Morning Annual Meeting field trips take place before the noon meeting. Trips begin at field locations. Detailed information about location and parking will be sent by Development Assistant Linda Dammann. Space is limited so please register and select your field trip ASAP!
Trip #1
Spring Ledge Farm and Messer Farm Walking Tour, New London
Join us for a leisurely walking tour of iconic Spring Ledge Farm in New London, a fruit, vegetable and flower farm that has served the Lake Sunapee area for more than 50 years. Much of Spring Ledge Farm is protected by a conservation easement with the Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust (ASLPT). Recently, the Forest Society and ASLPT collaborated to protect the 144-acre Messer Farm, which includes 21 acres now leased to Spring Ledge Farm for additional agricultural capacity. We’ll visit both the Messer Farm fields and Spring Ledge Farm, with healthy snacks provided!
Leaders: Naomi Brattlof, Director of Easement Stewardship; Andy Deegan, ASLPT; Greg Berger, Spring Ledge Farm.
Time: 9:00-10:30 am; Level of Difficulty: Easy
Trip#2
Project in Progress: Visit to Mt. Kearsarge, Warner
The Forest Society is currently working to conserve 230 acres on the high slopes of Mt. Kearsarge as an addition to Mt. Kearsarge State Forest and Rollins State Park. We’ll drive up the 3 ½ mile scenic auto road, stopping along the way to view the two properties the Forest Society is working to acquire. We’ll continue to the Rollins State Park parking area and picnic area to talk about 100 years of collaboration to conserve Mt. Kearsarge, while enjoying panoramic views. Those who would like may hike to the summit for an even more spectacular view. The hike is one mile round trip and a gain in elevation of 300 feet – there is one steep section.
Leaders: Brian Hotz, VP for Land Conservation
Time: 8:30 – 11:00 am; Level of Difficulty: You choose: Easy or Moderately Strenuous
Trip #3
Forests and History at the Hay Forest, Newbury
Join Dave Anderson and Wendy Weisiger for a moderately strenuous walk along the Sunset Hill Trail in Newbury to reach a scenic view of Lake Sunapee and Mount Sunapee. We’ll pass through a 2025 timber harvest along the trail and discuss sustainable forestry goals and techniques, and the impact of climate change on our forests. We’ll also learn about the history of the Hay Forest and Mount Sunapee, including vignettes from the writings of John Hay.
Leaders: Dave Anderson, Senior Director of Education and Wendy Weisiger, Managing Forester
Time: 8:30-11:30am; Level of Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous – 2.4 miles round trip with 550 ft gain in elevation
Trip #4
Langenau Forest, Wilmot
Join us for a lovely fall hike along the Langenau Loop Trail at the Langenau Forest in Wilmot. This 2-mile, moderately strenuous hike passes an active beaver pond and traverses through numerous different forest natural communities as it loops around the 168 acre Langenau Forest.
Leaders: Carrie Deegan, Vice President for Recreation Management and Public Engagement and Ben Aldrich, Field Forester
Time: 8:30 – 11:00am; Level of Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous 2 mile hike