Stewardship

Feet Needed at Pine Park

August 23, 2022

Much is afoot at Hanover’s oldest conservation area, and trail builders are asking for eager feet to help “break in” some new trails. In the park’s interior, volunteers are clearing two east-west connector trails between the River Trail and the Cathedral Trail, where foot traffic would help harden the treadway. So, if you are in Pine Park, check out these new connectors and help establish them as part of the trail network.

Work has also started (photo) on the accessibility trail from the former clubhouse. Avoid this trail until it’s ready but enjoy seeing the progress.

Mink Brook Log Crossing Update

August 1, 2022

Mink Brook Log Crossing status as of August 1st, 2022

You may recall that we were planning for its replacement well before advancing rot forced us to close it last summer, starting with research into what kind of structure would conform to the restrictions in our deed. The above-mentioned erosion meant we needed longer, stronger logs than the trees growing there could provide, so we can’t just replace the log. Our terrific team of Thayer engineering students developed a well-considered plan for a new crossing in the same place, and we’ve been working since March to secure approvals from key stakeholders.

To that end, our volunteers are wandering around the Preserve interviewing visitors (again) to learn more about how and where they enjoy the land, so we can share that information with those decision-makers. We hope to have good news soon!

Trail improvements underway on Moose Mountain

December 28, 2021

We are working with the landowners and the Town’s Trails Committee to focus use and maintenance on the best connections and close some lesser-used, duplicate trails. Volunteer-led trail work made great strides in Fall, 2021 and will resume in Spring, 2022. We’ve updated our map to show new routes and those no longer open on the central and southern part of the mountain. We hope this helps while you’re out on the trails this winter!

Download the Winter 2022 interim trail map here

Please note that these trails are maintained by volunteers. While some trails traverse lands managed by the Hanover Conservation Commission or protected by the Hanover Conservancy, many paths cross privately-owned lands that are not conserved. Please do your part to keep these trails open by respecting these generous landowners and treating their property as you would your own.

Plant a Tree for Earth Day

April 21, 2020

Trees give us many gifts – clean air and water, places to recreate, wildlife habitat…and carbon storage. Restoring trees to the landscape is the single best low-tech, low-cost pathway for storing more carbon on the land. A forest can store an average of 2-3 tons/acre of C0₂ each year. With just a will and a spade, we can get started pulling carbon from the air right now.

A NATURAL CARBON SINK – To prevent the most dangerous impacts of climate change, greenhouse gas emissions must reach net zero by 2050. Capturing carbon from the air naturally – by putting trees to work – can provide significant cumulative carbon removal through 2050 and beyond.

When choosing a tree for your home landscape, consider this:

Fast growing trees store the most carbon during their first decades.
Long-lived trees can keep carbon stored for generations without releasing it in decomposition.
Native trees will thrive in these soils and best support local wildlife.
Low-maintenance, disease-resistant species will do better without greenhouse-gas-producing fertilizers and equipment.

Red Maple identification image — Red Maple

We suggest Northern Red Oak — Acorns attract wildlife and the leaves develop a brick-red fall color. Red oak is fast growing, easy to transplant, and tolerant of urban conditions (including dry and acidic soil and air pollution). Best growth is in full sun and well drained, slightly acidic, sandy loam. Northern red oak often reaches 60-90’ and occasionally 150’. Trees may live up to 500 years.

A colorful alternative for damp soils is Red Maple — the most abundant native tree in eastern North America. Known for its early brilliant fall foliage and red flowers, it is usually found in moist woodlands and wet swamps in sun or part shade. A medium-sized, fast-growing tree (2-5’/yr), its seeds and buds are eaten by birds and mammals, but it is not preferred by deer.

Work continues at Pine Park

April 16, 2019

Pine Park is Hanover’s first natural area permanently preserved as a park and today functions as the town’s “central park” for the enjoyment of walkers, joggers, skiers and many others. The park is owned by the Pine Park Association, a voluntary nonprofit that dates back to 1900, when a group of 17 local residents sought to prevent the Diamond Match Company from harvesting trees along the riverbank just north of the Ledyard Bridge.

Stay up to date and learn more about this beloved area at PinePark.org.

Emerald Ash Borer update

February 16, 2019

In face of Emerald Ash Borer invasion, NH lifts statewide quarantine, relying on homeowner efforts to slow the spread of this deadly pest.

EABs are here, and our ash trees will never be the same. Individual landowners are the best equipped to treat and save trees on private property. Throughout New England, large tracts of forest and roadways will be cleared of trees before infestation (when removal is much safer and lumber may be sold), in stages during the active infestation as budgets allow. Towns all across our region are using state resources to take inventories of ash trees within their town limits, and set priorities for removal or possible treatment. Stay informed: VT Invasives has an easy-to-navigate site, and the UNH Cooperative Extension regularly publishes information, like this blog and accompanying homeowner handout.