Conservancy Trips are outdoor experiences on conserved land. We offer events throughout the year which include cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, birding, family hikes, seasonal happenings, wildflower walks and history tours. Outdoor trips are free and open to everyone. Trips are led by Conservancy staff and experienced community volunteers. Registration is generally not required.
Please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, bring drinking water (and a snack, if you like). Dress for the weather. No pets, please. Children are welcome on adventures designated for families. Our trips depart rain or shine (unless otherwise indicated) so plan accordingly.
Winter 2012 Trips & Programs
MARSHALL BROOK WETLANDS ~ Saturday, February 25, 9am-noon – Explore this extensive wild area in the northeast corner of Hanover, in search of wildlife sign and the special ecological features that led to the Town’s acquisition of this land. Bring snowshoes, snack, and water for a challenging off-trail hike. Location: Meet on Goose Pond Rd. at N tip of Goose Pond. Leader: Naturalist Alcott Smith
MOONLIGHT SNOWSHOE & BONFIRE ~ Saturday, March 3, 5-8pm –Prowl the Slade Brook watershed by moonlight, then gather around a bonfire for hot cocoa, cider, and more. Bring a headlamp or flashlight. Suitable for children 7 years and up. Location: Meet at 11 Old Lyme Road. Leader: Hugh Mellert
RAY SCHOOL FAMILY SNOWSHOE ~ Saturday, March 10, 1-3pm Let’s go play outside on the Ray School trails! Hot chocolate and cookies will warm us up afterwards. Snowshoes available for those who don’t have them. Passport to Winter Fun event. Location: Meet in the lower school parking lot by the gym. Leaders: Gail McPeek & Janice O’Donnell
GREEN FIRE ~ Film ~ Thursday, March 29, 7 pm 
– Proposing a land ethic for the 21st century, this thought-provoking new film illustrates the life and legacy of legendary conservationist Aldo Leopold, author of A Sand County Almanac. Location: Howe Library. Co-sponsored with the Sierra Club of the Upper Valley.
PAST TRIP REPORTS
WINTER 2012
WINTER WONDERLAND WALK & STORYTIME ~ 2/1/12 – A small group explored the rolling hills of the King Bird Sanctuary at Hayes Farm Park to look for signs of wildlife, then headed back to the library for a winter wildlife story, hot chocolate, and cookies. Tracks of deer, fox, turkey, squirrels, and hare were evident, and the size of one set of tracks suggested that a moose had recently visited the Trescott Wetlands behind the sanctuary. The previous day, a flock of 50 robins had visited the open hillsides of Hayes Farm Park.
SNOWSHOE HIKE AT BALCH HILL ~ 1/21/12 – An eager group of nine explored the Balch Hill Natural Area on snowshoes with leaders Rob Harris and Gail McPeek. Rob led us up the Fire Trail to the summit; we had some views but it was overcast. From there we went down Grasse Trail to Hunter East, then Garipay and Maple Trails and back to the summit. We finished with the Hemlock Trail so we could see the “grand ole oak. ”
FALL 2011
Back in Time on the Banks of Mink Brook, 11/5/11 –Thirty of the curious joined historian Jay Barrett to hear about the history of the Mink Brook Nature Preserve. Today the forested home of bears and wild trout, yesterday a mill stream flowing through dairy pasture, the Mink Brook Nature Preserve is a living library of land use history. After a gentle walk along both sides of the brook, a smaller, hardy group continued for a moderate scramble off-trail to the height of land on the southern part of the preserve.
Hawk Watch at Balch Hill, 10/2/11 - Sunny skies and northwest winds unfortunately did not coincide with the first weekend in October, and most migrating raptors were waiting for better conditions before cruising over Balch Hill. A hardy group did keep watch from the summit with leader David Merker, and were rewarded with a glimpse of one.
Autumn Walk at Slade Brook, 10/9 – Ten people enjoyed the beautiful glade at Slade Brook. Leader Hugh Mellert straddled the stream to talk about the history of this property and our hopes for future conservation work in its watershed.
Tour of Rinker-Steele Natural Area, 10/16 – Vicki Smith, Senior Planner for the Town of Hanover, lead a group to explore the dramatic topography and intriguing old growth forest on the bed of an ancient glacial lake. Vicki related the Town’s plans for its newest conservation property. Several participants had lived near this interesting place for years, and took advantage of this opportunity to get to know it. Joining the group were a photographer and reporter from the Valley News, who surprised us with front page coverage the following morning.
Geology of Greensboro Ridge, 10/23 – A large and enthusiastic group of 22 followed geologist Carl Renshaw through the Greensboro Ridge Natural Area, viewing displays the Connecticut River valley’s fascinating geologic history. Carl’s research has led to imagery of glacial Lake Hitchcock, which will be posted on this website shortly.
A New Forest & Habitat Plan for Balch Hill, 10/29 - Balch Hill friends and neighbors enjoyed forester Ben Hudson’s presentation on new plans to benefit wildlife and restore views. Thanks to Dr. Greg Baker for hosting the indoor program at the top of Hemlock Road. From there, Ben led a field session to show where various habitat improvements could be made.
Back in Time on the Banks of Mink Brook, 11/5 –Today the forested home of bears and wild trout, yesterday a mill stream flowing through dairy pasture, the Mink Brook Nature Preserve is a living library of land use history. Over 30 people joined us to hear historian Jay Barrett as he revisited the open farmland of his childhood and described the land’s 18th century role in attracting Dartmouth College to Hanover. Following a walk along the brook, a smaller group followed Jay on a moderate scramble off-trail to a ledge on the southern part of the preserve.
Spring, 2011
In the Footsteps of the Abenaki at Slade Brook, 6/25 – A group of 14 explored Native traditions and history at the Hornig Natural Area at Slade Brook with John and Donna Moody of the Winter Center. The Moodys observed that the brook’s lovely flumes and cascades are one of the Natural Area’s many gifts, along with the appearance of native impatiens in the same small stand of ground plants as poison ivy. The sap of impatiens provides an antidote to urushiol, the allergen in this native vine. We also encountered a native orchid and a number of ash trees, useful to the Abenaki.
Birds of Hayes Farm Park, Etna,5/21 –We explored Hanover’s newest acquisition in search of birds and other wildlife, with leader Gail McPeek. After enjoying the sight of chimney swifts and barn swallows swooping around the historic Hayes barn, we visited the Upper Meadow, site of the new Nan and Allen King Bird Sanctuary, where we saw several warblers, among others. Then it was down to the intriguing Trescott Ridge Wetlands nearby.
Upper Valley Trails Day, 6/4/11– Eleven hardy souls built a new trail connecting the Connecticut River with our Mink Brook Nature Preserve. Working under the leadership of Doug McIlroy, chair of the Trails Committee of the Hanover Conservation Commission, the group finished the job in under two hours. The new trail allows a pleasant walk from the town’s pump station up to the Brook Road trailhead gate, a nice alternative to walking along the road.
Annual Kite Day at Balch Hill, 5/14/11 – The Balch Hill summit was alive with kids and kites for a joyous and colorful afternoon in the spring breezes at Balch Hill. Ten families joined us for the fun.
More
Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk, 5/8/11 – Under the expert guidance of botanist Alice Schori, we discovered many spring wildflowers at the Balch Hill Natural Area and learned to spot these ephemeral beauties even before or after they bloom.
Spring Birding at Balch Hill, 5/7/11 - We had great luck with many species, 35 in all. Our group of eight birded the summit for more than 30 minutes and had good looks at Black-throated Blue and Black-throated Green warblers, Nashville and Chestnut-sided Warblers, many Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Prairie Warblers which are rare for this area. We also saw a brilliant male Scarlet Tanager, and a Ruby-throated Hummingbird chasing a cowbird. Other highlights were a pair of Barred Owls behaving as if young were close by (in the Maple Trail area near old maples).
Spring Birding at Mink Brook, 4/30/11 - Thirty-eight species of birds tested the identification, observation, and listening skills of those 11 who ventured out to Mink Brook Nature Preserve, led by Gail McPeek, George Clark, and Jim Barrett. Highlights included a pair of Blue-winged Teal and some Solitary Sandpipers feeding on the exposed mud flats. Other notables were a Hooded Merganser, Broad-winged Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, Brown Creeper foraging, Swamp Sparrow in the marsh, and a hunting red fox.
Spring Migrants along the Connecticut River, 4/23/11 – A hardy group of 12 searched in the steadily falling snow and sleet for waterfowl and other spring migrants following New England’s greatest river north to their breeding grounds. They were rewarded with a turkey flying over the river, as well as kingfisher, hooded and common mergansers, a kestrel, northern harrier, and many more.
Woodcock Habitat & Management, 4/13/11 – A hearty group followed John Lanier of the Northeast Woodcock Initiative and Jim Kennedy on a tour of the Huntington Hill Wildlife Management Area. We observed the types of openings Jim had created for singing grounds and the dense cover necessary for brooding areas for this secretive ground-nesting bird. Following a dinner hosted by the Kennedys, we observed woodcock singing and spiraling in the twilight.
TRIP REPORTS: Winter, 2011
Rinker-Steele Natural Area Snowshoe Hike – 2/26/11 – Fifteen joined Adair Mulligan to explore what the glacier left behind at Hanover’s newest conservation property. It was a lovely, clear morning with freshly fallen snow. Our path into the Natural Area was cleared early in the day by the Oak Hill groomer, then we struck out onto the trails lacing the ancient forest of the Rinker tract.
Ray School Family Snowshoe Hike – 2/5/11 - Twenty eager explorers set off on snowshoes, many for the very first time, on the trails at the Ray School. Everyone enjoyed hot chocolate after the trip. Leaders Gail McPeek & Janice O’Donnell report that a good time was had by all.
Moose Mountain Ridge XC Ski & Snowshoe -1/29/11 –
Ready for the Moose Mountain trek
A hardy group of 12 explored the trails and natural history of Moose Mountain with naturalist Elisha Huggins. We enjoyed a panoramic vista from a trailside outcrop and the variety of terrain, along with Elisha’s stories of his many years of trail work on the network of trails surrounding this area.
Alcott Smith and friends at Greensboro Ridge
Greensboro Ridge Winter Wildlife – 1/22/11 –
Alcott Smith and Gail McPeek led an enthusiastic group of 25 on an exploration of the forested trails and ledges of the Greensboro Ridge Natural Area, hunting for signs of wildlife in the winter woods. Snowshoes were essential! Because the snow was so deep, wildlife sign was sparse, but Alcott found plenty of fascinating things to share.
Waiting for the moon at Slade Brook
Snowshoe & Bonfire at Slade Brook – 1/15/11 - Thirty hardy explorers prowled the Slade Brook watershed under a moon that occasionally peeked out from among the snow showers, then gathered around a bonfire for hot cocoa, cider, and hot dogs. Leaders Hugh Mellert and Gail McPeek report, “This was the best Moonlight Hike we have had in about 5 years. Last year it was cancelled because of no snow….the year before that it rained…..so this one had perfect snow conditions and temperatures. The bonfire was a big hit.”
FALL, 2010
Balch Hill: Circle of Life Quest: 9/25/2010 - An energetic group explored Balch Hill, following the Circle of Life Quest with ValleyQuest coordinator Laura Dintino, HCC board member Gail McPeek, and Ellis Rolett, of the Council’s Balch Hill Stewardship Committee. Ellis shared tidbits of the hill’s history as the children and their parents followed the clues and hints of the Quest. All enjoyed a treat at the summit.
Hawk Watch at Balch Hill: 10/2/2010 - Following two days of heavy rain, Saturday’s clearing skies and cooler temperatures offered very fortunate weather conditions for hawk migration over Balch Hill. Eleven participants gazed at the skies searching for birds as leader David Merker shared his expertise on hawk identification and hawk migration. The day’s tally included 2 Turkey Vultures, 12 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 1 Cooper’s Hawk, 2 Red-tailed Hawks, 2 American Kestrels, and 2 Bald Eagles (these appeared to be non-migrants heading north). The birds were flying high and really moving on strong northwest winds.
Into Deep Time: Rinker-Steele Natural Area: 10/17/2010 - A beautiful fall morning found a group of eight exploring the newly conserved Rinker-Steele Natural Area with Dartmouth geologist / Council board member Dick Birnie and Executive Director Adair Mulligan. We heard about the history of this intriguing area, and how the steep, wildly twisting slopes were formed by early Camp Brook, gushing with glacial meltwater and tearing through the sediments left behind by glacial Lake Hitchcock. We talked about the conservation easement that now protects this Town-owned property, and the plans for its management into the future.
GPS Treasure Hunt at Balch Hill: 10/30/2010 - Armed with GPS units that had already memorized Balch Hill’s hidden treasures, a group of eight explored the natural area following an electronic “trail.” Thanks to John Taylor and the Upper Valley Trails Alliance for an unusual adventure!
WINTER 2010
Mink Brook-Sachem Village-Boston Lot Loop Snowshoe: 3/6/10 - What was supposed to be a snowshoe trek turned into a “feels like Spring” hike for the twelve attendees who gathered at the Mink Brook Nature Preserve. Guided by Mink Brook neighbor Maureen Bolton, in three hours the group completed a 6 mile loop of trails that brought us through the Nature Preserve, past Sachem Village, up along Indian Ridge and through the East-West Trail, and back down to Mink Brook.
The clear blue sky and unseasonably warm weather allowed the group to enjoy the varying terrains and elevations of the many interconnecting trails – it was icy in patches, but the lack of snow and leafless trees afforded a beautiful view over the Connecticut River to Vermont at the top of Indian Ridge. We also noted a great deal of woodpecker activity; some strange, beautiful mushrooms emerging from the snow; and the wonderful new wooden bridge crossing Mink Brook that was built using fallen logs from the Mink Brook Nature Preserve.
It was a perfect day to get outside. Many thanks to Maureen Bolton for taking the time to show us her “backyard” (and for knowing exactly how those many trails connect!) And additional thanks to Jim Block for taking some gorgeous photos during the hike; here’s the link to his website to see them:
Huntington Hill Farm Snowshoe 2/6/10 - The second trip of the season was a success! Jed Williamson led a group of 12 hikers around Huntington Hill Farm on Saturday, February 6th for two hours. Trip participants reported animal tracks, discovered historic farm equipment and the old sugar shack on the property and enjoyed the flowing water of Slade Brook.
Animal Habitat Snowshoe with naturalist Alcott Smith 1/30/10 - Our first 2010 Winter Adventure was met with bitter cold temperatures,
but that did not discourage 22 folks from turning out to hike with naturalist Alcott Smith. For more than three hours the group explored the forested habitats around the Pingree Brook-Wardrobe Road area, north of Goodfellow Road. The many stone walls, some very large, old trees, former logging trails, and other features told the history of the land cleared for settlement and pasture, followed by reforestation and, more recently, some logging.
The lack of snow depth combined with fresh powder provided excellent conditions for animal tracks. Among the many tracks seen were coyote, fisher, deer, snowshoe hare, red squirrel, white-footed and deer mouse, short-tailed shrew, turkey, and grouse. Alcott provided excellent instruction on interpreting animal signs, including the use of tracks to determine which direction the animal was traveling, how fast or slow it was moving, and other behaviors. Other discoveries included young maple saplings with bark stripped-off by moose, hemlock stems cut and dropped to the ground by porcupine, and a porcupine den in a large, fallen log.
By 12:30pm, much of the group had hiked back to their vehicles, while a small contingency continued to the far northeast corner of the property, an area with glacial rocks with evidence of coyote and red fox use. Alcott also pointed out a deer bedding site, located on a little knoll with fairly open woods on all sides.
What a wonderful Winter Adventure it was. We are grateful to Alcott Smith for sharing his expertise and insights on the animals and ecology, and to the property owners for allowing us to explore this landscape.
– Proposing a land ethic for the 21st century, this thought-provoking new film illustrates the life and legacy of legendary conservationist Aldo Leopold, author of A Sand County Almanac. Location: Howe Library. Co-sponsored with the Sierra Club of the Upper Valley.
