20th Anniversary Class

This year, 2013, marks the 20th anniversary of the Land Steward Program. The program, and especially the training for the program, have changed quite a bit over the years, but the work that land stewards do on the land for the Forest Society is the same today as it was 20 years ago. In this anniversary year, we had 29 new steward trainees attend our core training and embark on their journey to help steward a piece of conservation land. The 29 trainees came from all corners of NH to Camp Calumet in Freedom for the intensive 2-day retreat training- we hiked, got (intentionally) lost in the woods, explored a recent timber harvest, got to know each other around a beach bonfire, and learned a whole lot about the Forest Society and how SPNHF reservations are managed. It was a great training, and a great new group of stewards to join the land steward community, now 150 strong! Please join me in welcoming this class on the 20th anniversary of the Land Steward Program!

Returning to Lost River

Our annual spring cleaning workday at Lost River Reservation was as big as ever this year, with more than 20 volunteers coming in from all over the state. At this point we've run the workday so many years that there are some volunteers that mark their calendars year after year, making it a tradition to get Lost River ready for opening day. This spring we built several bog bridges on the Kinsman Notch Ecology Trail, pulled weeds, spread mulch and gravel, disposed of hazard trees, pruned the native garden, and installed signage.

The folks with White Mountain Attractions provided a delicious sandwich lunch, which we ate under their pavilion just as the skies opened up to dump a spring shower over everything. By the time we finished lunch, the sun had returned, and some volunteers went for a stroll through the gorge. Rarely do we get to offer such a treat as reward for a day of hard work!

Spring on Gap Mountain

There are two main trails on Gap Mountain, one from the south and the other from the north.  Basic trail maintenance on the south side was completed over the past couple of weeks in preparation for the hiking season.  No work was done on the north side in anticipation of the arrival of the SCA trail crew.  Today was the day of their arrival.

SCA Crew "gearing up" in the north parking lot

If you are not familiar with the SCA, they are the Student Conservation Association.  The SCA is America's conservation corp and members work on conservation projects in national, state, and local areas.  In addition to their trail work, the organization's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and to inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment.  It is great that the SPNHF has obtained the services of the SCA again this year.  

Members of the SCA crew building
stepping stones over a muddy section of trail

The same area with new stepping stones

The trails on Gap Mountain receive heavy use during the year and the trails are showing the results.   Sections of the north trail have become heavily eroded and braided as hikers create an ever widening path up the mountain.     



Typical trail section on the upper trail

 This year the crew will be rebuilding many of the rock steps on the steeper sections of trail.  An "after" view of the above area will be added to this blog once the work is completed.

Nice new stonework

If you have never hiked Gap Mountain, perhaps this is the year to do it.  Here is the link to hiking information for the mountain:  Gap Mountain

The blueberries ripen about the middle of July, probably the best time for a hike, although the flowering trees are putting on quite a show right now.
  

Extensive blueberry heath on the mountain

Apple tree blossoms on one of
the many trees on the mountain

View of Mt Monadnock from the top of Gap Mountain

Apple trees in the meadow
Gap Mountain near Old Mill Road, Jaffrey