If you haven’t been to Balch Hill lately, you’re missing all the action! Check out our progress in restoring this historic agricultural landscape, with the help of Hudson Forestry and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. MORE
Spring trips are now done for the season. Current Conservancy members will receive our announcement of fall trips near the end of August.
Our next outdoor adventure is coming up on Saturday, October 6. We’ll explore the route of one of Hanover’s earliest roads on a jaunt co-sponsored with the Hanover Historical Society. Rain or shine, 1-3pm. More
Join us for our last spring trip – a journey back in time to the one-room Tunis Schoolhouse that once held 26 children in then-busy northeast Hanover. Then we’ll hike in to the protected site of an historic 18th century sawmill on tiny Tunis Brook. Co-sponsored with the Hanover Historical Society. Download details and directions here
On Saturday, Nov. 5, we’ll explore the last 250 years of history at the Mink Brook Nature Preserve with historian Jay Barrett. Join us from 2-4pm, starting at the Brook Road gate. Families welcome (best to leave 4-footed members at home); no registration required. We’ll start with a gentle walk along the Quinn and Wheelock Trails. Those ready for an off-trail scramble can continue with us as we explore the higher terrain on the preserve’s south side.
2011 marked our 50th year! Since 1961, we have spoken up for community conservation, responsible land management, and the timeless pleasure of getting outdoors close to home.
On Sunday, September 25, 100 friends and supporters joined us at the summit of Balch Hill in Hanover, where it all began. We were treated to sunny skies, scudding clouds, and the presence of many of those who had helped us protect this well-loved place so many years ago. photo by Lisa Densmore
President Nancy Collier welcomed the group and recalled our past and present. She recognized our first president, Bob Norman, who was presented with a cherry Shaker-style tray. Bob offered recollections of our first years as the Hanover Conservation Council.
Executive Director Adair Mulligan celebrated the Conservancy’s valuable partnership with the Town of Hanover and the Upper Valley Land Trust, and presented an inscribed Aldo Leopold bench to Vicki Smith, Senior Planner for the Town, and Jeanie McIntyre, President of UVLT. The benches and Shaker tray were made by Conservancy member and craftsman Jim Duffus. (More about Aldo Leopold… plans for building an Aldo Leopold bench)
Vice President Kristine McDevitt, assisted by an able young visitor, distributed blueberry bushes from E.C. Brown’s Nursery and kites from College Supplies to five lucky winners of our “trail” prize raffle. Children engaged in a scavenger hunt, and Hanover High School student Jaden Gladstone entertained the group with his Appalachian music, on fiddle and banjo.
Refreshments were enjoyed by all, and included a taste of fall from Riverview Farm in Plainfield, NH – rosy Empire apples and fresh-pressed cider, along with home-baked goodies from members of the Balch Hill Stewardship Committee.
