Lessons in the Forest - Tree ID
Join representatives from the Francestown Conservation Commission (FCC) and Francestown Land Trust (FLT) for a Tree ID hike in the Shattuck Pond Town Forest. The hike will be led by Francestown resident and retired forester Jeff Briggs. It will be held on Saturday, June 28, from 10AM to noon in the Shattuck Pond Town Forest.
Is it a maple or an oak, or perhaps a birch or a beech? Is it a white pine or red pine, a hemlock or spruce? Bring your questions (because Jeff knows A LOT about trees and forests!) and your enthusiasm. Also bring bug spray, tick protection, and wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots.
Please register no later than Thursday June 26th by sending an email to info@francestownlandtrust.org. Title your email “Register for Tree ID” and include your name, telephone number, and the number in your party. Registrants will receive emails confirming registration, meeting location, and any updates. No dogs please.
Date: Saturday, June 28th
Time: 10:00AM to noon
Location: Shattuck Pond Town Forest
Exploring our Trails – Ferrin Pond Hike
Please join us on Saturday, July 19 for a hike from Francestown to Ferrin Pond in Weare. The Ferrin Pond Conservation Area is jointly owned by the Town of Weare and the Piscataquog Land Conservancy and they manage the area cooperatively for natural resource protection, public recreation and forestry. The pristine Ferrin Pond was formed by a glacier over 10,000 years ago, during the Wisconsin glacial stage. We will pass extensive wetlands, explore two amazing cellar holes and follow the PLC trail to the pond. We’ll circumnavigate the entire pond and for those that want to, take a dip at the beach there before turning around and hiking back to our cars on Poor Farm Road.
This 5-mile round-trip hike of moderate difficulty involves uneven ground, wet areas, a rough gravel road maintained by the powerline company, and stretches of up and down hiking on a lovely forest trail around the pond. For a map and more information on the trail, check out PLC’s website at https://plcnh.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Ferrin-Pond-Conservation-Area-Trail-Guide-2021-Final.pdf. We will meet at 9:00 AM at the end of Poor Farm Road in Francestown (directions will be provided prior the hike.) We expect to return to our cars at the end of Poor Farm Road by 3:00 PM. Bring a lunch, water, and swimming attire (optional.) Please plan wisely for tick and bug protection.
Please register no later than Thursday July 17th by sending an email to info@francestownlandtrust.org. Title your email “Register for Ferrin Pond 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: Hannah Proctor (603-547-2816) or Elizabeth Lavallee (603-547-6356)
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.