Many trails on Moose Mountain were originally created as ski trails, and aren’t well-suited for year-round hiking. We are working with the landowners and the Town’s Trails Committee on a master plan for this area that will close some lesser-used, duplicate trails and will focus more attention and maintenance on the best connections. Volunteer-led trail work is expected to start in late spring of 2021. In the meantime, we’ve created a map that includes the trails to be closed as well as those that will be improved and better signed. We hope this helps while you’re out on the trails this winter!
Plant a Tree for Earth Day
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.
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
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
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.
Thank you for your support!
With an all-time high in membership, generous land donors and growing partnerships with local schools, it’s been a record-breaking year for the Hanover Conservancy. Every gift makes a difference. Please join us as we move into our 59th year serving the Upper Valley!
Deer season begins in NH Sept. 15
Although hunting for various species occurs throughout the year, deer season is by far the most popular. In New Hampshire, the full season runs from September 15 – December 15 each year.
Remember to wear your blaze orange or hi-vis yellow and take precautions with dogs and kids: bells and bright colors are always a good choice!
Loaner safety vests and bandanas are available at many of our trailheads. Please return them after your hike!
