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

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 w i l d f l owe r s , va r i e d wo o d l a n d s , ve r n a l p o o l s , we t l a n d s , a n d 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

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, t h i s l a n d wa s o n ce ow n e d by Revo l u t i o n a r y Wa r h e ro Jo h n

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

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 p ro d u ce a n d t a s t y t a ke -a way t re a t s , i n c l u d i n g t h e i r a wa rdwinning 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

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

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

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