This week’s unusually warm temperatures mean muddy trails. It’s best to stay off the trails until they dry out and harden up. An exception is the Quinn Trail at Mink Brook Nature Preserve.
Time to bring in your bird feeders! State biologists expect the bears weren’t fooled by this mild winter any more than we were, and ask that you bring in your bird feeders now, and don’t wait until April 1.
Our winter trips get underway this Saturday at Balch Hill with a leisurely snowshoe hike for families. We’ll admire the wintry view from the summit and enjoy warming refreshments afterward. Snowshoes will be available for those who need them. Ice grippers or YaxTrax might be a good alternative. Meet at the end of Hemlock Road. Leader: Rob Harris. For more information, call Gail McPeek at 643-6327.
Rain in January is never a great thing for trails. Please watch your step and hope for some proper snow. We’ve provided shovels at our crossings at Mink Brook, but they can’t help with ice. Happy New Year to all.
Announcing the time and location of this weekend’s trip, A New Habitat Plan for Balch Hill. The indoor part of the event will be held at the private home at the end of Hemlock Lane, where forester Ben Hudson will give a brief presentation beginning at 2:30 pm. Then we’ll walk up the Fire Trail and meet at the summit for the field trip that starts at 3:15pm. Those joining the outdoor trip only should park at the Grasse/Trescott Road intersection and hike to the summit. Thanks to Dr. Baker for opening his home for this event.
The Hawk Watch on Balch Hill scheduled for today at 11 am has been postponed to tomorrow due to weather.
Please check back Sunday morning by 9 am tomorrow to see if the event is still on.
2011 marked our 50th year! Since 1961, we have spoken up for community conservation, responsible land management, and the timeless pleasure of getting outdoors close to home.
On Sunday, September 25, 100 friends and supporters joined us at the summit of Balch Hill in Hanover, where it all began. We were treated to sunny skies, scudding clouds, and the presence of many of those who had helped us protect this well-loved place so many years ago. photo by Lisa Densmore
President Nancy Collier welcomed the group and recalled our past and present. She recognized our first president, Bob Norman, who was presented with a cherry Shaker-style tray. Bob offered recollections of our first years as the Hanover Conservation Council.
Executive Director Adair Mulligan celebrated the Conservancy’s valuable partnership with the Town of Hanover and the Upper Valley Land Trust, and presented an inscribed Aldo Leopold bench to Vicki Smith, Senior Planner for the Town, and Jeanie McIntyre, President of UVLT. The benches and Shaker tray were made by Conservancy member and craftsman Jim Duffus. (More about Aldo Leopold… plans for building an Aldo Leopold bench)
Vice President Kristine McDevitt, assisted by an able young visitor, distributed blueberry bushes from E.C. Brown’s Nursery and kites from College Supplies to five lucky winners of our “trail” prize raffle. Children engaged in a scavenger hunt, and Hanover High School student Jaden Gladstone entertained the group with his Appalachian music, on fiddle and banjo.
Refreshments were enjoyed by all, and included a taste of fall from Riverview Farm in Plainfield, NH – rosy Empire apples and fresh-pressed cider, along with home-baked goodies from members of the Balch Hill Stewardship Committee.
