- Tags:
- Recreation,
- Education,
- Land Stewards
A group of 14 hikers enjoyed a gorgeous fall day exploring the 334-acre Dottie Bean Forest in Farmington — the Forest Society’s 200th conserved property.
The Bean Forest encompasses woodlands and fields that have been cared for by the Bean and DeMeritt families since 1775. The late Dottie Bean proudly managed the land as a certified Tree Farm, working with a licensed forester to improve its timber quality. She also welcomed public use, partnering with local Boy Scouts and the NH Trailwrights to develop and maintain hiking trails for the community’s enjoyment.
While hiking, we talked about that history of forestry and the wildlife habitats and forest succession resulting in a mature red oak and white pine overstory over an extensive understory of hemlock, black birch and American beech on the Bean Forest.
From the height of land on Chesley Mountain, visitors can take in sweeping views from the open blueberry ledges — looking out toward Baxter Lake, south to Somersworth, and east to Mt. Agamenticus in Maine.
Some more highlights included finding the fallen leaves of an American Chestnut and hunting for the tree itself, looking at a misshapen hemlock which had been a winter "station tree" chewed by porcupines during deep snow, admiring lichens on the upper ledges nearer the summit and discovering coyote scat placed strategically upon a stone cairn - a habit of coyotes to broadcast their scent via air currents from the highest possible location as an expression of territorial ownership. So many stories in the autumn woods!
There were some "5 Hikes Challenge" participants completing their 5th and final hike of the DIY series. At least one individual notched a sixth, bonus hike! Several folks were visiting this new Forest Society property for the first time. The trail loop to Chesley Mountain is a relatively short, steep, sweet hike - a perfect destination for a half-day hike. It was great to meet other hikers also enjoying the trail on a beautiful autumn day.