Silent Sparks: The Wondrous World of Fireflies
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Joan Hanchett Nature Series – Spring presentation
- When: Friday April 10, 6:30pm
- Where: Francestown Town Hall
- Presenter: Sara Lewis, Ph.D
Come learn about Fireflies
...one of our greatest ambassadors for Earth’s natural magic. For centuries their ethereal beauty has sparked wonder and inspired poets, artists, and children of all ages. We’ll find out how they get their bright lights, explore their remarkable lifestyles, hear how human activities put fireflies at risk, and find out how we can help protect these dazzling creatures.
Our speaker will be Sara Lewis, Ph.D, a biologist and professor emerita at Tufts who has spent more than three decades studying firefly behavior, ecology, and evolution. She coordinates global firefly conservation efforts as co-chair of the IUCN Firefly Specialist Group, has authored over 100 scientific publications as well as presented a mainstage TED talk about fireflies. She is the author of Silent Sparks: The Wondrous World of Fireflies.
The Joan Hanchett Nature Series is a free program for adults and children of all ages. It is sponsored by Francestown Land Trust, George Holmes Bixby Memorial Library, The Francestown News, and the Francestown Conservation Commission.
Schott Brennan Falls Reserve Hike
EXPLORING OUR TRAILS – April 18th
Join representatives of the Francestown Land Trust and the Francestown Conservation Commission on Saturday, April 18th on the first hike of our 2026 series of programs, with a two-mile hike through the Schott Brennan Falls Reserve.
We will take the Bullard Hill Class VI Road to the Schott Brennan Falls Reserve trailhead and kiosk. From there, a forest road will take us past the old Mill Pond meadow and a new bench overlooking the water before transitioning onto a forest trail ending at the 20-foot high Brennan Falls. The footing on this hike is easy to moderate with some rocky and uneven terrain and some hills. Come expecting to learn some of the history of the Oak Hill area and this conserved 150-acre forest. The hike will leave at 9:30 AM and return by noon.
Registration helps us plan, so please register no later than Thursday April 16th by sending an email to info@francestownlandtrust.org. Title your email “Register for Brennan Falls hike” and include your name, telephone, and the number in your party. Registrants will receive emails with directions to the trailhead and any updates. Plan for tick protection and bring water and a snack for yourself. No dogs please.
For more information, contact Hannah Proctor, land line 603-547-2816, or via email at hqproctor@gmail.com.
Date: Saturday, April 18th
Time: 9:30AM to 12:00PM
Location: Schott Brennan Falls Reserve
Grab a friend, take a picnic, go for a walk,
...and enjoy taking a moment to sit on our new benches!
A surprise awaits you when you walk to three properties owned by the Francestown Land Trust (FLT); Rand Brook Forest, Schott Brennan Falls Reserve and Collins Brook Headwaters.
Very comfortable wood benches have been put in place at three special locations for folks in our community to enjoy. FLT Board members, along with volunteer David Gleason, recently completed a fun project collaborating with volunteers and donors to provide community benches overlooking the forests, meadows, mountains and wetland ponds which are such an important part of the fabric of Francestown.
The bench at the 514-acre Rand Brook Forest overlooks a large meadow and the Lyndeborough mountain range, and is well worth a round trip 2-mile hike with a place to rest in the beauty of natural surroundings. The 149-acre Schott Brennan Falls Reserve’s new bench is situated overlooking Schott’s Pond, and only a short walk beyond is Brennan Falls which is particularly lovely in the spring. The bench at Collin’s Brook Headwaters, a 100-acre parcel , sits overlooking a pond just a short walk from the road, and is accessible to all ages.
Grab a friend, take a picnic, go for a walk, and enjoy taking a moment to sit on our new benches!
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. 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!
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Come learn about Fireflies
Joan Hanchett Nature Series Spring presentation
- When: Friday April 10, 6:30pm
- Where: Francestown Town Hall
- Presenter: Sara Lewis, Ph.D