Recreation

The Forest Society's mission includes conserving lands that provide recreational opportunities--and economic benefits through tourism--for New Hampshire residents and visitors. Visit this page to explore stories related to recreation on conserved lands.

Fall foliage - hardwoods

When Foliage Fades... and Leaves Have Left.

Dave Anderson
September 20, 2009

What changing fall colors reveal about the underlying granite landscape

Broad-leaved, deciduous hardwood trees lose their leaves every year. Evergreen, coniferous softwood trees do not. But why?

Behind the impressive economic engine of regional tourism, …

Nature's View
Recreation

Peak Foliage

Dave Anderson
August 31, 2008

Falling leaves work on my soul. I can't quite describe it...

I've discovered at least four essential fall foliage truths, wise autumnal advice I'm more than willing to share…

Each year leaves will change color to a greater or lesser degree before falling. But only tourists …

Recreation
Natural Resources

"Tales from the Field"

Dave Anderson
May 31, 2004

In the Line of Duty.

…

Recreation

Nest in the Christmas tree

Dave Anderson
November 30, 2004

A boyhood discovery turns out to be the gift of a lifetime

The unmistakable scent of balsam was exotic to me when I was a boy, growing up on a street planted with ornamental hardwood trees in the crowded suburbs of northern New Jersey. The “Christmas tree smell” represented a …

Working Forests
Recreation

Forestry & Land Use

The Forest Society owns and manages more than 55,000 acres of land in more than 100 New Hampshire municipalities (see our Reservations Guide).  We advocate for the “wise use” of forestry resources, and work with state and federal leaders and private landowners to assure that laws governing forestry and land use also promote wise use of forest resources.   

Caring for the Forest Floor - Don't Rake ALL the Leaves!

October 23, 2021

The impulse for meticulous landscaping that extends beyond the edge of the lawn, beyond the vegetable garden and your stone wall, is actually harming the species that call the forest home.

Recreation
Natural Resources

Annual Autumn Lament

Dave Anderson
September 25, 2014

Something in the sudden acute awareness of slanting, September sunlight, standing amid fallen crimson maple leaves and with long-faded hopes for a Red Sox pennant bid aggravates my annual autumn lament. Despite fall foliage which will again be absolutely gorgeous, I remain vexed.

Recreation
Colorful autumn leaves make a nice NH foliage season souvenir

Fall Hiking Leads to Different "Peak" Experiences

Dave Anderson
October 25, 2014

October is a Goldilocks month. It's neither too hot, nor too cold; no hazy humidity, no bugs, no snow… or at least no appreciable accumulation is likely. Warm cobalt-blue sky afternoons and cool wood smoke evenings are perfect for ascending New Hampshire’s famed summits to admire the foliage.

Recreation

New Hampshire Everlasting

Changing Landscapes

New Hampshire is unusually well endowed with forests and sparkling waters. We enjoy walking, hiking, picnicking, hunting, and working on our lands. Products from the forests and farmland nourish and shelter us. Open space sustains our economy and our culture.

The landscapes of New Hampshire help define and enrich our quality of life.