CONCORD, NH, July 24, 2008—The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests honored 25 of the Society’s 150 volunteers at its annual Volunteer Reception. Guests enjoyed a homemade lunch at the Conservation Center, a visual tour of the Forest Society’s newest reservation, a walking tour of the nearby Merrimack River floodplain, and an award ceremony.
“Volunteers are an integral part of the Forest Society, providing hundreds of hours of valuable work every year,” said Forest Society Volunteer Coordinator Trish Churchill. “We’re happy to have this opportunity to show our thanks and appreciation for all their efforts.”
Forest Society Senior Director of Land Conservation Tom Howe recognized Volunteer of the Year Lynn Edwards.
“Lynn is a real estate attorney who has provided extensive professional help to the Forest Society’s land protection staff,” said Howe. “Her assistance drafting legal descriptions for conservation easement and property deeds, and researching complicated title issues has been invaluable.”
Howe also cited Edwards’ huge commitment of time over the course of the past year – up to two full days per week – as well as her flexibility in taking on a variety of tasks and her positive approach to working with many different staff members.
“Lynn’s contribution is one the key reasons we were able to protect so much land – more than 10,000 acres – last year,” he said.
Forest Society volunteer Linnea Manley was also recognized in a special volunteer salute. Manley has volunteered at the Forest Society since she was eight years old, helping at three Forest Society North Country properties. Over the past 10 years, she has planted and sold Christmas trees, cleared brush, split wood, conducted maple sugaring and Halloween tours, and staffed The Rocks Estate gift shop. Over the course of her volunteer “career,” Manley has donated more than 350 hours – a number that amazes even her.
"I never knew how the time would add up,” she said. “My favorite job has always been helping lead tours in The Rocks Estate. I enjoy working with visitors and other volunteers."
Manley will enter Mount Holyoke College as a freshman this fall.
“The Forest Society is fortunate to have a variety of ages and types of volunteers working together toward a common goal: to keep New Hampshire New Hampshire,” said Churchill.
For more information about volunteer opportunities with the Forest Society, visit forestsociety.org/volunteer.
The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests is the state’s oldest and largest non-profit land conservation organization. In order to preserve the quality of life New Hampshire residents know today, the goal of the Forest Society, in partnership with other conservation organizations, private landowners, and government, is to conserve an additional one million acres of the state’s most significant natural lands for trails, parks, farms and forests by 2026. For more information, visit www.forestsociety.org.
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