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Mink Brook log crossing repair

April 17, 2023

Have you been looking forward to the day when it might once again be safe to cross the brook at the Mink Brook Nature Preserve? We’re happy to report that, thanks to terrific partners, that day is now many steps closer! Dartmouth has generously offered a tall, sturdy tree that happened to be in the path of ski trail improvements at Oak Hill – a welcome gift that follows the college’s major contribution that saved the 112-acre Preserve from becoming a 32-lot subdivision in 1999. As this moves forward, three imperatives guide the project: protecting the ecological integrity of Mink Brook and its banks, safety for everyone who walks the trails at the Preserve, and of course, respect for the Native community.

Throughout the quarter century we have held and managed the Mink Brook Nature Preserve, we have been mindful of its significance to the Abenaki and understand that this, like other places we have protected, is unceded land. Throughout the process of determining how to restore a safe crossing of the brook, we have sought out and conferred with Native voices, with many hours in consultation about how we might move forward in a respectful way. It is our goal to steward the lands in our care in a way that is both consistent with Native values and helps our community appreciate these places.

Among these values is respect for nature. The need to protect streambanks from damage by too many eager feet has added urgency to our replacement project. Directing those unstoppable feet to one carefully selected spot, away from soft soils and onto a stable surface, will keep sediment out of the water and allow the streambank to re-vegetate naturally. Making the crossing safe – for feet large and small – is an equally important goal.

Program Coordinator Myrilla Hartkopf with the standing tree at Oak Hill, shortly before it was felled.

Why a white pine from Oak Hill? Given the recent history of the Preserve as farmland, it isn’t surprising that the trees growing there today aren’t yet tall and strong enough to provide a safe crossing over the Hurricane Irene-widened channel, so we had to look elsewhere to replace the log. To our surprise, a call to our foresters soon revealed the big tree that was slated to come down within weeks, conveniently close to the log landing. The project led by Friends of Oak Hill will result in a new, community-pleasing role for this tree now that its shade-giving, carbon-storing, bird-harboring days are done. Thanks to Forester Jeff Smith at Upper Valley Forestry for identifying the tree. (And yes, we really did think about floating a toppled pine from Pine Park down the Connecticut River and up the brook).

Many hands are making light work of this heavy lift. In addition to Dartmouth, our friends at Liberty Utilities are pitching in to bring the log to the Preserve. Hanover’s Public Works and Police departments are supporting the move.  Chippers, a long-time business friend, will help pull it into position. The Upper Valley Trails Alliance, a regular Conservancy partner, will remove the deteriorated log and guide volunteers in preparing the fresh log for its new role.

We want to thank the talented team of students and faculty at Dartmouth’s Thayer School of Engineering who worked through the 2021-22 year to design a clever and attractive suspension footbridge. While we were not able to use their proposed design, they helped us learn even more about our community’s hopes and affection for the Preserve.

We will update this page regularly as our project proceeds. When it’s time for volunteers to pitch in, we’ll let you know! Thanks to all of our partners who are helping the Hanover Conservancy to restore our beloved log bridge.

Filed Under: Conservation, Featured, Lands, Mink Brook, Partnerships, Stewardship, Uncategorized Tagged With: log crossing, Mink Brook, Mink Brook log crossing, Mink Brook Nature Preserve

Announcing Spring Trips!

March 29, 2023

Our spring roster of trips is now ready! Current Hanover Conservancy members will receive a colorful announcement shortly. Come explore with us! Our trips are free and open to all.

Follow the link below for a list of our upcoming trips.

Spring Trip Calendar

Filed Under: Balch Hill, Birds, Events, Featured, Forest Ecology, Greensboro Ridge, Hudson Farm, Indoor Programs, King Bird Preserve/Hayes Farm Park, Lands, Outdoor Trips, Partnerships, Uncategorized, Wildlife Tagged With: Howe Library, Outdoor Events, Outdoor trips, spring, Spring trips, Vernal pools

Whitman Brook Documentary Film screening

February 1, 2023

February 15 @ 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Join Hanover Conservancy for a special screening of this beautifully crafted film about a man’s connection with his land. A conversation follows with the protagonist team and the filmmaker, who was named NH Filmmaker of the Year at the NH Film Festival premiere in October.

Co-sponsored by HHS Environmental Club.

Meet: Hanover High School auditorium.

Presenters: Terry Dorman, Addie Gardner, and Ben Silverfarb.

Register for the event here:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/fnBx1eReWvLez5U1y7RR1A

Filed Under: Events, History, Indoor Programs, Partnerships, Uncategorized Tagged With: Documentary, Film, Hanover High School, Indoor event, trips, Whitman Brook, Winter Trip

Family Snowshoe at the Ray School

January 23, 2023

Sun., Feb. 12, 1:30-3pm-Let’s go play outside on the Ray School trails! Snowshoes are available for those who need them. We‘ll enjoy the beautiful outdoors and have yummy treats to warm our hearts. Add to your Passport to Winter Fun! Co-sponsored by Ray School PTO.

Register Here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/gegPqcD48x2SJ0X2MrvfrQ

Filed Under: Events, Outdoor Trips, Partnerships, Trails Tagged With: family friendly, Outdoor trips, ray school, snowshoe, trails

Explore the new accessible trail at Pine Park

October 13, 2022

Sat., Oct. 29, 9-11am

Rediscovered early roads, new trails, restored lands—all this and more are waiting to be explored at Hanover’s oldest conservation area with
members of the Pine Park Association.

Rain date: Sun. Oct. 30.

Meet: Across from Dartmouth Outing Club House.

Level: Easy.

Leaders: Barry Harwick, Linda Fowler, Myrilla Hartkopf

Register for the event here!

Filed Under: Events, Featured, Lands, Outdoor Trips, Partnerships, Pine Park

Sunsquatch StoryWalk at Greensboro Ridge

October 4, 2022

During the month of October, explore the mossy ledges of Greensboro Ridge Natural Area while following the adventures of Sunsquatch, a friendly creature who wants to save the planet. This self-guided walk follows the path of a picture book spread along a ~ 1 mile, moderately strenuous loop. The first 10 participants will receive a Sunsquatch plushie! Thanks to our generous sponsors, ReVision Energy and Sustainable Hanover.

Filed Under: Education, Events, Greensboro Ridge, Lands, Outdoor Trips, Partnerships Tagged With: Greensboro Ridge, Outdoor trips, StoryWalk, Sunsquatch

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Thank you for your support!

Our generous members and Corporate Conservators help make all of this possible. If you’re a customer of  our local business supporters, please let them know their contributions are appreciated!

71 Lyme Road
Hanover, NH 03755
(603) 643-3433

info@hanoverconservancy.org

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