On February 13, 2019, a fire at The Rocks destroyed two historic buildings that we used for office space, programming, a gift shop, and farm operations. In the wake of this devastating loss, the Forest Society had an opportunity to rethink the vision for this iconic North Country destination.
In 2020, we launched the Forest Society North at The Rocks campaign to build on a tradition of conservation, education, and innovation at the property in Bethlehem.
The plans for the campus included a new hillside amphitheater, made from the granite foundation stones of former buildings on the site, as well as updates to the facilities that support our working Christmas tree farm. The historic Carriage Barn would be transformed into an energy-efficient facility with public program space and staff offices. The facility would offer ample space for staff to deliver adult and youth educational programming on forestry, conservation, natural history, maple sugaring, and the Christmas tree operation. It would also serve as a center where visitors can learn about the Rocks’ history and find out more about recreational activities both on-site and in the region.
As part of our Forest Society North initiative, we planned to locate more of our staff in the northern part of the state, based at The Rocks. This includes land conservation, easement stewardship, land management and Christmas tree farm staff, along with new program and education positions. This will allow us to take on more conservation work in the north, from the north, such as the 3,700-acre Mahoosuc Highlands property in Shelburne.
The vision was completed in June 2024!
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Fire & Restoration Project Timeline
Fire & Recovery
- February 13, 2019: Fire destroys buildings at The Rocks.
- February 14, 2019: Rocks Fire not considered suspicious.
- February 28, 2019: Recovery underway at The Rocks.
Campaign & Construction
2020
- February 2020: Forest Society announces the Forest Society North campaign.
2021
- January 13, 2021: Bethlehem Planning Board approves plans for The Rocks' expansion.
- May 2021: Bethlehem Fire Department conducts training exercise to take down former office building at The Rocks.
- August 2021: First phase of construction expands parking and reshapes landscape at The Rocks. Landscape architect Leigh Starer and her crew used the massive granite foundation stones that once supported the Tool Building to transform the landscape into a rustic hillside amphitheater centered on a panorama that stretches from the Kilkenny Range to the Presidentials.
- September 2021: First phase of construction is complete. Read more.
- November & December 2021: The Rocks' Christmas tree farm is open for the holidays, an annual tradition, and the farm helps send 400 trees south as part of the Trees for Troops program.
2022
- January 2022: Caledonian Record: Bethlehem SPNHF Board Continues To Move Ahead In Plans For The Rocks Estate
- June 1, 2022: The Rocks' grounds, trails and parking lots are closed to general public use as heavy equipment rolls into place. Work begins on the renovation of the iconic stone and shingle carriage barn at the center of the property, and in July, landscaping continues to create a new hillside amphitheater overlooking the easterly White Mountain view.
- June 23, 2022: Nearly 50 community members and local leaders gather to celebrate the official groundbreaking for the renovations of the Carriage Barn. Watch a video of the groundbreaking ceremony below.
- November 2022: Despite ongoing renovations at the Carriage Barn, The Rocks will host visitors for another holiday season in Bethlehem.
- November 30, 2022: Solar Array Completed at The Rocks by ReVision Energy
2023
- March 2, 2023: First phase of geothermal project completed at The Rocks
- July 2023: Two months until grand re-opening of The Rocks
- September 2023: Beginning of re-opening and Forest Society annual meeting
- November 2023: Carriage Barn opens to the public for the holiday season; Scarlett Moberly named new program director of The Rocks.
2024