Forest Society Conserves Historic Farmstead in Henniker and Deering
Lucy Davison recently honored her late husband’s wishes by donating to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests a conservation easement on 331 acres in Henniker and Deering. The conserved land includes two historic farms in Henniker’s Quaker District and a woodlot in Deering abutting Vincent State Forest. This scenic property includes extensive frontage on Quaker and Baker Roads, and the conservation easement will guarantee public access to the property.
“The Forest Society is proud to help steward this important historic and cultural resource,” said Forest Society President/Forester Jane Difley. “Not only does the land have a long history as a working farm, but it also contains some extraordinary wildlife habitat.”
The land was identified in the NH Fish and Game Department’s Wildlife Action Plan as having outstanding resources for wildlife, including 400 feet of frontage on Pleasant Pond, marsh, open fields, and forest. This diverse mix of habitat provide homes and food for moose, deer, bear, and other wildlife.
The conserved land also includes a productive working farm. More than 190 acres of the property contain significant farmland soils, and 52 acres is in productive agricultural use. Maurice Davison, Lucy’s nephew, harvests hay from both farms and cuts cordwood from all the lands for sale.
Lucy’s husband Shirley lived all his life on one of the farms that had been in the family for over 150 years. Located a short distance from the Quaker meeting house, school, and graveyard, both of the farms and farm houses are more than 200 years old. The Quaker District Historical Society maintains these buildings and others in the Henniker Quaker District, which was established in 1799. The buildings and the area itself are noted in the Town master plan as having historical, cultural, and religious importance that are worthy of National Historic Register designation. The Town has designated this part of Henniker as a priority area for protection by the conservation commission.
The conservation easement was sold at a deep bargain rate. The Tyrrell Foundation and Russell Foundation generously provided grants to cover all the expenses related to this project.
Founded in 1901, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests is the state’s oldest and largest non-profit land conservation organization. Supported by 10,000 families and businesses, the Forest Society’s mission is to perpetuate the state’s forests by promoting land conservation and sustainable forestry. For more information, visit www.forestsociety.org.