Aside from stints at UNH and in the Army, John Hubbard has lived his entire life in Walpole, where his family roots go back to the 1700s.

For retired businessman Patrick Marks, the 261 acres of land next to Green Mountain and the Forest Society’s High Watch Preserve in Effingham meant privacy and peaceful walks in the woods. Good times hunting with friends and family.

It takes Sam Demeritt about half a second to pinpoint what galvanized his town of Nottingham to tap into its Conservation Fund to conserve a certain 95-acre forest owned by Rick and Helen Fernald. 

From her chair by the large window overlooking a field that slopes down to a farm pond and apple trees, Gayle Shost watches wildlife every day.

By Meghan McCarthy McPhaul