue west from the pond on the Mine Ledge Trail up the eastern slope of Wantastiquet Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with excellent views of the Connecticut River Valley from just below the summit.

PARKING: Gulf Road, Chesterfield WHEN TO VISIT: Year round, daily, dawn to dusk ADMISSION FEE: $5 suggested donation (mobile only) INFO: forestsociety.org/madamesherri

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Mount Monadnock’s storied history, trail system, and aweinspiring views make summiting this 3,165-foot mountain a rite of passage for many outdoor enthusiasts. Often referred to as “Grand Monadnock,” the mountain serves as the visual and cultural centerpiece of southwest New Hampshire. The mountain has been honored as a National Natural Landmark and the Forest Society leases much of the property to the State of New Hampshire to be operated as Monadnock State Park.

There are numerous routes to the summit, some of which require a parking fee and advance reservations.

PARKING: Multiple locations depending on trail choice WHEN TO VISIT: Year round, daily, dawn to dusk ADMISSION FEE: Parking day pass fee is required at some trailheads; $5 suggested donation at Dublin and Marlboro trailheads.

(Note: Advance registration is highly recommended to park at the state park headquarters and Old Toll Road trailheads. Pets are not permitted anywhere on Mount Monadnock.)

INFO: forestsociety.org/monadnock; nhstateparks.org/visit/stateparks/monadnock-state-park V

6. GAP MOUNTAIN | 1,120 ACRES Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Monadnock and beyond from Gap Mountain’s middle and north summits. Aptly named for the prominent “gap” between its middle and south (no view) summits, Gap Mountain is one of the most popular hiking destinations in southern New Hampshire and is well known for its abundant and delicious blueberries that grow on the summits in July and August. The property’s primary trail coincides with the long-distance Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, which provides a direct link to reach the summit of Monadnock by foot.

PARKING: South parking lot: Upper Gap Mountain Road, Troy; north parking lot: Bullard Road, Jaffrey WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailheads unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: $5 suggested donation INFO: forestsociety.org/gapmountain F

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7. HEALD TRACT | 1,492 ACRES Visitors may spot an otter family playing in the water or a great blue heron fishing on Camp Pond at the Heald Tract, where more than seven miles of trails crisscross this varied landscape.

Surrounded by a patchwork of conserved properties in the Souhegan River Valley, the Heald Tract features a mixture of wellmanaged habitats along with ample recreation opportunities.

For an easy stroll, try the Heald Pond Trail, or opt for more of a challenge by taking the Camp Trail or Castor Pond Loop Trail.

PARKING: Heald Road or Kimball Hill Road/MacGregor Road, Wilton WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailheads unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: $5 suggested donation (mobile only) INFO: forestsociety.org/healdtract Spring 2023 FOREST NOTES | 11

UPPER VALLEY REGION Sublime adventures await at these Forest Society properties stretching across the Upper Valley Region. You will find scenic outlooks, lush woodlands, cool waters, and fresh air—all providing perfect resources for respite and renewal.

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1. FARNUM HILL RESERVE | 763-ACRE CONSERVATION EASEMENT Farnum Hill is a north-south trending ridge with three distinct summits. At 1,336 feet, South Peak has the highest elevation and magnificent views are afforded in all directions from numerous points along the ridge. The hiking trails on the property climb and run along ridges and on gentle loops downslope from the main ridge trail.

PARKING: Poverty Lane and Marie’s Way, Lebanon WHEN TO VISIT: Year round, daily, dawn to dusk ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: lebanonnh.gov/facilities/facility/details/Farnum-HillReserve-26 F

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2. GRAFTON POND | 933 ACRES

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4. HAY RESERVATION | 718 ACRES Reward yourself with beautiful views of Lake Sunapee and Mount Sunapee after climbing to the 1,831-foot summit of Sunset Hill at the Hay Reservation. The property abuts other protected lands, including the historic Hay Estate at The Fells (see their public programming schedule), the John Hay National Wildlife Refuge, and the New Hampshire Audubon Society’s Stony Brook Sanctuary.

PARKING: To access the trails, park at The Fells in Newbury and walk directly across Route 103A to the Sunset Hill trailhead.

WHEN TO VISIT: Year round, daily, dawn to dusk ADMISSION FEE: $5 suggested donation (mobile only) INFO: forestsociety.org/hay-reservation; thefells.org V

5. ANDREW BROOK FOREST | 126 ACRES

One of New Hampshire’s most beloved paddling destinations, Grafton Pond is a 319-acre lake with an almost entirely undeveloped shoreline. There are numerous bays and uninhabited islands to explore, offering excellent swimming, fishing, and wildlife watching opportunities. A state-owned boat launch near the parking area offers the best spot for putting in a canoe or kayak. The Forest Society owns and manages 933 acres along the shoreline—forever protecting the wild experience this lake offers. Watch for loons as you paddle, but keep your distance to reduce stress on this threatened bird species.

Note: Gas powered motorboats are not permitted; water levels may vary considerably throughout the season.

PARKING: Grafton Pond Road, Grafton WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall ADMISSION FEE: $5 suggested donation INFO: forestsociety.org/grafton-pond-reservation

The moderately challenging 2-mile Andrew Brook Trail meanders beside flowing water, cascades, and mossy pools that provide habitat for numerous wildlife species. After ascending over two miles, the trail reaches pristine Lake Solitude, a high-elevation lake resting 2,500 feet above sea level. Once you reach Lake Solitude, take a breath and keep going the final third of a mile to White Ledges for a panoramic view. Lake Solitude drains into Andrew Brook, allowing hikers to follow its refreshing waters back to the trailhead. This trail serves as an ideal gateway to many natural wonders located in neighboring Mount Sunapee State Park.

PARKING: Mountain Road, Newbury WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (Note: About one-eighth of a mile from the trailhead, the Andrew Brook crossing may be difficult when water levels are high. Trailhead unplowed in winter.)

ADMISSION FEE: $5 suggested donation (mobile only) INFO: forestsociety.org/andrewbrook

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3. LANGENAU FOREST | 168 ACRES

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A delightful 2-mile loop trail encircles the mixed-wood forest at the Langenau Forest. The trail begins by skirting the edge of a scenic pond before heading into hemlock and spruce woodlands.

As you hike around the pond, look for signs of beaver, including chewed stumps and bank slides where beavers regularly scoot on their bellies into the water. About halfway around the loop, there are nice views to the southwest along the property’s boundary. The trail system also connects to the SunapeeRagged-Kearsarge Greenway Trail and the Pleasant Lake High Trail, which serve as extended hiking options.

PARKING: Granite Hill Road, Wilmot WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailhead unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: forestsociety.org/langenau-forest

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6. ASHUELOT RIVER HEADWATERS FOREST 1,826 ACRES Spanning nearly 2,000 acres, the Ashuelot River Headwaters Forest includes superb mountain views and plenty of space for solitude. The trail up Silver Mountain climbs, sometimes steeply, through a pine, spruce, fir and mixed hardwood forest and eventually tops out at 2,160 feet with dramatic westward views of the village of Lempster and the Connecticut River Valley.

A timber harvest was carefully conducted in 2021 to support new tree growth by increasing the amount of light reaching the forest floor.

PARKING: South Road, Lempster WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (South Road unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: forestsociety.org/ashuelot-river-headwaters-forest

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LAKES REGION

Property Features:

Right in the heart of vacation country, the Lakes Region is truly a premiere outdoor destination. Each of these Forest Society properties offers unique vantage points with fantastic views of this vibrant area. Whether you are looking to join the fun at busier summits or immerse yourself in tranquil solitude, these reservations offer a wide range of experiences.

Featured Properties Other Featured Properties (Forest Society app/online)

Moody Mountain Forest

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1. COCKERMOUTH FOREST | 1,206 ACRES

4. MOUNT MAJOR | 200 ACRES

Stretching more than 1,200 acres across the western slopes of Mount Crosby, Cockermouth Forest offers a mix of moderate to strenuous hikes, incredible views, and numerous opportunities for exploration. Follow a series of interconnected trails and woods roads to placid Little Pond or enjoy picturesque views of the White Mountains, Squam Lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, and Newfound Lake from Bald Knob and Mount Crosby.

PARKING: North Groton Road, Groton WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailhead unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: $5 suggested donation (mobile only) INFO: forestsociety.org/cockermouthforest

At 1,786 feet, the summit of Mount Major offers views that are among the best in southern New Hampshire for the effort required.

Multiple trails (Mount Major/Main Trail, Brook Trail, and Boulder Loop) lead to the summit from the trailhead on Route 11 providing options for a round trip hike ranging from 3 to 3.9 miles. Be advised that the upper ledges are steep and dangerous in wet or icy conditions. The Brook Trail is a good alternative route in such conditions and an option for a more gradual descent that offers views from the open west ridge that are not duplicated by the Mount Major/Main Trail. In fall 2023, the Forest Society plans to greatly improve the sustainability of Mount Major’s Main Trail, the most popular route up and down the mountain. For more, turn to page 28.

PARKING: Mount Major Trailhead, Route 11, Alton WHEN TO VISIT: Year round, daily, dawn to dusk ADMISSION: $5 suggested donation INFO: forestsociety.org/mount-major-reservation

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2. HIGH WATCH PRESERVE | 2,336 ACRES Three trail options—one from the north and two from the south— lead hikers to the summit of Green Mountain. While the entire summit is covered in trees, a climb to the top of the fire tower provides stellar panoramic views of New Hampshire and Maine.

Extend your trip by taking a 0.25-mile side trail from the summit to the exposed ledge at Hanson Top for excellent views to the south and west. The summit of Green Mountain lies within Green Mountain State Forest and the High Watch Trail and Libby Access Road trailheads are on private property. Please respect private property and stick to the trail.

PARKING: Northern parking lot: High Watch Road, Effingham; southern parking lot: Hobbs Road, Effingham WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailhead unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: forestsociety.org/highwatch V

3. MOODY MOUNTAIN FOREST | 252 ACRES

JASON MORRIS

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Reach the highest point in Wolfeboro at 1,419 feet on this marked trail that leads from the trailhead at Moody Mountain Forest through old field white pine, spruce, and various hardwoods.

Much of this property was once former pastureland and evidence of this history can be found among the stonewalls and juniper bushes that are increasingly being shaded out by overstory trees. Numerous vernal pools and seeps, in addition to perennial streams, can be found throughout, providing a rich environment for plants and animals. Before the summit, the trail leads onto adjacent private property where a cabin is located.

Please respect this area. From the cabin, a picturesque view of Lake Winnipesaukee awaits.

PARKING: Beach Pond Road, Wolfeboro WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailhead unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: forestsociety.org/moodymountain

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5. MOOSE MOUNTAINS | 2,744 ACRES Find sweeping views, cellar holes, and centuries-old cemeteries at this nearly 2,800-acre reservation that boasts more than eight miles of trails, woods roads, and snowmobile corridors.

A popular outing is the 1.2-mile round-trip hike to the small peak called Phoebe’s Nable, which features a rare view of one of southern New Hampshire’s unbroken forested landscapes.

Pockets of unusual pitch pine forest habitat can also be found along the trail. To extend your outing, many other out-and-back and loop trail adventures await off the Burrows Farm Trail.

PARKING: New Portsmouth Road, Middleton WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailhead unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: $5 suggested donation (mobile only) INFO: forestsociety.org/moosemountains V

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6. EVELYN H. & ALBERT D. MORSE SR. PRESERVE 431 ACRES Discover one of the best-kept hiking secrets in the Lakes Region!

The Morse Preserve boasts a family-friendly 1.7-mile marked loop trail that winds through fields and early successional forests to the top of Pine Mountain. Open blueberry barrens at the summit provide spectacular views of the Belknap Range and Lake Winnipesaukee. This property was previously managed as a commercial blueberry farm and more than 70 acres continue to be maintained as important early successional habitat, which also provides excellent berry picking and birding opportunities.

PARKING: Park in the Town of Alton’s Mike Burke Forest parking lot on Avery Hill Road. The trail begins approximately 200 feet south of the parking lot on the east side of the road.

WHEN TO VISIT: Year round, daily, dawn to dusk ADMISSION FEE: $5 suggested donation (mobile only) INFO: forestsociety.org/morse Spring 2023 FOREST NOTES | 15

WHITE MOUNTAINS AND NORTH COUNTRY REGION Wide-open spaces and grand boreal forests await you across the White Mountain and North Country regions. Forest Society properties in these areas offer picturesque settings for outdoor pursuits while sparing hikers the challenge of climbing the surrounding high peaks. You’ll find perfect sites to cast a line, take a hike, and sample some yummy maple syrup to boot in the wildest stretch of the Granite State.

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Featured Properties Other Featured Properties (Forest Society app/online)

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1. WASHBURN FOREST | 2,128 ACRES Fed by the pristine waters that flow from the four Connecticut Lakes and Lake Francis, the Upper Connecticut River, including six miles of river frontage at the Washburn Forest, is well known among fly fishing enthusiasts as one of New England’s premier cold-water fisheries. The easiest place to access the river and its tremendous trout fishing within the Washburn Forest is from the parking area and trailhead on the east side of Route 3 in Clarksville. From the lot, a trail parallels the river for 0.3 miles before connecting to the larger network of woods roads throughout the property’s interior.

PARKING: Route 3, Clarksville WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailhead unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: forestsociety.org/washburnforest F

2. DAVID DANA FOREST | 301 ACRES Enjoy a walk along well-maintained trails through spruce-fir woodlands to the remnants of an abandoned gold mine—now filled with water and rock—that is carved into a cliff face. A very small amount of gold was removed from the site before it was determined to have limited potential and abandoned. Several fields are routinely mowed and maintained as grassy openings for wildlife habitat. A spur trail also leads to a secluded point along the wild Johns River.

PARKING: Ridge Road, Dalton WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailhead unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: forestsociety.org/daviddanaforest V

JEREMY BARNABY

3. PEABODY FOREST | 82 ACRES From the trailhead on North Road in Shelburne, the Peabody Brook Trail climbs moderately along a wide woods road in the Peabody Forest. After about a mile, the trail ascends more steeply for a few tenths of a mile to a short spur trail that leads to Giant Falls. This 90-foot waterfall can vary from just a trickle to an impressively roaring cascade following a heavy rain.

Extend your hike by heading to Dream Lake or the Bald Cap Peak ledges. Much of this land is in the process of being protected by the Forest Society as part of the Mahoosuc Highlands project.

For more information, or to contribute, visit forestsociety.org/ project/mahoosuc-highlands-shelburne.

PARKING: North Road, Shelburne WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailhead unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: forestsociety.org/peabodyforest

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4. FOREST SOCIETY NORTH AT THE ROCKS 1,400 ACRES Donated to the Forest Society in 1978 by the descendants of John Jacob Glessner, The Rocks today is part grand White Mountain estate, part Christmas Tree Farm, and soon will re-open as Forest Society North. A major renovation of the 1884 Carriage Barn will be complete in the fall of 2023. Family-friendly woodland trails through the working sugarbush lead to the NH Maple Museum building also known as the Sawmill-Pigpen. For the more intrepid, the 1.8-mile Beaver Pond Loop Trail can be extended to include the full 4.6-mile Michael A. Gozzo Trail that partially climbs up Garnet Mountain. In fall 2023, new exhibits, classrooms, and a hillside amphitheater will open to the public.

PARKING: Use the main Forest Society North at The Rocks parking area at 113 Glessner Road, Bethlehem WHEN TO VISIT: Year round, daily, dawn to dusk ADMISSION FEE: $5 suggested donation (mobile only) INFO: forestsociety.org/therocks F

5. AMMONOOSUC RIVER FOREST | 273 ACRES This forest protects 273 acres of lowland spruce-fir forest on both sides of the Ammonoosuc River. The 1.8 miles of river frontage are a premier cold-water fishing destination where anglers can try to hook Eastern brook trout, brown trout, or rainbow trout. To access the north side of the river, take the Tom Howe Trail, which follows part of the old Boston & Maine railroad bed, approximately 0.4 miles to the designated fishing point along the riverbank.

PARKING: Northern trailhead: Route 302, Bethlehem; southern trailhead: Dori Way, Carroll WHEN TO VISIT: Spring–Fall (trailhead unplowed in winter) ADMISSION FEE: Free INFO: forestsociety.org/ammonoosucriver V

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6. LOST RIVER | 157 ACRES Lost River is so-named because the brook draining from the southeast part of Kinsman Notch disappears below the surface in the narrow, steep-walled glacial gorge. Today, the portion of the property that includes the gorge is leased to White Mountains Attractions Association, which provides guests with the opportunity to experience the fun, challenge, and excitement of the river, gorge, boulders, and caves. The Forest Society maintains the Lost River Ecology Trail on the property, which is separate from the gorge area and is free and open to the public.

PARKING: Route 112, North Woodstock WHEN TO VISIT: May 5–October 15 (Visit lostrivergorge.com/parkinfo for specific dates). Note: The Ecology Trail is not accessible off-season when the parking area for Lost River Gorge is gated and locked. The trails close one hour before the gorge closes.

Dogs are allowed outside the gorge fee area, but not inside it.

ADMISSION FEE: Visit lostrivergorge.com/park-info for prices INFO: forestsociety.org/lostriver; lostrivergorge.com Spring 2023 FOREST NOTES | 17

Prized Properties: Staff and Board Go-tos for Recreation

By Ryan Smith

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t should come as no surprise that when Forest Society staff aren’t on the job, they still spend a lot of time outdoors on Forest Society properties hiking, walking the dog, fishing, and appreciating these special places. Although most staff members said it was tough to pick their favorite property out of the more than 190 properties across the state, some felt drawn to a specific location over others. Well-known properties, such as Lost River and Mount Major, are go-tos for many, but some of the lesser-known haunts, including McCabe Forest and Moody Mountain, stood out for their unique attributes. So grab a pen and paper to take notes as staff share their top Forest Society properties. Who knows? You just might find your new favorite property to visit as well.

Anna Berry Director of Communications and Digital Outreach One of my favorite Forest Society properties is Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves. I first brought my family in June 2020. It was the first time we had visited a recreation property outside of where we lived in Manchester due to the pandemic.

My then four-year-old twins were giddy crawling through the lush caves. They didn’t need to be coaxed to climb the 1,000-plus stairs because they were excited to see what was around every corner. The day we visited was pretty quiet, and we almost felt like we were the early explorers traversing the glacial boulders when the gorge was “discovered” in 1852. The experience made me appreciate raising my children in the Granite State, where forests and fresh air are never far away.

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Sarah Alsamaraee Stewardship and Forestry Administrative Coordinator

Carrie Deegan Reservation Stewardship and Engagement Director

I love to hike mountains and I’m often trying to get my friends and family to love it as well. Hiking Mount Major has been my surefire approach to achieving this mission. I first hiked the mountain in high school when I was looking for a relatively easy mountain to summit with great views. Since then, I’ve hiked it in the winter and fall, with beginning hikers, and even with a toddler. Anytime I want to try a new type of hiking, I test my skills first on Mount Major, including my first sunrise hike (pictured above). Hiking with headlamps was a fun experience, and the panoramic views from the top made for a spectacular show early in the morning.

I even heard a few owls on the way up.

No matter the time of year or time of day, Mount Major makes for a rewarding hike and offers a new experience each time.

Paddling at Grafton Pond is one of my favorite ways to spend a summer or warm fall day. The Forest Society has protected more than 900 acres at Grafton Pond, including most of the shoreline and, as a result, it feels wilder than your typical camp-ringed pond in central New Hampshire! There are so many islands and coves to explore that even when it’s crowded on a hot day, you can still find solitude.

Although there are many beautiful spots and many great islands, my family has a favorite spot on one of the islands where we often bring hammocks, plenty of reading material, and snacks. We spend the day alternating between books, naps, and jumping off the rocks into the cool, clear water. Loons regularly appear from beneath the water, and the sun bakes the island’s pine needle carpet providing natural aromatherapy. It’s heaven!

Gabe Roxby Field Forester With 10-plus miles of marked trails that wind through a mixture of habitat types, the Heald Tract (pictured at right) is a hidden gem. Several forest and habitat management projects have taken place in the last 5 years, so you will see areas with stumps and young growth. Heald and Castor ponds are great places to view wildlife, and the trails at Heald connect with those on other conserved lands. It’s a great spot to get away from the crowds, take a long walk through the woods, and enjoy a diverse mix of wildlife habitats.

Dave Anderson Senior Director of Education Lost River Gorge is always a favorite, and visiting the property puts me in a good mood. It is steeped in early Forest Society history, and it has long served as a family tradition for generations. As a kid, I visited the White Mountains with my family in a wood-paneled station wagon.

Decades later, I can see how gateway experiences like mine influence and shape interests and make lasting memories. Lost River is where the “forest echoes with laughter,” to quote a famous Led Zeppelin song. Here, families safely enjoy a spectacular natural setting owned by the Forest Society and protected in 1912.

Sophie Oehler Communications Coordinator One of my go-to properties is Gap Mountain. It’s pretty quiet in comparison to its towering neighbor, Monadnock, but the views are still spectacular. When I was young, our family friends from Belgium sent their eldest daughter, Capucine, to stay with us to work on her English. My dad took her, my brother, and me to Gap to hike and to pick blueberries at the summit. Gap is covered in blueberry bushes, and we stayed at the top for nearly an hour picking. Our dog, Finch, loved combing through the bushes with his teeth like a bear, eating as many berries as he could.

Linda Dammann Development Assistant

Maria Stewart Senior Executive Assistant

My favorite property is the Morse Preserve in Alton. It's quiet and never too crowded, which makes for a peaceful walk through the woods. The hike to Pine Mountain is relatively easy and it offers a great view of the mountains and lakes.

I love taking my shoes off at the summit and soaking in the mountain through my toes. It’s minimal work for a high reward— and did I mention there's rarely anyone around? My fondest memory of the Morse Preserve was on the Forest Society’s staff picnic to the property a few years ago.

I had so much fun taking in the views with my colleagues. I was proud of the great work the Forest Society had done to preserve a gorgeous place like this.

By far, my favorite property is Lost River Gorge. Although it’s one of the more touristy places in New Hampshire, it has a special place in my heart and each visit is just as amazing as the last. I’m always stunned by its beauty! Every year for my birthday, my husband and I go to Lost River. I love it because you get such an interactive experience from the deep caves to the boardwalks by the river to the incredible vistas. Whenever I'm there, I truly connect with nature and the Earth.

It feels otherworldly as if I were on Mars.

One of my favorite memories from Lost River was when the Pease Air National Guard Base was running training flights through Kinsman Notch. The planes flew right over us as we were standing at one of the vistas. My husband tried to film the flyover but accidentally pressed stop when he meant to press record! We laugh about it now, but he was so disappointed.

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I remember to pay attention to the tides, I can enjoy a paddle on Sagamore Creek listening to the kingfishers and watching the eagles.

Everyone I run into on the Little Harbor Loop Trail seems genuinely happy to be there. As the tides come in and greet the trees and then go out again, it’s a wonderful reminder of the constant changes that occur around us and how simple and easy it is to slow down, take a breath, and soak it all in!

Sarah Kern Creek Farm Education Program Coordinator

Anne Truslow Vice President for Development

My favorite property is Creek Farm.

Depending on what I need and what my schedule allows, I enjoy the fact that I can either do a quick lunchtime walk with my dog Bennie (pictured) or take more time to slow down and enjoy the trail, water, and other features. I also love the fact that if

McCabe Forest in Antrim is a hometown favorite of mine. The trail that meanders beside the Contoocook River is fun in all seasons, but I especially love a good spring flood—the whispering of the water as it flows through winding oxbows and eddies around fallen trees is truly

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sublime. Of course, that peaceful scene can quickly change when the enormous resident beaver motors around to smack his tail and remind me and my dogs who is in charge. And the otter scat, full of fish scales, is a favorite for rolling in by certain hiking companions. Spring also brings great bird sightings, including wood duck pairs and common mergansers. Over the years, I’ve watched the hayfield first grow blueberries and now fill in with white pine saplings. In the woodlands, I’ve even come face to face with a fisher. Located in a floodplain, McCabe’s trails are level, making it suitable for a variety of fitness and skill levels. During the pandemic, I met a guy who was on his first outing following quadruple bypass surgery!

The looping trails can be confusing, so be sure to use the Forest Society’s OuterSpatial app and orient yourself with the river. Enjoy!

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Steve Junkin Field Forester

Matt Scaccia Recreation and Community Relations Manager

Moody Mountain (above) in Wolfeboro is a favorite spot of mine to do a small hike with the family. It’s so quiet, and I enjoy speculating about the forest succession that occurred there since pasture abandonment. You don’t have to walk far to be in a different forest type. Hiking through the red spruce stands gives me the feeling that I am hiking in the White Mountains or parts of the Great North Woods. Having moved away from Wolfeboro, I don’t visit the property as much, but any time we are in the area and have an hour or two to kill or need to exercise the dogs, it’s a lovely place to do just that!

I find the open fields and inviting woods at Monson Center (above) offer a serene setting to readjust my senses, slow down, and observe all the wonders surrounding me. I get a rush of curiosity noticing young chestnut trees growing, herons nesting, and the remains of the colonial settlement that took root and faded here long ago. I always find myself taking time to appreciate the efforts of everyone that saved Monson while feeling so grateful that the area will remain intact for future generations. Monson is a reservation where my mind is as content as my body after a day of roaming around this natural and cultural gem.

Cara Pearson Membership Specialist My favorite Forest Society property is The Floodplain, aka the Merrimack River Outdoor Education and Conservation Area. It’s a gorgeous place to walk and take photos of wildlife and scenery. I would go there a lot with my dad and sister, so when I think of The Floodplain, I think of spending time by the river soaking up the sun with my dad. It’s a very wooded property that feels like an oasis in the middle of Concord. I also like it because the main trail leads you through the woods to a huge river. It’s an experience with two different scenes that change in quick succession.

Mandy Merrill Policy Advisory Committee Member On a late fall day in 2020, I was looking for a new pandemic destination to visit that was “away,” but close enough for a half-day adventure. In my hiking file, I discovered a ripped-out page of Forest Notes advertising the Morse Preserve, just 45 minutes away. My husband and I packed peanut butter sandwiches and headed to the Lakes Region, now deserted during the off-season. The drive up the hill from Alton Bay to the trailhead offered the first glimpses of views to come. An easy hike from the trailhead led us to the panoramic world of the summit with views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Belknap Range before us.

Last summer, we introduced our grandchildren from Philadelphia (above) to Pine Mountain. They thought the summit was a perfect place to run around, and I think they noticed the views! Ice cream by the bay topped off our day.

Ron Snow Manager of Individual Giving One my favorite properties is the Washburn Forest. I fished there with my son and we were amazed by its tranquility.

It feels like you're the only people who have ever been there. You can walk for miles and be completely alone. The only spoiled moment of our fishing trip was when my son went head over teakettle into the river. I caught him, but he still got soaking wet. I spent a lot of time in Montana and Washburn makes me feel like I’m back in my old state. So long as no one in your party is falling in the water, Washburn makes for a perfect fishing outing.

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The Magic of Grafton Pond Story and photos by John Welch

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stopped paddling and let my kayak drift on the calm waters behind one of Grafton Pond’s pine- and blueberry-covered granite islands. All I could hear was the sound of water gently dripping off my paddle and the flutelike songs of wood thrushes and veeries. If peace had a soundtrack, this was it.

My meditative float in the fading daylight was abruptly interrupted by a splash to my left. I spun my head and saw the unexpected: a deer was swimming less than 100 feet away from me! Eventually, it stopped swimming and stood in the water beside a tiny island. It wasn’t my kayak that gave it pause, but instead a loon had caught its attention. The two creatures watched each other for a few minutes until the loon calmly swam away. To my surprise, the deer resumed swimming toward me before emerging from the water onto the island nearest my kayak where it disappeared into the bushes.

Granted, these magical moments don’t happen every time I paddle Grafton Pond, but its wild, undeveloped character increases the odds of them happening here compared with other places I have explored. Much of the surrounding land and shoreline is protected as part of the Forest Society’s 930-acre Grafton Pond Reservation. At 1.5-miles long by a half-mile wide, covering 22 | FOREST NOTES Spring 2023

more than 300 acres, Grafton Pond is technically a lake despite its name. It is small enough to be beginner friendly yet big enough to attract experienced paddlers looking for an all-day adventure.

As I paddled back to the takeout, I passed by several small islands that are ideal nesting habitat for the common loon between May and July. The threatened species thrives here amongst other wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, beavers, and even moose. If you are lucky enough to encounter loons, be sure to follow regulations and stay more than 300 feet away from them. Respect and patience can lead to wonderful experiences as it allows the loons to behave normally. One time while I was photographing them from a distance, one of the parents popped out of the water close to my kayak with a crayfish in its mouth.

Staying still and not harassing it afforded me this special moment of watching it swim over to feed its chick that was riding on the back of the other parent. So, maybe magical moments do happen every time I visit Grafton!

On every paddle, I’m sure to practice Leave No Trace principles.

The first tenet is to plan ahead and prepare. Packing the right gear is essential—so is checking the weather forecast. I pay particular attention to the wind forecast and if thunderstorms or

Tranquil and serene, Grafton Pond offers solace in its still waters. Deer gracefully wander along its shores (and sometimes in the water!) while loons call out their haunting melodies. A sanctuary for wildlife, this hidden gem embodies the harmony between nature and its inhabitants.

Learn More For more details about Grafton Pond, turn to page 13. precipitation are predicted. High winds can kick up waves that can make paddling difficult or even capsize your boat and water temperatures can be cold enough for hypothermia to be an issue, especially early in the paddling season from April to June.

Although there is no need to overpack, there are some items I always bring for safety and comfort.

First and foremost is a life jacket. New Hampshire state law requires all vessels, including kayaks and canoes, to have a life jacket for each person on board, and children 12 and under must wear an approved PFD. I’ll also bring a first aid kit, whistle, map, water, and snacks. Packing sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, and a lightweight long sleeve shirt and pants are also a good idea. Cell phone service is inconsistent on Grafton Pond, but I always pack one (and a dry bag to protect it and other valuables) just in case.

Another thing I plan for is the day of the week and time I’ll visit. Grafton Pond can be busy on the weekends, so I try to arrive early or late for more solitude or visit on a weekday instead. Gas-powered boats aren’t allowed at Grafton, which does help reduce some of the traffic and audible levels on the water. To protect the wildlife and the surrounding environment be sure to clean, drain, and dry your boat before entering the water to prevent the accidental introduction of any invasive aquatic or insect species to the waterbody. This is one step that every paddler can take to ensure New Hampshire’s waters remain clean, clear, and free of invasives.

After hearing about my experiences at Grafton Pond, my wife and three elementaryage daughters wanted to see it for themselves.

We visited on a roasting hot day, which

drained everyone’s enthusiasm until I suggested that we land on one of the islands and go swimming. We found a nook with a perfect, shallow gravel bottom and took a refreshing swim in the cool waters. My wife and I kept the kids close since swimming is at your own risk, and we did find some broken glass that served as an unfortunate reminder to pack out all trash. But, by taking some common-sense precautions, the swim became my kids’ favorite memory from this outing. OK, maybe magical moments are a thing at Grafton Pond! Whether you head out as a family or alone, I hope you are inspired to check out one of the finest wild lakes in New Hampshire and find the same peace and magic that I have found paddling there.

John Welch is an educator and photographer who resides with his wife and three children in central New Hampshire. To see more of his work, visit jwelchphoto.com.

Spring 2023 FOREST NOTES | 23

A Generational Feat

By Carrie Deegan

T

he Forest Reservation Challenge (FRC) has inspired many people young and old to get out and explore the 33 Forest Society properties that make up the challenge. Finishers earn an embroidered patch and lots of great memories from the Seacoast to the North Country—not to mention bragging rights!

In the fall of 2022, Kevin Yonge of Derry, N.H., finished the challenge with his eight-year-old grandson, Kayden, the youngest FRC finisher to date. Forest Notes caught up with Kevin and Kayden to learn more about their experience and find out what’s next for this dynamic duo. For more information about the FRC, visit forestsociety.org/forestchallenge.

How did you hear about the Forest Reservation Challenge and why did you decide to do it?

Kevin: We had been doing a lot of local hikes when Kayden was very young, and when we ran out of new local hikes, we did a search online for other trails. That’s how we found out about the Forest Society’s FRC. I think part of the driving force for Kayden was the reward of the patch for finishing!

24 | FOREST NOTES Spring 2023

Did you have a plan of attack for hiking all 33 of the FRC’s properties?

Kayden: Not really. We just picked days we wanted to hike on, looked at the list, and then picked a hike.

Kevin: The first one we did was in an adjacent town in Londonderry [at the Bockes Memorial Forest]. Sometimes, we’d do a couple on the same day because they were near each other, especially up north, which was quite a drive for us.

Were there any funny or memorable moments during the challenge?

Kayden: When we visited Monadnock Reservation, we decided to climb the Metacomet-Monadnock (Royce) Trail. From that trailhead, there is a trail that goes up Monadnock but also one that heads south up Gap Mountain. We accidentally picked the trail that went up Gap Mountain, so we hiked two summits in one day!

Kevin: Monadnock was our last reservation in the challenge, so it was a long day!

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What was your favorite property to explore?

Kayden: All of them were amazing and different, so I don’t have a favorite because they were all too good!

Kevin: All the reservations were tremendous, and the FRC gave us an opportunity to see parts of the state we otherwise wouldn’t have seen. There were several special places, including Creek Farm, where you can canoe or kayak on a tidal creek, and Madame Sherri Forest, where you can explore the stone ruins of Madame Sherri’s castle.

1. The long drive to the Washburn Family Forest in Clarksville was so

Did you learn anything new while doing the challenge?

2. This old white pine at the Bretzfelder Park in Bethlehem—truly the

Kevin: We learned a lot from answering the challenge questions for each property; they were terrific. They really helped us appreciate the history of each site. The FRC gave us an appreciation for what the Forest Society does as an organization, too. It’s great that so many areas are protected from development for generations to come.

Kayden: I learned that carving into tree bark is harmful to the tree. Also, I think it is important to protect places like these because it is fun to go hiking and you should never take away something that is a treasure. You should take only pictures and leave only footprints.

Giant sequoia of the Northeast—has survived 200-plus years of harsh New Hampshire weather! It continues to thrive and may see another 200 years. You’ll be stunned by its size when you see it for yourself!

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worth it! The hike along the pristine Connecticut River was awesome.

3. After visiting Lost River in Woodstock, Kevin Yonge and his three

grandchildren (pictured from left), Harper, Kayden, and Skylar, hiked the Chippewa Trail to the summit of Black Mountain where they enjoyed the beautiful view from the top.

4. We were fortunate to see the fragile castle staircase at the Madame

Sherri Forest before part of it collapsed. There are awesome hiking trails surrounding the entire property—a full-day adventure awaits all visitors!

5. Nearly a foot of snow on the Kidder Trail didn’t stop us from

Do you have any advice for other young hikers considering tackling the FRC? Kayden: Yes! You’ll need good hiking boots, a first aid kit, food and water, and bug spray, especially at the McCabe Forest! Also, just keep going. Take breaks if you need to but be open minded and never give up.

What challenge or hiking list do you want to do next?

Kayden: We are currently working on the New Hampshire Fire Tower Quest and should have that wrapped up soon. After that, we’re going to try to hike the 12 summits that make up the Belknap Range Challenge and, who knows, maybe we’ll start working on the New Hampshire Four-Thousand-Footers list, too!

reaching the summit of the Hay Reservation’s Sunset Hill to enjoy its spectacular views of the valley below. After our hike, we visited the The Fells where we marveled at the estate’s historical and architectural splendor.

6. During our visit to Creek Farm, we kayaked on Sagamore Creek

where we gazed at the Wentworth by the Sea hotel and explored one of the many small islands in the bay. After kayaking, we hiked the Little Harbor Loop Trail to the historic Wentworth Coolidge Mansion for a sight to behold.

7. We did it! After beginning the challenge in September 2019, we

completed it on October 15, 2022, with a beautiful hike up Monadnock. We encourage everyone to take the challenge and enjoy all the natural beauty that New Hampshire has to offer!

Spring 2023 FOREST NOTES | 25

PUBLIC POLICY

Looking Back on 50 Years of Current Use

By Matt Leahy

J

uly 1, 2023, marks the 50th anniversary of the New Hampshire General Court’s enactment of RSA 79-A, our state’s current use taxation law. As stakeholders celebrate this milestone, we should also reflect on the question of whether New Hampshire benefitted from this law.

A good way to begin to answer this question is to first remember the law’s Declaration of Purpose: “It is hereby declared to be in the public interest to encourage the preservation of open space, thus providing a healthful and attractive outdoor environment for work and recreation of the state’s citizens, maintaining the character of the state’s landscape, and conserving the land, water, forest, agricultural, and wildlife resources. It is further declared to be in the public interest to prevent the loss of open space due to property taxation at values incompatible with open space usage.”

As you know, current use taxes land at its “productive capacity,” so that it is taxed at its income-producing capability as forest, farmland, or undeveloped land, rather than at its real estate value as a development site such as a shopping plaza. Yet the focus of the lead question goes much deeper than the complex world of tax policy; it should be framed within the context of the Declaration of Purpose.

Admittedly, we can only speculate and imagine what New Hampshire would look like if the law did not exist. However, we can talk conclusively about the benefits to the

26 | FOREST NOTES Spring 2023

Admittedly, we can only speculate and imagine what New Hampshire would look like if current use did not exist. people of New Hampshire of conserving open space, forested areas, and agricultural lands. It is important to keep in mind these benefits go beyond maintaining the natural beauty of those places.

For example, the protection of the state’s drinking water resources is a priority issue for both state and municipal officials.

Scientific evidence strongly shows that maintaining forested buffers along and on top of drinking water resources helps to reduce the costs to treat drinking water.

Gifford Pinchot, the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service, described this connection in much plainer terms when he said, “The relationship between forests and rivers is like father and son. No father, no son.”

Economically, current data highlights the positive impact that land protection has on economic activity. According to a report from the North East State Foresters Association, forest-based manufacturing adds to the state’s economy nearly $1.15 billion with 8,160 jobs and payroll of $384 million a year.

In addition, the Outdoor Industry Association has determined that New Hampshire’s outdoor recreation economy has created 79,000 jobs statewide and generated $8.7 billion in annual consumer spending. All those people who hunt, hike, cross-country ski, and snowmobile here do so because of the amount of protected open space in the state. In short, protecting land increases local employment.

As stakeholders and policy makers debate how to confront climate change— the defining environmental challenge we face—forested landscapes are one of the most effective natural solutions available to address this emergency. Forests remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and therefore play vital roles in mitigating the effects of climate change on the environment.

That list marks a significant and diverse range of values. Not coincidentally, those values are the same ones New Hampshire citizens cherish the most when they describe what makes our state special.

Of course, much of the literature used to promote New Hampshire as a travel and vacation destination relies on photos of our open spaces.

Fewer acres of open, undeveloped space would mean less of these benefits. For the last 50 years, current use has been one of the key tools we as a state have relied on to maintain our quality of life. While we can’t know exactly how different the landscape here would look if current use had never been created, we can affirmatively answer the question about whether New Hampshire is a better place to live because of it.

Matt Leahy is public policy director for the Forest Society.

Together Making New Hampshire a Great Place to Live, Work, and Explore The Forest Society thanks our business partners for their generous support Forest Society North at The Rocks – CDFA Tax Credit Program Badger, Peabody & Smith Realty, Inc. Bassinger Limited, PC Grappone Management Co., Inc. Lumbard & Kellner, LLC Mascoma Bank Meredith Village Savings Bank Merrimack County Savings Bank Milestone Engineering & Construction LLC Nathan Wechsler & Company Northway Bank ReVision Energy Union Bank Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank

Summit Circle ($5,000 and up) Altus Engineering Badger, Peabody & Smith Realty, Inc. Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson, P.A. J and M Morse Trucking, LLC Liberty Mutual Insurance Merrimack County Savings Bank Nathan Wechsler & Company Northland Forest Products, Inc. Seaboard International Forest Products, LLC Summit Wealth Group LLC Whalen Public & Media Relations, LLC

Trustees’ Circle ($2,500 to $4,999) Northeast Delta Dental The Secret Agency, LLC

President’s Circle ($1,000 to $2,499) BCM Environmental & Land Law, PLLC Bensonwood & Unity Homes Capital City Subaru Checkmate Payroll Services Chinburg Properties Community Toolbox, Inc. EOS Research Ltd. Garden Life, LLC GMEC, Inc. Lumbard & Kellner, LLC Mallory Portraits Martin Forestry Consulting, LLC

President’s Circle (continued)

Colleague (continued)

Milestone Engineering & Construction LLC New England Private Wealth Advisors, LLC NH Conservation Real Estate Ransmeier & Spellman, P.C. Rockywold-Deephaven Camps, Inc. SCM Associates, Inc. Target Corporation

Mulligan Forest, LLC Orr & Reno P.A. Robbins Lumber Samyn d’Elia Architects PA Sunset Park Campground Tri-State Iron Works, Inc. Twin State Sand & Gravel Co., Inc. Zachary Berger Associates, Inc.

Steward ($750 to $999) Devine, Millimet & Branch, PA Post and Beam Brewery

Partner ($500 to $749) Arcomm Communications Corporation Bangor Savings Bank Blue Mountain Forest Association Capitol Craftsman, LLC Durgin and Crowell Lumber Co., Inc. Frog Hollow Forestry Half Moon Enterprises Harbor Group The Lyme Timber Company LP Meadowsend Timberlands Limited Mediation Partners of New England, LLC The Music Mill Pine Springs R.M. Piper, Inc. Plymouth Soapworks, LLC Whole Wealth Management, LLC

Colleague ($250 to $499) Ambit Engineering, Inc. Ballentine Partners Blaktop, Inc. C&S Wholesale Grocers Dublin Road Tap Room and Eatery Eastern Mountain Sports Gideon Asen LLC Great Brook Veterinary Clinic, LLC Innovative Natural Resource Solutions, LLC J.M. Tree Service Joyful Yoga NH Kozikowski Properties, LLC Lenk Orthodontics

Matching Gift Companies ADP, LLC Ameresco, Inc. American Biltrite, Inc. Amgen, Inc. Autodesk, Inc. Bank of America Bank of New Hampshire Bose Corporation Boston Scientific Citizens Bank Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation, Inc. Dell, Inc. Erie Insurance Gartner, Inc. General Electric Gilead Sciences, Inc. Google, LLC Gradient John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. Liberty Mutual Insurance Lincoln Financial Group MassMutual Microsoft Corporation Novartis Oracle Corporation Pfizer, Inc. Raytheon Technologies Corporation Shell Oil Company Silicon Laboratories, Inc. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. The Travelers Companies, Inc. Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. VMware, Inc.

We are grateful to the many businesses that support the Forest Society with gifts of less than $250.

The Forest Society…Where Conservation and Business Meet For information about business memberships, sponsorships, or to initiate a gift membership program for your clients or employees, please contact Anne Truslow at (603) 224-9945 or atruslow@forestsociety.org.

PROJECT IN PROGRESS

Clockwise from top left: More than 100 people helped clean up Mount Major during the Forest Society’s 2023 Earth Day event; A rough section of the existing Blue Trail; Spectacular sunset views draw thousands to the mountain each year; A few of this year’s Earth Day volunteers show their love for the mountain.

One Step at a Time—Times 80,000!

F

ootsteps crunch on a woodland trail while last fall’s leaves and twigs shuffle underfoot. Your boot scrapes treadway, kicking free loose stones. After winding through a birch grove and a stand of hemlocks, the rocky way leads you to a glorious view from the summit of Mount Major. Lake Winnipesaukee extends to the southern edge of the White Mountains where the towns of Wolfeboro and Tuftonboro are nestled within the verdant landscape. A few deep breaths, a snack, and you head back down. It’s one of the most 28 | FOREST NOTES Winter 2023

satisfying short hikes to a big view in the region.

But imagine your own footsteps, up and down, repeated 80,000 times. Per year. For decades. The trails at Mount Major support a lot of foot traffic and, honestly, it shows.

The Main Trail, or Blue Trail, has eroded so that the treadway is more than six feet below the grade in some places, creating a canyon effect that resembles southwestern rock formations. It’s cool—but it’s not good. The resulting sunken trail is a channel for further soil erosion, carrying

material down the mountain, silting up the streams, and emptying into Alton Bay. Many faithful volunteers work to care for Mount Major and its trails. This year’s Earth Day clean-up was a high-spirited occasion that brought many Mount Major fans to care for the place they love. We need to do more to make sure this place continues to offer a high-quality and wellmanaged outdoor experience.

This year, the Forest Society is teaming up with Town 4 Trails Services and OBP Trailworks to construct a sustainable

trail to take the place of about 1/3 mile of the existing Main/Blue Trail. The new trail is designed to the highest sustainability standards to provide for better environmental protection and a safer footpath.

It will also meander through a boulder field offering new views and fun hiking.

This trail project is part of a long-term effort to steadily improve the visitor experience at Mount Major. In recent years, we have constructed a pavilion area and kiosk

in the parking lot, reconstructed the main trail entrance to solve drainage issues, and recruited and trained more volunteers to help orient hikers, especially on busy days.

Sustainable trail construction is not, however, a small undertaking. This reconstruction of about 1/3 mile of trail is a major investment. To support the project, the Forest Society must raise $250,000.

Fortunately, the project has already received a grant of $80,000 from the NH

Recreational Trails Program (RTP). Now, we must raise the remaining $170,000 from philanthropic sources.

Please join us in being good stewards of Mount Major by donating to the Mount Major Main Trail Project today! Work on the trail will take place in September and October, so please help us meet our fundraising goal by August 1. You will be able to walk on your investment for many years to come!

(OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) KATE WILCOX (X2), EMILY LORD, KATE WILCOX; (THIS PAGE) SHANNA HALE PHOTOGRAPHY

PROGRESS CONTINUES AT FOREST SOCIETY NORTH AT THE ROCKS Check out our progress at The Rocks and contribute to the Forest Society North at The Rocks Campaign at forestsociety.org/the-rocks.

YES, I’D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE SUSTAINABLE TRAIL PROJECT AT MOUNT MAJOR! Name: Address:

Town/City:

Telephone:

Email:

State:

Zip:

Enclosed is my tax-deductible contribution of $_____________ VISA

MasterCard Number: ________________________________ Exp. date: ______ Security code: ______

Please mail the completed form to: Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests 54 Portsmouth Street, Concord, NH 03301

Or donate online at forestsociety.org/majortrailwork For more information, call Anne Truslow at 603-224-9945 or email atruslow@forestsociety.org.

Thank you for your help!

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SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF NEW HAMPSHIRE FORESTS 54 Portsmouth Street Concord, NH 03301-5400

Nonprofit Organization US Postage Paid Manchester, NH Permit No. 0494

Address Service Requested

THE MANY FACES OF CONSERVATION

Eric Weinrieb and Rachel Hopkins Portsmouth, N.H. Members since 2006

MEMBERS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

RYAN SMITH

Eric Weinrieb and Rachel Hopkins are among the 10,000 members who help the Forest Society protect and manage critical lands for wildlife, water quality, wood, and wellness across the state. To join them, use the envelope in this issue, or visit forestsociety.org/join-today.

“W

e have been so lucky. Birch trees, bike paths, ponds, streams, tree forts, meadows, and mountains have been our playgrounds since a young age. It was and is magical.

“Growing up in Swanzey, in the shadow of Mount Monadnock, I played in the woods, swam, and fished in the streams and brooks. I hiked and biked through the meadows and forests. I was always outside. When I moved to the Seacoast after college, I continued to recreate by kayaking and windsurfing on the coast and enjoyed weekend hiking and skiing jaunts in the White Mountains.

“For Rachel, she found that it takes moving away to realize what you had.

After spending a decade in Atlanta, she returned to New England with the vow to embrace all that the Granite State has to offer. It began with a desire to overcome her aversion to cold weather. She quickly learned it’s all in how you dress, and with that, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and walks in the woods soon made winter her favorite season.

“While our home base for walks and paddles is Creek Farm, we love to explore the variety of properties the Forest Society

owns, especially The Rocks in Bethlehem, which we visit annually for our Christmas tree.

“Now we spend nearly half the year in the Whites with our son, Gabe, who has become an avid backcountry skier, mountain biker, and all-around nature lover. We are fortunate to call the Seacoast our home and feel a strong sense of duty to support the Forest Society so that others can experience the magic that our family does.”