Forest Society Naturalist to Lead Workshop at The Fells
Join Forest Society naturalist Dave Anderson for Stories in Stone: Common Clues to Land Use Before Reforestation on Wednesday, October 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. Learn about the land use history at The Fells in Newbury during this introductory field workshop, which begins with a 20-minute indoor presentation followed by a hike to local woodland sites. Anderson will explain how to determine site age and significance by studying cultural artifacts like cellars, wells, stone walls, stone piles, fences, and farm implements. Participants should dress for indoor and outdoor activity.
Named after the Scottish word for rocky upland pastures, The Fells is situated on a nearly 1,000-acre hillside overlooking scenic Lake Sunapee. It is the former lakeside summer home of American writer and diplomat John M. Hay (1838-1905). Hay's son Clarence inherited the property and along with his wife Alice Appleton Hay, transformed the rock pasture into extensive formal and informal gardens. In 1960 the Hays donated 675 acres to the Society for Protection of New Hampshire Forests.
Anderson is the Director of Education and Volunteer Services for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, where he has worked for more than 18 years. Anderson is responsible for the design and delivery of conservation education programs including field trips, tours, and presentations to Forest Society members, conservation partners, and the general public.
He is perhaps best known as a working naturalist (he prefers “dirt naturalist”) who guides group field trips on conservation land statewide while teaching about forest ecology, wildlife ecology, forest stewardship, and land conservation initiatives to introduce both life-long residents and visitors alike to protection and management of New Hampshire forests, farms, and open space.
Anderson’s bimonthly column “Forest Journal” appears in the statewide New Hampshire Union Leader’s NH Sunday News in the State and Local section. His quarterly “Nature’s View” columns are long-time regular feature in the Forest Society’s magazine Forest Notes.
This workshop is co-sponsored by The Fells and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Fells and Forest Society members pay $24; all others pay $30. Participants should meet at The Fells Gatehouse before 1 p.m.
The Fells is an independent not for profit 501c(3) organization that has owned and cared for the property since 1995. Located on Lake Sunapee, the historic estate and gardens are at 456 Route 103A, Newbury. For directions or more information, call 603-763-4789 or visit www.thefells.org.