Forest Society Blog - News & Features

Learn more about the dedication and celebration event held on Sunday July 13, 2025 at 335-acre Dottie Bean Forest in Farmington, New Hampshire. 

We celebrate the American beech — a majestic, smooth‑barked tree that makes up nearly 40% of northern hardwood forests and supports wildlife with its nuts and canopy. However, this iconic species is now facing serious threat from Beech Leaf Disease, which could leave up to 40% of forests in central New Hampshire standing dead if not addressed.

The Forest Society has announced its 200th conserved property: the 280-acre Bean Forest in Farmington, gifted by longtime member Dorothy “Dottie” Bean. In accordance with her wishes, the historic home and barns were sold to fund an endowment that will support stewardship of the land, which includes fields, forests, hiking trails, and mountain views. To mark this milestone—now totaling nearly 67,000 protected acres—the Forest Society will host a public celebration and walk at Bean Forest on Sunday, July 13.

Dive into New Hampshire’s hidden history and unfolding environmental story. In this episode, we uncover the remnants of a once-submerged forest now exposed along the coast. Leveraging cutting-edge research and emerging technologies, they explore how this drowned woodland uncovers clues about New Hampshire’s ancient coastline — and how those same insights are guiding our understanding of rising seas and climate resilience. Join us for a journey through time, nature, and hope.

A new report confirms what many Granite Staters already know: New Hampshire’s forests, farms, and waters are essential infrastructure. The Benefits of New Hampshire’s Open Space shows how conserved lands support a $3.9 billion recreation economy, protect clean water, and power thousands of local jobs — underscoring the urgent need to invest in these lands for a healthy, resilient future.

Every spring for the past 25 years, raptor biologist Chris Martin of New Hampshire Audubon has banded peregrine falcon chicks atop Manchester’s 13-story Brady Sullivan Tower, part of a successful effort to monitor and support the local falcon population. This year, he and NHPR’s Something Wild team documented the careful process of banding this year’s three chicks.

From hauling brush at Creek Farm to planting chestnut trees in Deering, our volunteers have been busy this spring—and we couldn’t be more grateful. This season has brought new faces, longtime partners, and a whole lot of meaningful progress to Forest Society properties across the state.