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Concord nature trail to become wheelchair-accessible
October 15, 2025From the Concord Monitor: The Forest Society’s Les Clark Nature Trail in Concord will close temporarily starting today for upgrades to meet federal accessibility standards. The project will make the popular Merrimack River floodplain trail smoother and more accessible for people using wheelchairs, strollers, and other mobility aids. Work is expected to take four to six weeks.

Improving Access at the Merrimack River Floodplain Trail
The Forest Society is improving accessibility at the Merrimack River floodplain in Concord! A section of the Les Clark Nature Trail will be upgraded this fall to better accommodate visitors using wheelchairs, strollers, and other mobility devices. The trail will be closed beginning October 15 for construction. Read the full FAQ for details on the project and what to expect.

Report: Open space contributes more than $8 billion in economic benefit
October 8, 2025From the Union Leader: A new report from eight conservation groups — including the Forest Society — finds that open space contributes more than $8 billion annually to New Hampshire’s economy through forestry, farming, tourism, and outdoor recreation. The study highlights how conserved lands protect water, store carbon, and strengthen communities.
- Tags:
- Advocacy,
- Land Conservation,
- Climate

Forest Society Honors David Roby as the 2025 Conservationist of the Year
David Roby of Lyme was honored for his decades of work protecting forests, wildlife habitat, and open space in New Hampshire and beyond. As a founder of Lyme Timber Company and Bear Hill Conservancy Trust, he has helped conserve hundreds of thousands of acres and inspired others in land stewardship.
- Tags:
- Land Conservation,
- Land Stewards

Forest Journal: NH's beech trees are under pressure; here's what to look for
September 26, 2025A new threat to beech trees is emerging in New Hampshire, but scientists, land managers, and everyday observers can all play a role in tracking its impact. Learn what to watch for — and how to help.
- Tags:
- Forestry,
- Land Conservation,
- Education

In photos and video: 19th annual Monadnock Trails Week kicks off
September 7, 2025The 19th annual Monadnock Trails Week brought volunteers and Forest Society staff together to tackle essential trail projects on Mount Monadnock, rerouting eroded sections and reinforcing paths to keep the mountain’s popular hiking routes safe and sustainable.
- Tags:
- Volunteers,
- Land Stewards,
- Land Conservation

Forest Society Purchases 1,328-acre Property in Bradford and Hillsborough
The new Rydstrom Family Forest in Bradford and Hillsborough secures critical wildlife habitat, wetlands, and forest corridors while linking more than 3,500 acres of nearby conserved lands. This conservation success, achieved with the support of local partners and the Rydstrom family, honors Lorin Rydstrom’s lifelong commitment to forests and stewardship
- Tags:
- Land Conservation,
- Wildlife

Registration Now Open for the 2025 Five Hikes Challenge
Join our Five Hikes Challenge, running from August 30 through October 31. Choose five hikes from more than 30 of our conserved forests across New Hampshire and discover new trails, quiet woodlands, and breathtaking views along the way. This year’s theme, “Hike with Heart,” is about connecting deeply with the land, caring for the places that sustain us, and sharing those experiences with others.
- Tags:
- Recreation,
- Land Stewards,
- Land Conservation