Wednesday, February 15, 2012

A Winter Tour of the Morse Preserve with the Marvins!

Hikers climb Pine Mountain on the Forest Society's Morse Preserve (photo: S. Marvin)
Forty-two people gathered together on Saturday at the Mike Burke Parking Lot to hike Pine Mountain, more recently known as the Forest Society's Morse Preserve. The hike was planned to be a snow-shoe hike. The leaders, land stewards Ken and Suzanne Marvin, picked February this year thinking that there surely would be a thick cover of snow on the ground by then. The thin cover of snow, which had previously melted and then crusted over with ice, made wearing some type of crampon the best footwear.
The group, many previously strangers to each other, set out together for the 1.7 mile trek. Stopping often along the trail to talk about various animals, trees, insects and area history, Ken Marvin lead the group to the top where they got out their packed lunches and enjoyed the somewhat clouded view of the Belknap and Ossipee Ranges. The group ranged in age from 1 year to 80 years of age.

Hazy but still beautiful views from the top (photo: S. Marvin)

Following the hike, Suzanne said, "I was reminded again, New Hampshire is a great place to live or visit! People who don’t know each other, gather together in a group of all ages and hike a trail. Because of the generosity of people like Mary Jane Morse Greenwood, there are many trails in NH open to public hiking.  I wouldn't be surprised if some of the hikers from Saturday try that hike again in July to see if there are any blueberries on those bushes..."

A grey fox specimen (stuffed) placed by the Marvins to talk about wildlife habitat. (photo: S. Marvin)