The Conservancy is proud to announce that Hugh Mellert has been named as an Emeritus Member of its Board of Directors. Hugh served on the Board from 1998-2018. An energetic and dedicated community volunteer, Hugh leads outdoor trips, advises on stewardship of our natural areas, and, most recently, stepped up to lead the complex effort to replace the trail bridge at the Mink Brook Nature Preserve. Many have participated in his annual winter moonlight snowshoe tour at Slade Brook, and enjoyed a trail Hugh has helped manage or crossed a bridge he built. He is a valued voice on our Community Engagement, Lands, and Land Stewardship Committees. Hugh is also vice-chair of the Hanover Conservation Commission and chair of its Trails Committee.
Feet Needed at Pine Park
Much is afoot at Hanover’s oldest conservation area, and trail builders are asking for eager feet to help “break in” some new trails. In the park’s interior, volunteers are clearing two east-west connector trails between the River Trail and the Cathedral Trail, where foot traffic would help harden the treadway. So, if you are in Pine Park, check out these new connectors and help establish them as part of the trail network.
Work has also started (photo) on the accessibility trail from the former clubhouse. Avoid this trail until it’s ready but enjoy seeing the progress.
Emerald Borer in Hanover
Emerald Borer in Hanover: A discussion this Wednesday at Howe Library with Bill Davidson at NH Division of Forests & Lands.
When: Wednesday, August 10th at 7pm
Where: Murray Room at the Howe Library
Application for 2022 Balch Hill Deer Hunting is open!
Our deer permit application for the 2022 hunting season at Balch Hill is now open! Please follow the link below to our deer permit application, thank you!
Mink Brook Log Crossing Update
Mink Brook Log Crossing status as of August 1st, 2022
You may recall that we were planning for its replacement well before advancing rot forced us to close it last summer, starting with research into what kind of structure would conform to the restrictions in our deed. The above-mentioned erosion meant we needed longer, stronger logs than the trees growing there could provide, so we can’t just replace the log. Our terrific team of Thayer engineering students developed a well-considered plan for a new crossing in the same place, and we’ve been working since March to secure approvals from key stakeholders.
To that end, our volunteers are wandering around the Preserve interviewing visitors (again) to learn more about how and where they enjoy the land, so we can share that information with those decision-makers. We hope to have good news soon!
Pennies for Change
Have you heard our recent good news? The Hanover Conservancy was chosen by Co-op Food Stores as a 2022 Pennies for Change partner! During the month of August, be sure to round up your purchase at any Co-op location, and a % of your donation will go towards our community engagement programs and a new hike of the month.
Congratulations to our fellow August recipients: Willing Hands, The Haven, Listen and High Horses Therapeutic Riding Program!