FLT Annual Meeting ~ june 12th at the Old Meeting house
Old-Growth Forests: Why They Matter and How to Protect Them
THE FRANCESTOWN LAND TRUST will hold its Annual Meeting at 6:30PM on Thursday, June 12th. Please join us for refreshments and conversation at 6:00PM before the start of the brief business meeting and presentation. Our featured speaker will be Sarah RobbGrieco, Northeast Regional Manager for the Old-Growth Forest Network.
Old-growth forests have been standing for hundreds of years, they show us everything a forest can be. They contain rich biodiversity, support rare species, filter water and air, and are the best carbon-capture technology our planet has to offer.
The Old-Growth Forest Network is the only national network in the U.S. of protected, old-growth, native forests. With a B.A. in Biology from Vassar College and over 15 years’ experience in nonprofit leadership, Sarah RobbGrieco helps people preserve, protect and promote the remaining old-growth forests of New England.
Come learn about old-growth forests, how to recognize them and why they are important. We’ll hear about how the national Old-Growth Forest Network protects and promotes these special places in New Hampshire.
Not a FLT member but want to hear Sarah’s presentation?
Come join us….and enjoy light refreshments!
Exploring our Trails – Hedgehog Ridge Trail
On Saturday, June 14th, from 9:00AM to 3:00PM, join us for a hike on Hedgehog Ridge Trail in Deering. This 5-mile hike will be led by Ben Haubrich on a Society for the Protection of NH Forest (SPNHF) trail that was blazed by Ben and fellow volunteers about ten years ago. Ben will have many stories to share! The trail begins by climbing Hedgehog Mountain and then follows a ridge line to High Five before descending.
This hike involves uneven ground and a lot of climbing but you’ll be rewarded by spectacular views! Overall, it is about a 5-mile hike of moderate difficulty. For a map and more information on the trail, check out the SPNHF website at https://www.forestsociety.org/document/hedgehog-ridge-trail-mappdf.pdf. We will meet at 9:00 AM at the entrance to High Five Reservation in Deering (directions will be provided prior the hike) and carpool in a few vehicles from there to Hedgehog Mountain Rd to start the hike. We expect to be back at the entrance to High Five by 3:00 PM.
Please register by Thursday June 12th by sending an email to info@francestownlandtrust.org. Title your email “Register for Hedgehog Hike” and include your name, telephone number, and the number in your party. Registrants will receive emails confirming registration and with any updates. No dogs please. For questions contact: Elizabeth Lavallee (603-547-6356) or Hannah Proctor (603-547-2816)
COME JOIN US “OUT IN THE FOREST”!
The Francestown Land Trust (FLT) and Conservation Commission (FCC) often work together to protect our town’s natural resources. The transformative effects of nature can be powerful, and we want the Special Places we treasure to be here for future generations to enjoy.
In previous years, FLT and FCC have collaborated to produce monthly pieces in The Francestown News; highlighting these Special Places and why they matter. This year we are collaborating again and are offering two series of programs:
“Exploring our Trails” is an opportunity for folks to get to know many of the trails on conserved land in and around Francestown. Participation in these “Exploring our Trails” hikes ranges from 6-20 people, some of whom are seasoned hikers and many who are new to hiking or new to our trails. We are also holding a “Slow and Steady” version of “Exploring our Trails for folks who want to relax and enjoy nature with shorter and slower-paced hikes. Hikes are organized by representatives of FLT and FCC.
“Lessons in the Forest”is a new educational series, focused on enjoying nature through learning about specific topics. We are holding walks to scout for wildflowers, identify trees, and explore the cellar holes of Lost Village in Francestown. Walks are led by knowledgeable guides.
Programs will be posted as Flyers about Francestown (Post Office, Town Office, Library and kiosk outside the library). If you miss a program, you’ll have a chance to read about it afterwards in The Francestown News and on the FLT website.
You can also ask to be added to an email list for notification at info@francestownlandtrust.org. Title your email “Requesting notification about programs” and include your name, email address, and telephone number.
In addition to trail maps and other news, you can get information on our two websites: francestownlandtrust.org and francestownnh.org/conservation-commission.
Conserving and enjoying our Special Places is part of a long-term plan to protect our community’s rural character and quality of life. It’s a new year and we can’t wait to get back to more Special Places with you!
NH Audubon Recognizes FLT Vice-Chair Betsy Hardwick
NH AUDUBON HAS presented its Tudor Richards Award to Betsy Hardwick of Francestown for “working tirelessly and effectively for conservation in the Granite State.” Betsy was recognized for championing the natural environment in New Hampshire through both conservation and environmental education.
Betsy is vice-chair of the Francestown Land Trust and has chaired the Francestown Conservation Commission (FCC) for 25 years. Among her notable accomplishments are the passage of a $1 million town conservation bond and driving the “2010 by 2010” campaign that resulted in conservation of 25% of the land in Francestown. She has also served on the New Hampshire Coverts Advisory Board and presented at the NH Association of Conservation Commissions’ annual training.