A devastating 1923 fire at the Profile House ultimately sparked a landmark conservation campaign that preserved Franconia Notch as a public park and memorial. A century later, its protected landscapes reflect the enduring power of community fundraising, public-private partnership and conservation advocacy.
The New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands and Forest Society have announced the 2026 Cottrell-Baldwin Environmental Lecture Series, a free four-part program on New Hampshire’s forest history, health, and future. The series runs March 17–April 7 at the Henry I. Baldwin Environmental Center in Hillsborough.
With insights from Haunted Hikes of New Hampshire author Marianne O’Connor, this piece explores eerie legends at places like Madame Sherri Forest and Monson Center — and reminds us that even the spookiest trails have deep roots in history and conservation.
We honored three special award winners: Conservationist of the Year Bob Wells, of Hopkinton; Trish Churchill Volunteer of the Year Hiel Lindquist, of Fitzwilliam; and, President's Award honoree Tom Masland, of Canterbury.
Participants of the NH Learning Journey aimed to foster foundational understanding of the deep history of our landscapes and strengthen our ability to respectfully engage with indigenous people in our conservation work.
Visitors flocked to outdoor spaces across New Hampshire, including Forest Society properties, on April 8.
In 1923, the Forest Society led a campaign to purchase 6,000 acres in Franconia Notch, including the Old Man of the Mountain, the Flume, the Basin, and two mountain lakes.
The Forest Society has long had a special connection to Mt. Sunapee.
