Forest Society Blog - News & Features

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.

George Beaton of Bradford received the Forest Society’s Trish Churchill Volunteer of the Year Award for his 11 years of dedicated service. From trail work and mentoring teens to sign-making and woodworking projects, George consistently goes above and beyond to support the Forest Society’s mission.

New Hampshire has launched a new “Wildly Responsible” campaign to help outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the state’s natural spaces safely and respectfully. The Forest Society is joining the effort by weaving these guidelines into its sixth annual 5 Hikes Challenge, running through October. This year’s “Hike with Heart” theme encourages participants to discover five new trails while caring for others, protecting the land, and deepening their connection to New Hampshire’s forests.

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.

In honor of his 35th year with the Forest Society, longtime educator and naturalist Dave Anderson shares reflections on the forests that shaped him, the people who inspired him, and the enduring work of land conservation. From cherished landscapes to shifting climates, Dave’s perspective offers both wisdom and hope for the future. Read the full interview for a look at what keeps him going—and why he believes our relationship with the land matters more than ever

Active, knowledgeable, and humble, Lee Sarapas has served as the land steward for the Lamprey River Forest in Epping since 2018 and the Jennings Forest in New Durham since 2023. 

Forty new land steward volunteers completed their training at a field day on April 14.