2023 Annual Meeting Field Trips

Saturday, September 23

Morning field trips and educational programs take place before the noon meeting. Trips begin at field locations. Detailed information about location and parking will be sent with confirmation of your Annual Meeting registration. Space is limited so please register and select your field trip ASAP!

There are five optional field trip choices:

1. Protecting a Family Forest in Bethlehem

Underhill Acres Tree Farm: 9 AM- 11 AM

Join us for a 1.5-mile morning hike along wooded trails on a family-owned forest in Bethlehem. This property — dubbed by the family as “Underhill Acres”— has been carefully managed as a NH Tree Farm for over 67 years and the family is now ready to deepen their commitment to ensure a future of healthy forests by donating a conservation easement to the Forest Society. Over a rambling hike on uneven terrain, we will explore the natural and historic features of the land as well as the importance of land conservation. Limit 20 people for tour.

Leaders: Leah Hart, Land Conservation Project Manager, and John Plummer, Regional Stewardship Manager

Location: Underhill Acres Tree Farm, Bethlehem

 

2. Exploring Ammonoosuc River Forest – Walk the Tom Howe Trail or go fly-fishing: 8:45 AM-11 AM

Two choices of activities: 2A. Walking - FULL. 2B. Fly fishing

The rhythmic flow of the Ammonoosuc River, a lifeline for the surrounding ecosystem, provides a soothing soundtrack to your morning adventure on the newly protected Ammonoosuc River Forest.  This field trip offers two exciting options to enjoy the dynamic ecosystem that exists along the river corridor at Ammonoosuc River Forest. Those interested in a walking tour can join Reservation Stewardship & Engagement Director Carrie Deegan for a hike on the Tom Howe Trail which follows the old Profile & Franconia Notch railroad bed paralleling the Ammonoosuc River.

For those interested in trying their hand at fly fishing, Manager of Individual Giving Ron Snow will offer an alternate excursion to practice angling for the several trout species that inhabit the Ammonoosuc River.

(Limit 10 people for fishing and 20 for walking.)

Leaders: Ron Snow, Manager of Individual Giving, and Carrie Deegan, Reservation Stewardship & Engagement Director

Location: Ammonoosuc River Forest, Bethlehem

3. Horse-drawn History and Wildlife Tour of The Rocks

Three choices of times: 3A. 9 AM - FULL. 3B. 9:45 AM - FULL. 3C. 10:30 AM - FULL.

Learn about the rich history and diverse wildlife habitats at The Rocks during a horse-drawn wagon ride tour. Join Nigel and Dave to discover the cultural history – people that had lived at The Rocks and natural history – the wildlife and birds at the property. A horse drawn wagon ride is an appropriate and nostalgic way to travel back in time at The Rocks. Learn how the Forest Society protects the wildlife habitat and interprets the Glessner family history including the development of their summer estate at The Rocks.

Time: Three tours, each lasting 45 minutes, are available departing at 9 AM, 9:45 AM, and 10:30 AM. Last tour ends at 11:15 AM. (Limit 12 people per tour.)

Leaders: Nigel Manley, Sr Outreach Manager The Rocks, and Dave Anderson, Sr. Director of Education

Location: On site

4. Christmas Tree Farm Tour, The Rocks: 10 AM-11 AM

Learn how Forest Society Christmas trees are grown at The Rocks. Tour the Christmas tree fields at The Rocks with farm staff to learn about what it takes to cultivate and care for perfect Christmas Trees – from inter-planting, care, fertilizing, shearing, mowing and monitoring trees for pests – from seedling to harvest. The Forest Society currently grows roughly 25,000 Christmas Trees. Limit 20 people for tour.

Leaders: Cameron Larnerd, Christmas Tree Farm Manager, and Wendy Weisiger, Managing Forester

Location: On site.

 

5. The Path to Net Zero – Energy Efficiency at The Rocks: 10 AM-11 AM - FULL

Tour the newly renovated Carriage Barn to learn how its design produces as much energy as it consumes – leading to a goal of net zero energy consumption. A new solar array provides electricity. Geothermal ground source heat pumps provide heating and cooling. The building envelope, natural light and supporting mechanical systems make the building an efficient user of energy while keeping fresh air circulating throughout. See how this historic building is now ready for the future. Limit 20 people for tour.

Leaders: Carl Murphy, Facilities Manager, and Will Abbott, Project Manager The Rocks

Location: On site.

 

RETURN TO ANNUAL MEETING REGISTRATION