Francestown Land Trust and Conservation Commission
Collaborate to Celebrate Special Places in 2023
The Francestown Conservation Commission and the Francestown Land Trust embarked on a year-long series, “Celebrating Special Places”, in 2023. Some of these places may be your own favorites, while others could be new to you. We are collaborating on this review of some of the natural wonders that are right here in our town, and invite you to join us. Each month we’ll be celebrating another special place.
It is the sequel to “Saving Special Places” which led to the “2010 by 2010” campaign; the goal starting around 2005 was to conserve an additional 2010 acres in Francestown by 2010. The goal would translate into protecting at least 25% of our land as permanent conservation, outdoor recreation, and agricultural land.
The “2010 by 2010” campaign focused on the protection of our water resources and strengthening unfragmented blocks of open space needed to sustain wildlife habitat. These fields, forests, wetlands and other open spaces also protect our rural character and enrich our sense of place. When the covid pandemic hit a decade later, our open spaces sustained us with recreational opportunities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, riding, and cross country skiing. A quiet walk in one of our forests also has many benefits. Spending time in the woods – a practice the Japanese call “forest bathing” – has been linked to decreased inflammation, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. We are more fortunate than ever to live in a community that is striving to protect its most special natural resources.
We thank the broad coalition of landowners, partnering conservation organizations, and Francestown residents who exceeded their own ambitious goals. Together we succeeded in protecting just over 30% of our land as open space for future generations to enjoy. It has been said that part of true joy can be found in simply recognizing and appreciating what one has. With that in mind, this month we’ll celebrate Francestown’s Brennan Falls.
For those who are new to Francestown, or simply new to exploring the great outdoors, feel free to reach out to any members of Francestown’s Land Trust or Conservation Commission. Trail maps are readily available on the two organizations’ websites (http://www.francestownlandtrust.organd https://www.francestownnh.org/conservation-commission) as well as from town offices and our library. For those who want more direction, guided hikes also can be arranged upon request
Brennan Falls
January
Brennan Falls is spectacular in the winter and spring. It is part of the 149 acre Schott Brennan Falls Reserve, a critical haven for many bird species and all manner of wildlife including beaver, moose, bear, and deer. Brennan Brook, a headwaters stream to the Piscataquog River, traverses the Reserve’s 149 acres, which include vernal pools and other wetlands vital to maintaining healthy ecological functions.
An easy to moderate trail brings you past a beaver pond and to the top of Brennan Falls, a 15 foot cascading waterfall. It is great for hiking and snow shoeing.
Directions to trailhead and a map are available on the FLT website at http://www.francestownlandtrust.org/maps---directions.html. From Campbell Hill Road, the hike to the top of the waterfall is just under a mile. For those who want to do more, the map shows how to continue up Bullard Hill Road into the extensive Crotched Mountain Town Forest trail system and to the cellar holes of Lost Village.
The Scott Brennan Falls Reserve was acquired by the Francestown Land Trust in 2014; it is protected for us and future generations to enjoy.