Past Trips

Come along on an armchair tour as we explore the wilder side of Hanover through the Conservancy’s outdoor trips program.

SPRING 2013

Visiting a vernal pool

MOTHER’S DAY WILDFLOWER WALK  -5/12/13 – Fifteen engaged and knowledgeable walkers discovered trillium, jack in the pulpit, and other spring wildflowers, club-mosses, and unfurling ferns on the wild McKinley Tract in northeast Hanover. Thanks to our leader, botanist Alice Schori.


KITE DAY AT BALCH HILL -5/11/13 – Despite threatening skies, several families brought their kites and kids for a colorful afternoon of kite-flying in the breezes of Balch Hill.  One kite is on its way to Vermont, but the rest survived. All seemed to enjoy the expanded views, thanks to the Balch Hill Stewardship Committee’s work.

VERNAL POOLS AT GREENSBORO RIDGE – 5/5/13 – Who’s stirring in those mysterious woodland waters in spring? Greensboro Ridge Natural Area has plenty of wildlife and some like it wet.  Led by Dartmouth Biology Professor Mark McPeek, a group of about 20 visited several vernal pools on this 113-acre conserved property and found that they were “hopping” with wood frog and salamander eggs, among other amphibians.

CONNECTICUT RIVER WATERFOWL & SPRING MIGRANTS – 4/20/13 – Leaders Art Mudge & George Clark steered 21 participants upriver to find a good variety of waterfowl and other spring migrants – 46 species in all! – on this trip co-sponsored by the Mascoma Chapter of NH Audubon, the Hanover Conservancy, and Upper Valley Land Trust. Beginning at Wilson’s Landing, they made several stops on the NH side, ending at Grant Brook in Lyme.  Among highlights were extended soaring by a Double-crested Cormorant, good views of an adult Bald Eagle, a Spotted Sandpiper in its nice-looking spring garb, several Ruby-crowned Kinglets singing loudly, an even louder Louisiana Waterthrush singing at Grant Brook, and a Field Sparrow at Grant Brook. Non-avian finds included a spotted salamander and a red eft.

WINTER 2013

WORKING THE WOODS ON THE WATER COMPANY LANDS ~ 3/2/13 – Thirty of the curious joined us for a special members-only trip behind the fence guarding Hanover’s public water supply to learn how foresters guide tree growth and protect water quality on these sensitive lands. Foresters John O’Brien and Jeff Smith explained how foresters guide tree growth and protect water quality on these sensitive lands.  After a good look at 100-year-old maps of the property, we visited majestic four-foot-thick white pines and red oaks on the western side of this major land holding, including two trees where generations of porcupines have made their homes.

Forester John O'Brien inspects a massive porcupine den tree

Jeff Smith demonstrated the tools a forester uses in evaluating a stand of trees, and woodsman Bernie Corrette displayed his skill with a scaler and chainsaw in working up a pile of recently harvested red pines. A focus of the morning’s trip was understanding how the watershed’s forests are being guided to a more natural, diversified community and away from the plantation-style, even-aged forest of the past. The foresters are reluctantly returning to plantations in places where invasive glossy buckthorn is threatening the quality of future forests here. The visit ended with a visit to “the four corners” – where the old Wolfeboro and Knapp Roads crossed at a former settlement – to see the site of the one-room schoolhouse and the Mason Farm’s cellarholes, now criss-crossed with turkey tracks. Many thanks to foresters John O’Brien and Jeff Smith and to the Trescott Water Company board for allowing us to make this special trip.

View a slide show of the morning’s discoveries by Jim Block.

Tracking near Tunis Brook with Alcott Smith

 

TUNIS BROOK WILDLIFE IN WINTER ~ 2/16/13 – Twenty-six eager trackers trekked into the Tunis Brook Mill Lot by snowshoe to find signs of wildlife around this historic spot in the wild northeast corner of Hanover. This was a real adventure with Alcott Smith, who is well-known for his energetic and in-depth interpretation of wildlife sign in the woods.  We began at Goose Pond Road at the junction with Tunis Road (Class VI), 4.5 miles from Route 10. After a short detour on the new bicycle trail on the Town Forest, we headed south up Tunis Road to the site of an old cellar hole (whose location does not appear on either the 1855 or 1892 map of Hanover). After discovering signs of recent ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, and moose activity, we struck off into the Tunis Brook watershed, finding a prime porcupine den and much more before reaching our Tunis Brook Mill Lot. Photo album of the day’s adventure. 

Snowshoe Hike to DOC Cabin ~ 2/9/13 – Bravely striking out during the tail end of the “Blizzard of 2013,” Nancy Collier and Linde McNamara led an expedition to explore trails on the west slopes of Moose Mountain. After hiking a mile in to Dartmouth’s Class of ’66 Cabin, tucked away in the woods, the group enjoyed a tour and hot chocolate at the cabin.   Read an entertaining account of the building of the cabin, (excerpted from the 2009 edition of D.O.C’s Woodsmoke) posted here with permission of the author. Click here for aerial photo with our route indicated.

At Morton Farm; Ascutney view

Summit Lord’s Hill ~ 2/2/2013 – Lise Richardson led an intrepid group of 8 as we explored the rolling fields and forests of the Richardson farm and adjoining portions of Lord’s Hill. A light dusting of snow covered the ground. Superlative views of Mt. Ascutney and dramatic stone walls near the summit were an especial treat. It was a privilege to roam on private lands and trails in this wild part of Hanover encircled by Dogford Road.

Nordic Ski at Morton Farm ~ 1/26/13 – A dozen skiers enjoyed a sparkling winter morning exploring the fields and woods of the Morton Farm with Director Sally Batton and the Conservancy’s Adair Mulligan and Courtney Dragiff.  The Morton Farm, home of the Dartmouth Riding Center, is located on Laramie Road in Etna. The trails wind through nearly 200 acres of woods & open fields and offer spectacular views of Mt. Ascutney. The College welcomes the public (without dogs) on the property for hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing.

Moonlight Snowshoe & Bonfire  ~ 1/19/13 –Led by Hugh Mellert, 22 eager snowshoers prowled the Slade Brook watershed by the light of a shy moon, then gathered around a bonfire for hot cocoa and more. We had a great outing and even some moonshine through the hazy clouds once we got to the top.  Hugh is a great leader with great stories to share and the hot dogs, hot chocolate and bonfire at the end are a big hit. A number of participants appreciated borrowing from our supply of snowshoes and poles.

FALL 2012

NE Hanover & conserved lands

Find the Town Forest Bike & Hike – 10/27/12 – We had a beautiful afternoon exploring Hanover’s remote northeast corner on foot and mountain bike. Our group of eight, led by Nancy Collier & Kevin O’Leary, rode the Class VI Tunis Road and hiked the bike trails currently being built in the Town Forest by the Upper Valley Mountain Bike Association.  People really enjoyed the cellar hole at the Tunis Brook crossing and the stone culvert that the brook flows through.  The group decided to ride out Wolfeboro Rd and Goose Pond Rd to make a loop back to the cars. We then hiked the mountain bike trail up about 3/4 mile. Kevin gave a good description of their work and plans. Volunteers have laid out these trails under the supervision of the Hanover Conservation Commission; the trails are partially built and while they’re not yet ready for riding, they make great hiking.  Photographer Jim Block came along for the ride; here’s a link to his photos. Download a map of the new bike trail and conserved lands in NE Hanover.

Tour of Trescott Water Company Lands  -  10/20/12 – On a gorgeous fall afternoon, 30 enthusiastic trekkers toured a fascinating part of Hanover hidden behind the fence protecting the town’s water supply, on a special members-only excursion. Foresters John O’Brien and Jeffrey Smith explained the challenges of managing this critical land and showed us the historic site of the town poor farm, spectacular views of Mt. Ascutney, and rare old growth forest protected in one of several “legacy” sites on the property. The land is owned by the Trescott Water Company, of which the Town of Hanover and Dartmouth College own equal shares. View a slide show of our trip. Photographer Jim Block was along, and has shared his beautiful photos.

Insider’s View from Lord’s Hill – 10/14/12 – Lise Richardson led a stimulating walking tour of private lands on and around Lord’s Hill just west of Hanover Center, including parts of the historic Nutt Farm. A group of six enjoyed the lovely changes of forest types on the way to the 1500-foot summit and its beautiful views, despite the light mist.

Hike Historic Cory Road – 10/6/12 – Amid the fall foliage, leaders Gail McPeek and Hugh Mellert led an enthusiastic group of 14 on exploration of an early town road (now Class VI), the cellar hole of an early farmstead, and a rare historic stone bridge with neighbors who know Hanover Center history. Thanks to our co-sponsors, the Hanover Historical Society.

Secrets of Greensboro Ridge – 9/29/12 – Despite the rain, a small but adventurous group headed off-trail to visit hidden grottoes and other mysteries of the Greensboro Ridge Natural Area that offer unusual habitat for the preserve’s wildlife.  Then we hiked down the new Greensboro Highlands Trail for the insiders’ story of how the trail was built and the special natural features it reveals.

Annual Hawk Watch at Balch Hill Summit – 9/22/12 – Migrating raptors were few and far between, but beautiful views, blue skies and great conversation about birds and hawk migration made for a wonderful outing.  Twenty-one people joined leaders David Merker and Gail McPeek, along with one porcupine which spent 15 minutes grazing on milkweed in the meadow.  We saw the following winging their way south: American Kestrel (1), Sharp-shinned Hawk (1), Broad-winged Hawk (1), Osprey (2), Turkey Vulture (6), plus crows, blue jays and flickers on the move and many monarch butterflies.

SPRING 2012

Back in Time on Tunis Brook ~ 6/10/12 – Over 40 people joined the Hanover Conservancy and Hanover Historical Society on a gorgeous day to explore Hanover’s history in the remote northeast corner of town, with a look at how natural resources – woods and waters – shaped human history here.We began with a visit to the Tunis Schoolhouse, a lovingly restored 1822 one-room school. Owner Barbara Fildes shared the history of the area and her award-winning efforts to restore the building. We then visited two early burying grounds, the Tunis and Goose Pond cemeteries. The afternoon ended with a hike to the beautiful forest sheltering the site of an early sawmill on tiny Tunis Brook, protected by the Hanover Conservancy.

Landscaping for Wildlife ~ 5/31 – Jim Kennedy, NH Coverts Cooperator and Wetland Scientist gave a well-illustrated program on landscaping with native plants to benefit wildlife to a group of 14 at the Etna Library. Several in the group had not previously visited the historic library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We then headed out under blue skies for a gentle to moderate walk up through the Hayes Farm Park to the new Nan & Allen King Bird Sanctuaryto tour blooming wildlife plantings and enjoy views over the Mink Brook valley of Etna, led by Executive Director Adair Mulligan.

Mother's Day on Moose Mountain

Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk ~ 5/13/2012~ Leaders Alice Schori and Gail McPeek led us on another remarkable botanical meander on the Orange Trail on Moose Mountain. We observed:  Goldthread, Wild Strawberry, Cinquefoil, Partridgeberry, Clintonia, Canada Mayflower, Red Trillium, Trout Lily, Violets (white, two varieties of purple), Foamflower, Skunk Currant, Jack-in-the-pulpit, Spring Beauty, Wild Oats, Solomon’s-Seal, False Solomon’s Seal, False Hellebore (Indian Poke), Starflower, Wild Lettuce (various), Bloodroot, Sweet Cicely, Golden Alexanders, Baneberry, Bedstraw, Avens ?, Solidago spp., Aster spp., Lowbush blueberry, Hobblebush,  Lycopodiums, ferns, and club mosses.

Saturday Bird Trip – Trescott Saddle to Berrill Farms ~  5/26/2012- David Merker and Gail McPeek led a walk from Trescott Rd (AT parking area) south on the AT to the Hudson Farm fields behind Berrill Farms on Greensboro Road and then north to Trescott Road looping back to Old Highway 38. It was a great morning for Bobolinks and Savannah sparrows, indigo buntings and 37 other species.

Birds seen: Wild Turkey, Mourning Dove, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Pileated Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Great crested Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Wood Pewee, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Brown Creeper, House Wren, Winter Wren, Gray Catbird, American Robin, Wood Thrush, Veery, Eastern Bluebird, Cedar Waxwing, Blue-headed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Black-and-white Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Northern Parula, Blackburnian Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, Bobolink, Brown-headed Cowbird, Indigo Bunting, American Goldfinch, Savannah Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow. Also a probably Broad-winged Hawk .

Saturday Bird Trip – Mink Brook Nature Preserve ~  4/28/2012- Despite a very chilly morning (with even a few snow flakes) our birding group, led by George Clark, recorded 26 species  (list below).  When the sun did finally shine through we witnessed the immediate onset of song by birds that were silent beforehand.  We had nice views of Brown Creepers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and a Blue-headed Vireo.  A pair of White-breasted Nuthatches nesting in a box along Mink Brook was a treat.  We hoped to spot the black bear female and her 3 cubs, but no luck.

Birds seen: Canada Goose, Mallard (several pairs), Wood Duck (several pairs), Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Hairy or Downy Woodpecker, American Crow, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, House Wren, Winter Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-headed Vireo, American Robin, Black-and-white Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Pine Warbler, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Northern Cardinal, American Goldfinch, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow.

Spring Migrants Along the Connecticut River ~ 4/21/21 - Under remarkably bright skies this morning, 21 birders participated in a walk cosponsored by Mascoma Chapter of New Hampshire Audubon, Hanover Conservancy, and the Upper Valley Land Trust. Starting from the parking lot of the Dartmouth Printing Company in Hanover, NH, we went to Wilson’s Landing in Hanover and then north along River Road with stops in Hanover and Lyme until we reached Grant Brook where we made a loop walk through the preserve.

Among 35 species found, presumed relatively recent arrivals included a Broad-winged Hawk by Grant Brook, a singing House Wren investigating potential nest boxes along River Road, at least 2 singing Hermit Thrushes, several singing Yellow-rumped Warblers, at least 5 singing Louisiana Waterthrushes, and a number of Chipping Sparrows, at least some of which were also singing.

Other species included Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Ruffed Grouse, Mourning Dove, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Pine Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, and American Goldfinch.
Special thanks to Dartmouth Printing Company for providing use of their parking lot. ~ George Clark, Norwich, VT

WINTER 2012

Ray School Family Snowshoe Walk ~ 3/10/12 – Mother Nature played “chicken” with our trip plans! Bare ground mixed with ice prompted us to cancel the trip the day before, but a surprise snowstorm that night brought eight inches to the trip leader’s home a few miles north, and the trip was back on. Imagine our surprise to find only one inch of new snow on the ground at the Ray School. That didn’t stop two families, including a group of geography scholars visiting Dartmouth from China, from enjoying the trails with us on a beautiful fresh day.
Moonlight Snowshoe & Bonfire~ 3/3/12 – Skies cleared for a beautiful, bright moonlit, starlit prowl of the Slade Brook watershed, led by Hugh Mellert. Eight adventurers wandered the woods guided by the waxing, gibbous moon, then gathered around a bonfire for hot cocoa, cider, and more.
Marshall Brook Wetlands~ 2/25/12 – A hardy group of 13 explored 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 with the Conservancy’s help in 1977. Naturalist Alcott Smith led the group to discover fresh bobcat tracks in the previous night’s snowfall, plus a mansion of a beaver lodge and many other signs of wildlife activity. View a slideshow of our trip here.
Winter Wonderland Walk and 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, 10/9/11 – 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, 10/16/11 – 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, 10/23/11 – 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.
A New Forest & Habitat Plan for Balch Hill, 10/29/11 – 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, 11/5/11 –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, 6/25/11 – 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,5/21/11 –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.
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.

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.Gail McPeek, Elisha Huggins, and Nancy Collier consult the map
Moose Mountain Ridge XC Ski & Snowshoe -1/29/11 –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.

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.

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.