Recent FLT events

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EXPLORING OUR TRAILS: 

On June 27, 13 hikers gathered on a perfect hiking day to partake in the Francestown Green Corridor Thru-Hike. Skies were clear, temps were pleasant and there were no bugs…no bugs! This hike is a 6.5-mile network of forest trails designed for both walking and some for biking, several class 6 roads, stream bridges and stunning views; all connecting a corridor of protected forests. A description of the hike, from start to finish, is featured in FLT’s 2025 Fall Newsletter, located on this website. 

This was the third hike of the season for the “Exploring our Trails” program, organized by representatives of the Francestown Land Trust and the Francestown Conservation Commission.

 Annual Meeting:  

 Thursday June 11, 2026 Attended by 46 members and guests, the Francestown Land Trust’s Annual Meeting got underway with a social reception followed by a brief business meeting and a speaker presentation. Our Keynote speaker was Maria Sanders, an Emerita Professor in Philosophy at Plymouth State University and author of the book Mind the Gap: Exploring Happiness as a Community. Her presentation, The Place We Call Home: Ethics, Nature, and the Future of Human Life, looked at the relationship of ethics, nature, and the future of human life through the interconnectedness of all living systems. Maria argues that since humans are not separate from the environment, but deeply embedded within it, our moral responsibilities extend to ecosystems and future generations. She emphasized that connectivity between community and the natural place matters. She discussed concepts such as Eudemonia, which in phycology is known as "eudaimonia well-being," a framework focused on personal growth, meaning, and purpose, resulting in living a full and flourished life and how two different approaches to living life affect this goal. Anthropocentrism places humans at the center of moral consideration, where nature is valued primarily for its usefulness to humans, such as providing resources, recreation, or economic growth. Conversely, ecocentrism places the entire ecological system at the center, asserting that ecosystems, species, and nonliving elements have the right to exist and thrive simply because they are part of the Earth, regardless of whether they are useful to humans. Ultimately, she suggests that achieving Eudemonia calls for a shift in perspective, seeing humans as responsible participants in nature rather than dominators, and encourages a more sustainable, ethical approach to progress that respects ecological boundaries while supporting human well-being. After questions/answers with Maria, audience members continued to socialize, making it a great evening for all.

 EXPLORING OUR TRAILS: 

On May 9, 18 hikers gathered in the drizzle to hike the Two Brooks Trail on the Piscataquog Land Conservancy’s 15-acre Alan and Edgar Rice Natural Area. Recent rains kept the black flies at bay, made the young tree leaves vibrantly green and left Senter Falls running with gusto. 

This was the second hike of the season for the “Exploring our Trails” program, organized by representatives of the Francestown Land Trust and the Francestown Conservation Commission.

 EXPLORING OUR TRAILS: 

On April 18, a record number of 24 hikers -- adults and children -- gathered together to hike through FLT’s 150-acre Schott Brennan Falls Reserve. A slightly damp day brought out the vibrant early spring colors of the old Mill Pond marsh and the recent rains left Brennan Brook running vigorously through the forest and down the waterfall. This was the first hike of the season for the “Exploring our Trails” program, organized by representatives of the Francestown Land Trust and the Francestown Conservation Commission.

THE SPRING JOAN HANCHETT NATURE SERIES PRESENTATION:

“SILENT SPARKS: THE WONDROUS WORLD OF FIREFLIES”

On Friday April 10, an audience of seventy-five was treated to an engaging presentation by Sara Lewis, biologist and professor emerita at Tufts University and co-chair of the IUCN International Firefly Specialist Group and author of “Silent Sparks; The Wondrous World of Fireflies”.

Sara shared surprising tidbits of information; there are over 2,600 different species worldwide and of the 125 species in the U.S., 15 are present in New England;. We also learned that firefly fossils exist from nine million years ago, firefly bioluminescence is caused by enzyme activity, some fireflies over-winter on tree bark, and their egg to larvae to pupae period in soil takes 1-2 years. Sadly, adults live only two weeks, during which, the male firefly has a species-specific pattern of flying and flashing and the female tends to “lay low” and, if interested, will flash back.

Habitat loss, light and chemical pollution, all negatively impact fireflies and Sara suggested 

creating a firefly-friendly landscape by leaving the leaf litter, providing moist soil, reducing pesticide use, and encouraging neighbors to “turn off their lights”! 

 The Francestown Land Trust and Conservation Commission co-sponsored a snow shoe hike in the Rand Brook Forest on Feb 28. The hike was led by Ben Haubrich. It was announced at the last minute, taking advantage of a beautiful winter day on conservation land in town. Sixteen hikers participated, including seasoned snowshoers and as well as those on snowshoes for the first time.

It was a morning of mild temperatures and sunshine and everyone enjoyed Ben’s wildlife tracking guidance as well as the group comraderie. Tracks identified on the hike included bobcat, coyote, fox, mice, mink, otter, porcupine, skunk, red and gray squirrels, and weasels. The group also saw bear claw marks going up a tree and signs of pileated woodpeckers. 

To receive notices of upcoming hikes, you can sign up via the FLT website.

THE FRANCESTOWN Conservation Commission and the Francestown Land Trust once again joined forces to host a snowshoe night hike, this time under the brilliant glow of the nearly full January Wolf Moon. Rendezvousing at the end of Farrington Road, an impressively bundled-up group of thirty hearty hikers braved the biting cold and set out across snow-covered fields to the Town's extensive trail system through the Crotched Mountain Forest. It was a cold, clear winter night, and the almost full moon cast bright light over the snowy ground.

Winding through the woods and connecting with the Joslin Loop Trail right below the intersection of Scot's Trail, the line paraded clockwise along Joslin to Bullard Hill Road, down to its intersection on Farrington Road, and back up to the original rendezvous point. The Wolf Moon lit the path beautifully through the silhouette of trees.

Even so, the night was only half over. Like any good Francestown community event, the opportunity to catch up with friends and meet new neighbors drew the hikers gratefully indoors to a crackling fire and refreshments. The warmth of the room was matched only by the warmth of the company. Everyone chipped in, with trays of baked goods, cheese & crackers, and other snacks, with pitchers of cider and hot chocolate. Familiar faces and new faces all had a great time thawing out together.

 THE FALL JOAN HANCHETT NATURE SERIES 

“RESURGENCE OF BALD EAGLES IN NH’”

On the evening of Friday November 7th, seventy-four attendees were treated to an information-packed lecture accompanied by a superb power-point show of photographs, on “Resurgence of Bald Eagles in New Hampshire.” Our presenter, Chris Martin senior raptor biologist from NH Audubon, spoke in detail about the dramatic Bald Eagle population recovery in New Hampshire and described management efforts and partnerships that have helped eagles. 

We learned about the life cycle of eagles (they can live more than 20 years), how their appearance changes as they mature, why they select the nesting locations they do, how to tell a Bald Eagle from a Gold Eagle and the management approaches that are currently being taken to protect, track and document eagles in our State. 

In close collaboration with NH Fish & Game, Chris focuses on recovery of the state’s raptors. He recruits, trains, and supervises an enthusiastic corps of NH Audubon volunteer field observers who monitor Bald Eagles all across the state. He encouraged our audience to be on the lookout for breeding pairs of Eagles and to be sure to report them. 

EXPLORING OUR TRAILS:

On October 18, a small group of six enthusiastic hikers headed out on a beautiful fall morning to hike a seven-mile loop in the Crotched Mountain Town forest, including trails in Francestown, Bennington and Greenfield.  It was a terrific grand finale to another year of “Exploring our Trails” hikes, organized by representatives of the Francestown Conservation Commission and the Francestown Land Trust. 

LESSONS IN THE FOREST: 

On October 11th sixteen history enthusiasts enjoyed a perfect fall day exploring the cellar holes of Francestown’s Lost Village. Brad Bull, from Francestown Improvement and Historical Society, guided us to what remains of mid-late 1700’s homes belonging to early settlers in the Bullard Hill area of Town; the Talbots, Bullards, Billings, Clarks and Woods. It was a well spent morning; a chance to take a really nice walk in the forest while learning about these families and the times that they lived in Town.

  On Sunday September 21st, dozens of supporters of the FLT gathered for an afternoon reception to celebrate the history and future of the organization. 

Board members engaged with donors to thank them for their support in achieving two important milestones in the FLT journey: the successful completion of the 2024 / 2025 Green Corridor Campaign, which raised the funds needed to acquire a conservation easement on a critical 55-acre parcel surrounded by other conserved land and the formal launch of the “Abigail Arnold Legacy Society” to recognize and honor those who plan to leave a bequest in support of FLT’s mission.  

Guests at the reception included individuals from various generations with long-standing connections to Francestown, who shared their stories with newer residents. The common thread for all was appreciation for our town’s wonderful quality of life. Tables of delicious baked goods, appetizers, and drinks tempted from under a blue-bird sky and a view of Crotched  Mountain made for a wonderful afternoon gathering. 

Exploring our Trails:   Thirteen hikers enjoyed a splendid day in the Lyndeborough range on Sept 20, hiking 3 summits:  Pinnacle, Lyndeborough, and Rose.  The late summer weather was gorgeous and the group got to enjoy lots of sunshine and great views, and some early fall foliage. The Lyndeborough range is one of the breathtaking mountain views seen from many spots in Francestown, including the field at Rand Brook Forest and Scoby Pond.  Many in the group commented that they enjoyed hiking in the mountains that they have admired from afar. Ben Haubrich led the hike and shared lots of great information on the land, trails, trees, birds and other wildlife.