Ms. Kate Nesbit. Dr. Michael Nolen. Herbert & Virginia Oedel. Norm and Melinda Payson. Mr. David Prend. Mr. Jeffrey
great places in the granite state The membership newsletter of the New Hampshire Chapter Spring 2012
Discover and Explore
We are proud and excited to announce the publication of our Chapter’s first Field Guide. We wrote it so that you will use it to explore the places across New Hampshire that The Nature Conservancy has helped protect over the past 50 years. Visit us at www.nature.org/ NHfieldguide to order your copy today! When we open a book like Discover and Explore, the descriptions of plants and animals, the human history, the photos and the maps together tell the stories of place. We imagine ourselves hiking through a notch into a mossy spruce-fir old growth forest at the Vickie Bunnell Preserve or watching an osprey soar over Great Bay where the Sweet Trail meets the estuary’s edge. These images remind us of the wonder and beauty of the natural world upon which all life depends - places that provide clean air and water, recreation and respite from our busy lives. In our field guide you’ll find wonderfully rich details on the habitats, wildlife and human history of our preserves. You’ll also read stories of how we helped protect these special places and be introduced to a few of the many people who supported and guided the Conservancy’s work over the past half century. The intertwining stories of people and place create the fabric of conservation. This guidebook is a testament to the places that you’ve helped us protect, and so it is a “thank you” to our members, supporters, volunteers and partners. Without you, we would have neither a book, nor a quarter million acres of New Hampshire landscape conserved. There would be far fewer places to go for the solace and restoration that time in nature provides. As comforting and truly enjoyable as thumbing through this guide might be, it’s not enough. We need you to get out there. You know it’s good for you. These preserves are our gift to each other, so cherish them and go hike, kayak, fish or simply enjoy the peace and beauty of nature. And the gift is not just for you, it’s for future generations too. Bringing kids and friends who don’t yet have a strong connection to nature to one of our preserves is our best bet for keeping these places protected for their children. We need you to do this if our conservation efforts are to truly endure. People who deeply value these natural areas, whose parents, grandparents or friends led them into the woods, will cherish this work in the decades and centuries to come. So don’t wait, visit our website now and order your copy of Discover and Explore, then get out there – and be sure to let us know what you find!
As a member, your copy of “Discover and Explore New Hampshire’s Natural Wonders” is complimentary! We only ask that you cover the shipping and handling ($5). To order your copy of our first ever field guide, visit
www.nature.org/NHfieldguide and fill out the form.
Field guides will also be available at upcoming field trips and events. (See page 7 for a list of opportunities) Get yours and get outside today! Above: Nathan James, 10, takes a break from hiking at Loverens Mill Preserve. Sarah James, photo.
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NH Chapter Board of Trustees Karen E. Ebel, New London, Chair Robert Larsen, Concord, Vice Chair Taylor Caswell, Hollis Heidi J. Copeland, Peterborough Bill Crangle, Plymouth Penny Deans, Center Conway Anne Filson, Silver Lake Jameson French, Portsmouth Gerald Gartner, Hollis Richard Gould, Bethlehem Thomas R. Hanna, Keene Kennett Kendall, Jr., Durham Michael Krinsky, Marlborough Dr. Thomas Lee, Lee Andrew E. Lietz, Rye Dr. Frank Magilligan, Lebanon Merle Schotanus, Grantham Maureen Smith, Concord Sara Jayne Steen, Plymouth Col. Cyrus B. Sweet III, New Castle Robert W. Varney, Bow John Weeks, Bedford Robert Wells, Contoocook
Honorary Trustees Thomas Deans, Center Conway John R. Schott, Dublin Anthony Grassi, Sunapee
Staff Jonathan Bailey, So. ME/NH Stewardship Specialist Douglas Bechtel, Director of Freshwater Science & Conservation Christopher Bonner, Finance Manager Daryl Burtnett, State Director Gail Coffey, Foundation & Corporate Relations Manager Joanne Glode, Southern NH Stewardship Ecologist Terri Hammond, Operations Manager Krista M. Helmboldt, Easement Stewardship Specialist Duane Hyde, Director of Protection Ray Konisky, PhD., Director of Marine Science & Conservation Megan Latour, Philanthropy & Publications Coordinator Wink Lees, Northern NH Land Steward Marielle Livesey, GIS Intern Jeff Lougee, Director of Stewardship & Ecological Management Jan McClure, Land Protection Specialist Jim O’Brien, Director of External Affairs Marne Perreault, Associate Director of Philanthropy Peter Steckler, GIS and Conservation Information Manager Sydney Wall, Administrative Assistant
united by nature John Iber can recall some of those golden days of his youth when his grandfather, George, would lead him down from his Baltimore home to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay to rake for oysters and blue crabs. “The best part was always coming home,” he says. “My grandmother and dad would see what we had with us and know we’d be eating well that night!” Now, John uses his grandfather’s lessons to rake for oysters at New Hampshire’s Great Bay. He’s been coming down to Adam’s Point in Durham since 1973 to rake with friends, tell stories and toss the shells back into the bay. While the camaraderie is still strong, Great Bay and its oysters aren’t what they used to be… When John came to the Granite State in 1972 to study at the University of New Hampshire, it didn’t take him long to find his favorite harvesting spot in Great Bay. In this estuary that connects five rivers “I strongly believe in what with the Gulf of Maine, the Abenaki Indians chose the same spot you’re doing here. I don’t for its abundant shellfish. “By foot, I could come down here and gather a bushel of think we’ve hit the bottom oysters in an hour,” remarks John as he braves the frigid water here in Great Bay. Not yet. on a raw January afternoon. “Nowadays you can spend hours I’m hopeful that we’ll see out here and barely get a quarter bushel.” The yield is 90 to 95 things turn around in time.” percent less than what he’d pull up with his homemade rakes back ~John Iber while he was earning his degree. Upgrading local sewage treatment facilities, educating residents about proper fertilization techniques and controlling runoff into the Bay are just a few ways John feels can help oysters and other inhabitants of the estuary to make a comeback. Adhering to more restrictive harvesting laws is another. In 2010, harvesters were required to reduce their daily haul from a bushel to 1/2 bushel - a change John supports. “It’s just smart,” he says. “And with the way things are, you’re lucky to get a 1/2 bushel anyway.” John also supports The Nature Conservancy’s oyster restoration projects, both locally and across the country. “I strongly believe in what you’re doing here,” he says. “I saw the total collapse of the Chesapeake four to five years ago. Now it’s much cleaner. I don’t think we’ve hit the bottom here in Great Bay. Not yet. I’m hopeful that we’ll see things turn around in time.” Over the years John has taken a few folks out into Great Bay to try their hand at harvesting. He still coaxes his father out into the cold water a few days before each Christmas. They watch the seals play while gathering oysters for the holiday meal (usually taking the form of oyster stuffing). Unlike John, Grandpa George was never much of a fan of raw oysters. “He’d stew them, jar them for later or make fried oysters,” reflects John. From his grandmother John learned to prepare oysters nearly every which way but sideways, many of which he still cooks for his family today (try his Oysters Rockefeller). “Eating is what ties our generations together. Sometimes food is the only thing that three generations can agree on!”
Grab your apron and try John’s own recipe for Oysters Rockefeller! Get it today at: www.nature.org/newhampshire
John Iber. Eric Aldrich, photos.
the year in new hampshire 2011
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2011 reminded us of the fact that conservation success comes in all shapes and sizes. The New Hampshire Chapter spent the year celebrating our golden anniversary -- 50 years since our first conservation project at Lake Nubanusit in Hancock. While we spent time toasting the successes of the past, we remain focused on our current efforts. The work of the Conservancy endures because it is based upon sound science, preserving natural systems, and working with communities. In Great Bay, we saw great success restoring oysters by establishing a new reef in the Lamprey River. Additionally, our Oyster Conservationist volunteers grew to include 29 sites across the Bay. 2011 saw another major milestone when we, as part of the Great Bay Resource Protection Partnership, completed our 100th land protection project in the Great Bay Estuary. At our Potter Farm site in Northumberland, we began a major initiative to restore floodplain forests along the Connecticut River. Conservancy volunteers planted over 500 silver maple seedlings and saplings, and scattered over 350,000 seeds . We will be doing another round of planting in May – this is a great opportunity to volunteer some time, get dirty and help restore an important natural system. A bit farther north, the discovery of the return of Canada lynx confirmed what our scientists have long said about the value of largescale conservation in the Northern Forest. The return of lynx, and protecting habitat for songbirds and many other species, were on our minds when we, along with our conservation partners, planned and conserved the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Natural Area. Sometimes, though, conservation success manifests itself in ways we didn’t expect. The New Hampshire Chapter dedicated time and expertise pursuing the protection of 13,000 acres surrounding the headwaters of the Mascoma River in the Upper Valley. The project took many twists and turns and ultimately, due to circumstances beyond our control, didn’t pan out. The process, however, opened doors to new ideas and other potential pathways to conserve the property. Although our original vision didn’t come to fruition, we have confidence that the effort we put in will ultimately bring about the goal of conservation success for the Mascoma Headwaters. Your commitment to conservation in New Hampshire truly inspires us to continue moving forward.
Tina Villnave, photo.
PEOPLE MAKE IT HAPPEN: BEN VILLNAVE
VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2011 # Oyster Conservationist Families: 29 # high school students working on NH preserves as part of LEAF (Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future): 4 # college students working on NH preserves as part of Student Conservation Association “hitches”: 6 # Master Gardeners maintaining gardens at Great Bay: 2 # of volunteers supporting stewardship projects: 45 Total hours of support from volunteers: 540
Ben is in many ways your average teenager. At 16 years old, he loves to hike, kayak and ski. In other ways, he’s a superhero for the environment. Homeschooled since grade 2, Ben’s parents-turned-educators taught him to value and respect nature. He became a volunteer at the Great Bay Discovery Center, at which he first heard about The Nature Conservancy’s Oyster Restoration project. “I was extremely interested in the Oyster Restoration project and how it could make a difference to the natural resources of Great Bay,” says Ben. “One of my favorite areas of study is Environmental Studies, and I was pleased to find a field-based project practically in my back yard!” Ben assisted the Oyster Restoration project by measuring and counting spat (young oysters) at Jackson Estuarine Lab. “It was interesting to see how the spat formed, and how many spat could live on one host shell,” notes Ben. “It was also really great to see the diversity of other organisms that co-exist with the oysters; I found a crab on one of the shells that was smaller than the fingernail on my pinky. The Great Bay is a beautiful place. I was really happy to be out on the dock in the sun.” It wasn’t just the act of raising oysters and placing them in the water that fascinated Ben. “I was intrigued by the idea that this project has taken the initiative to rebuild the oyster reefs by recycling surf clam shells from area restaurants and fish markets,” he says. “What a huge undertaking, and a win-win situation. The shells get recycled and don’t end up in a landfill, and we establish a habitat that makes it viable to use nature’s filtration system (oysters) to clean up the bay.” Ben didn’t always act alone, however. Believing that all children have a role to play in nature, he often involved his little brother, Cameron. “All parts of nature contribute to the ecosystem we all enjoy in some form. Everyone has a passion for some part of the outdoors; we just need to get people excited about it and involved in some way.” As the next field season approaches, Ben is already on board to do his part. “It is exciting and rewarding to feel like you are part of something that may have humble beginnings (oyster spat) but has the potential to make great changes happen.” Thanks, Ben!
thank you, donors!
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The Nature Conservancy of New Hampshire gratefully acknowledges the support of you, our members. The following have generously contributed $150 or more to local programs or live in New Hampshire and have contributed to other TNC initiatives in 2011. During this time, many more contributed to The Nature Conservancy’s conservation efforts in this state and throughout the world. LAST GREAT PLACES SOCIETY ($10,000+) Anonymous: 3 David & Rosemary Armington Larry & Suzanne Butcher Thomas & Patience Chamberlin Thomas W. Haas Harold & Elizabeth Janeway*** Michael Krinsky Laurence Pierce & Nancy Buffler*** Thomas & Barbara Putnam David & Barbara Roby Elsie P. Van Buren Mary Seymour P. Wastcoat Ms. CherylAnne Z. Williams***
OAK LEAF SOCIETY ($1,000 - $9,999) Anonymous: 5 Ms. Marian M. Aikman Robert & Deborah Aliber Ms. Fran Babcock*** Mrs. Harriette S. Barnes Dr. & Mrs. James Barrett Mr. S. R. Beane, Jr. Peter & Cynthia Belowski Charles & Martha Boswell Ms. Eleanor Briggs Mrs. Joan R. Burchenal Alvie Carpenter & Ann H. Preston Marion E. Cass & Stephen J. Doig Ms. Katherine Clark Mr. David Cochran James & Nancy Coghlin Mr. David Coleman Mr. Anthony J. D’Amato John & Mary Ann Danahy Mr. Luke Dann Mr. Micum S. Davis Thomas & Dorcas Deans Whitney & Closey Dickey Jameson & Joan Doig Mrs. Anne Doucet Philip & Jennifer DuBois Mr. Cedric H. Dustin III Robert N. Faiman, Jr. & Lynne J. Pentler Mr. Frank X. Farmar Anne H. Faulkner & Robert E. King Dr. Nathan Faulkner & Ms. Julia Burdick Mr. Stuart Feldman John & Anne Filson*/*** Wavell & Susan Fogleman* Jameson & Priscilla French Susan Goodwin & Brack Hinchey Richard & Nancy Gould Frank & Joan Graf Anthony & Sally Grassi*** Ms. Michele A. Grennon Ms. Jessica Griffiths Mrs. Ann Hackett Mr. David Houghton* Mr. Wentworth Hubbard Mr. Carroll Johnson Gilliam Johnston & Cathy Morrow Dr. & Mrs. Everett Jones Ms. Sarah G. Jones Kennett & Patricia Kendall*** Douglas & Elisabeth Kinney Martin Lee & Nancy Lambert Robert & Sylvia Larsen
Lawrence & Jacqueline Leavitt Mr. Richard P. Leavitt*** Andrew & Donna Lietz Charles & Susan Longfield Mr. George M. Lovejoy Jr. Dr. Francis Magilligan & Ms. Mona Domosh Mr. Dick Mallion*** Brad & Sharon Malt Jon & Diane Marquis Mr. Leonard J. Martin*** Jack & Ann Middleton David Mitchell & Pam Richard Ms. Linda Moore Arthur & Mary Mudge Ms. Helene Nagy Ms. Kate Nesbit Dr. Michael Nolen Herbert & Virginia Oedel Norm and Melinda Payson Mr. David Prend Mr. Jeffrey Rider Leonard Sarapas & Sherrill Davis Merle & Helen Schotanus Bruce & Sarah Schwaegler Joan and Lynn Seppala G. Dudley & Becky Shepard Michael Sherrill & Carol Meise Skip & Cathy Small Mr. Peter M. Small Mr. Charles W. Smith Dr. Andrew Strominger Henry & Freda Swan*** Kurt & Elaine Swenson Dr. James T. Taylor Robert & Lorna Terhune Ms. Penny G. Vestner*** Robert & Binney Wells*** Carden & Ann Welsh Mrs. Mary Lee Worboys Mr. Ashton R. Wyllie
$150-$999 Anonymous = 6 John & Lynn Aber Ms. Jessie Aikman Ken & Nola Aldrich Ms. Beverly S. Almgren Susan Almy Stephen & Joan Ames Mr. Douglas W. Andersen Mr. & Mrs. Michael Andrews Mr. & Mrs. John Apostolos Mike Argue Mrs. Katharine K. Austin Ms. Jayne Bacha Ann S. Backus* William Badgley & Carol McEntee Ms. Vicki Baggia Earl J. Bagley Mr. & Mrs. Henry Bahrenburg Mr. & Mrs. Dudley Baker Mr. & Mrs. John Baker Mr. Lawrence A. Baker Mr. & Mrs. Harry Barnes Mr. James F. Barnes Mr. & Mrs. Robert Barr Mr. & Mrs. James Barrett Sylvia Bates & Thomas Masland Marl Beal & Sarah Dengler Mr. William Beck* Ms. Mimi Becker
Bedford Garden Club Ms. Jane Bedford Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Bennett Ms. Clare Bensley Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Benson Peter & Emily Benson Mr. Joseph L. Berry Ms. Bev Bettencourt Mr. Thomas Bickel Mr. & Mrs. Francis Birch Mr. John Bishop Emily Blanchard & Eric Forstenberg Mr. Charles Blitzer Mr. & Mrs. Francis Blodget Dale F. Bloeman* Sheldon E. Boege Mrs. Ruth Grillo Boland Mr. & Mrs. David Boothby* Mr. James Borsh Mr. & Mrs. Henry Bothfeld Rick & Karen Bowe Mr. & Mrs. Terrance Brand Mr. & Mrs. Doug Brecht Mr. & Mrs. David Bredow* Alexandra Breed & Douglas Hill Mr. Robert Brethauer Mr. Bryan Bridges Mr. Christopher Brown Steven Brown & Janet Campbell Ms. Karen Brownell Mr. Todd Bubar Mr. Richard D. Buchanan Mr. & Mrs. Lex Bundschuh Ms. Megan Burke Kidder Daryl & Ana Burtnett*** Dr. William W. Bush Brandon Buteau Ms. Nancy Byrd Mrs. Karen L. Campbell* Mr. & Mrs. John Carlson Mr. John R. Carlson Mrs. Heather Carney Mrs. Ann B. Carter William & Elizabeth Chabot John P. & Martha W. Chandler*** Greg Chanis & Polly Chandler*/*** Charitable Auto Resources Inc. Major & Mrs. Henry Chary Ms. Sharon C. Churchill Karen J. Clark Ms. Linda Clark Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Clow Roland Coates & Elizabeth Freeman* Ms. Patricia A. Cobb Mr. and Mrs. David Coffin Ms. Grace Cohen Terry & Carol Conner Mr. & Mrs. Edward Cook Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Cooper Mr. Michael E. Cooper Ms. Heidi Copeland* Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Corte Ms. Alexandra H. Corwin Mr. Warren T. Coughlin Mr. & Mrs. Richard Crawford Mr. & Mrs. Ed Craxton Ms. Doris Cromer Ms. Suzanne B. Cronkite Mr. David Crotto Mr. Peter H. Crow Donna Cullen Mr. & Mrs. Paul Cunha Mr. & Mrs. Scott Cunningham
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Curwen Mr. Dana Davidson* Mr. & Mrs. Alton Davis Ms. Christine K. Davis Karen Davis* Mr. J. Michael Deasy Mr. Paul M. Degitz Ms. Edna W. Dennis Amy DiGiandomenico Elizabeth Dinowitz Mr. Samuel Doak Mr. & Mrs. Kurk Dorsey Mr. & Mrs. William Doyle Ms. Diane Drake* Robert Drysdale Mr. Richard J. Dumler Mr. Thomas F. Dunlea III Mr. John A. Dunn, Jr. Mr. Michael Durgin Dick & Nancy Dutton Helen Dutton Dr. Michael A. Dutton Ms. Diane Eadie Jere Eames Mr. & Mrs. Hugh M. Eaton III Ms. Laina Eckard Emily Landecker Foundation, Inc. Mr. Clifford English Gwen English & Henry Ferrell, III George & Audrey Epstein Barbara Esten James & Janet Evans Mr. & Mrs. John Evans Mr. Daniel J. Fallon Ms. Kimberly Farah*/*** Dr. Donald Farquharson Mr. & Mrs. Charles Faulkner Mrs. Sally Fay Ms. Hilary S. Feldstein Ms. Lisa Ferro Ms. Non Finkelstein Mr. & Mrs. John Finnegan William & Margaret Fischang Janet G. Fisk Mr. Richard Foote Mr. David Forman Ms. Elizabeth Forsham* Ms. Cornelia Forster Mr. & Mrs. Edward Fowler Timothy & June Frazer* Mr. & Mrs. Richard Frechette Mr. Paul R. Gagnon* Mrs. Shirley Garhart Michael Garratt Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Gartner*** Mr. Joseph C. Gauci Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Gehl Mr. Michael Genimatas Ms. Valerie A. Germain Brenda Gikas James Givens & Maureen Smith Mr. & Mrs. Filson Glanz William L. Glennie Mr. & Mrs. Gerard Gold Mr. & Mrs. Peter Goodwin Ms. Mary Gourley Mrs. Mary Gowen Ms. Nancy W. Grady Mr. Douglas V. Graham Ms. Mary Graham Mrs. Marion Grassi*** Senator Judd Gregg Carlos Gristani
William Grizzle Ms. Anne Grunert* Mary Lou Guerinot & C.R. McClung Mrs. Jocelyn F. Gutchess Paul Guyre Mr. Christopher J. Hackenberg Ms. Marjorie Haight Mr. & Mrs. Scott Hamilton Mr. Graham Hankey Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Hanna Mr. John R. Hardie Mr. Joel Harrington Mr. & Mrs. Thomas David Harris Jerry & Karen Harrow Douglas Hartford Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hartman Mr. J. C. Harvey Mr. Patrick Hayden* Mr. Ross L. Heald Viking & Kathleen Hedberg Mr. & Mrs. Robert Henderson Mr. Hugh Hennedy Ms. Ellen H. Heronemus-Bryan Ms. Denise Hervieux Bonnie Hill & Donna Catanzaro Kenneth Hill & Synthia Stanton Dr. & Mrs. Lucius Hill Ms. Jane F. Hills*/*** Dr. M. J. Hiltz-Sloan Joyce L. Himmelreich Mrs. Patricia G. Hoffman Mr. & Mrs. William Hoffmann Ms. Nancy Hough Birgit Houston* Mr. Robert E. Houston Jr. Ms. Jeannette Howard-Bumphus James F. Hunt Jr.* Deborah S. Hutchings Ms. Carol Irvin Ms. Ruth Isaks Ms. Lauren Jacoby Dr. & Mrs. Paul B. Jaques Mr. & Mrs. Philip Jerauld* Mr. J. P. Jessee Mr. & Mrs. Doug Johnson Mr. Jolyon Johnson Ms. Marilyn P. Johnson*** Kathleen Jones Dr. & Mrs. Charles F. Kane Cleveland Kapala & Lucia Kittredge Richard & Diana Kasper Mr. Joel Kates Mr. & Mrs. David Keller Meredith Kelly Thomas & Elizabeth Kelsey Mrs. R.C. Kemp Jan C. Kennedy Drew & Kristin Kiefaber Mrs. Charlotte B. Kimball Mrs. Cynthia King* Karen Kluge & Terry Rosenmeier Mr. & Mrs. Rob Koning Ms. Julie Kopser Mr. Mark W. Kresge Mr. Allan P. Krygeris Ms. Karen Kuelthau Allan Mr. Leo Kulig Ms. Sharon Kunz Mr. Walter E. Kuper Ms. Constance Landmann Dr. Kyle Landt Mr. Dwight Langendorfer* Ms. Nora G. Larsen
page 5 Ron & Lois Laurence Diana Leblanc* Thomas Lee & Antoinette Hartgerink Ms. Marcia Legru Ms. Anne Lemaire Ms. Jeannine T. Levesque* Mr. Erik Limmer Ms. Karen D. Lindig Ms. Cindy S. Lloyd*** Ms. Ingeborg Lock Scott Lollis Dr. Virginia C. Long* Mrs. Sylvia Lord Mr. Richard J. Lothrop Mr. William B. Lowenthal Mr. & Mrs. William Luebbert Mrs. Vincent N. Lunetta Mr. David Lyon Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lyons* T. W. Macdeimott Mr. John E. MacKenzie* Mr. David M. MacMillin Mr. & Mrs. Kestutis Makaitis Mr. Mark L. Mallory Jim Manhart Mr. Michael J. Marquis Mr. Gordon L. Marshall Charles & Margaret Marshall*** Mr. & Mrs. Peter Martin Kathey Freitas & Bill Masse* Mr. Charles Massin Ms. Barbara Mathewson Mr. & Mrs. Edgar Matthews Ms. Ana Mayor Mr. & Mrs. Ned McCarthy Mrs. Bettye R. McCouch W. L. McFarland Mr. & Mrs. Douglas McIlroy Mr. Bruce McKibben Mr. Lewis Mcquarrie* Mr. James McQueen Ms. Ellen R. Meara Mr. Edward J. Mehigen Ms. Anne H. Melvin* Mr. & Mrs. Jed Merrow Mrs. Phyillis Meyers Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Milano Mr. Eric B. Miller Ms. Anne D. Milne Elaine Mittell & Douglas Poutasse Mr. & Mrs. Eberhard Moebius Sy Montgomery Katie Moody & Kenneth Ernstoff Mrs. Lois S. Moore Margaret E. Moore* Jonathan Morgan* Mr. Daniel G. Morin Jeffrey I. Morin Barbara Morse* Mr. Dennis Moulton Mr. Todd Mower Robert Mueller & Andrea Schulman Gary & Susan Murata James Murphy Mr. Anand Natrajan Mrs. William Naumes Mr. Keith Newton Mrs. Patricia D. Niswander Dr. & Mrs. Richard A. Norton Ms. Mikel O’Brien*** Mr. Lawrence W. O’Connell Mr. & Mrs. Thomas O’Connor Richard & Elsa Ogden*** Kathleen Osberg & Philip LeClerc*** Dr. George A. O’Toole Ms. Gail R. Page Mr. & Mrs. Paul Palumbo Mr. Gregory D. Parker Mr. Henry W. Parker
Isabel Partin* Barry Krieger & Alice Passer Mr. & Mrs. Richard Patten Robert & Mary Paul* Ms. Ann E. Pembroke Mr. & Mrs. Carl Peterson Mr. & Mrs. Henry Peterson Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Phinney Mr. & Mrs. Dale Pike Mr. & Mrs. Roger Pinchard Mr. & Mrs. Gene Pokorny Ms. Jane Pollard* Mr. & Mrs. Robert Pollard*** Mr. Robert C. Potter Mr. Steven Powell Lawrence J. Prelli Mr. & Mrs. David Preston Mr. Philip Preston*** Mrs. Janet P. Prew Mr. Michael Price Ms. Gail Prince*/*** Mr. & Mrs. James Pugliano Mr. Robert J. Pustell Patricia Quigley & Jeffrey Howard Mr. & Mrs. James Ramsay Richard & Sallie Ramsden Betsy Rand & David Publicover Mr. & Mrs. John Rand Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Rankin Mr. Peter Raymond Mark Scura & Maureen Redmond-Scura Ms. Carolyn Reed Katharine Reichert & J. Derek Teare Mr. Darayl Remick Melinda Richmond Dr. & Mrs. Beverly Ridgely Ms. Susanne Riemer Mr. & Mrs. Paul Roberge* Mr. F. David Roberts Dr. & Mrs. James Robinson Dan Rockmore Mr. & Mrs. Nathaniel Rockwell Mr. & Mrs. Tod Rodger Chet Rogers Mr. Darold W. Rorabacher Ms. Juliana Scott Rowland Mr. Robert Roy* Mr. Charles L. Russell Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Russell Jonathan Sack Beth Salerno & Tod Ramseyer*** Mr. Robert Sammonds Dr. Betsy Sandberg & Mr. Joseph Orzel* Mr. & Mrs. David Sanderson Mr. & Mrs. Michael Sandler Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Scalzo Mr. & Mrs. Everett Schenk Ms. Mena Schmid Dr. Erica Schoenberg Bill & Jill Schoonmaker Ms. Alice Schori F. Y. Schulman Ms. Susan I. Schultz Mr. Joseph S. Scire Don & Jana Sellarole Lester & Ann Senechal Dr. Gregory Seymour Mrs. Sally H. Sharples Chris & Manie Shaver Mr. Robert W. Shaw, Jr. Michael & Patty Shearin Chris & Edie Shipley Mr. & Mrs. Steven Shope Mr. David Deas Sinkler Nelson Carter & Barbara Slaiby Mr. William E. Slauson*** Mr. & Mrs. William Sloan Bruce & Anne Smith Mr. Holbrook C. Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Smith Mr. Thomas W. Smith III Ms. Kathi E. Sokness Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Sousa Mr. Scott J. Spangenberg* Mr. Stephen Spear Mr. Eric L. Speed* Ms. Mary Speer Grote Rev. & Mrs. Guthrie Speers Sherwood & Laura Spelke Dr. & Mrs. Robert Spencer Mr. Mark Splaine Mr. & Mrs. Clinton Springer Mr. & Mrs. Edward Spurr Mr. Alcide St. John Ms. Nancy Starks-Cheney*** Thomas Stearns Mr. & Mrs. Philip Steckler Mr. Ken Steinman Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Sterling Mr. & Mrs. Ken Stern Mr. & Mrs. John Stevens Ms. Nancie G. Stone Mr. Clifford H. Straw Alan & Holly Summers Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Surgenor Ms. Beth Taylor Ms. Jill Taylor David & Tanya Tellman*** Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Tercho Ms. Althea Thacher Dr. JoEllen Thomas Mr. Gregory Tillman Natalie Timmons Mr. & Mrs. John Torget Mr. Jay Towne M. J. Transue Kalindi & Grace Trietley* Ms. Kathryn M. Tulipani John Tupper* Ms. Barbara Tyler* Mr. Scott Tyler Mr. & Mrs. Mark Valence Mr. & Mrs. Robert Varney Lucinda Varnum Ms. Francie von Mertens Ms. Miriam Voran Mr. Carl Wallman Brian Walsh & Linda Patchett Mr. & Mrs. John Warner Dr. & Mrs. R. Scott Warren Shirley A. Waters Ms. Rebecca M. Watts Dr. Hal Weeks Mr. & Mrs. John Weeks Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Weymouth Mr. & Mrs. Erik Wheeler Donna White* Wayne D. White S. I. Whitlow* Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Whitmore Ms. Beatrice Whitney William & Christianne Wohlforth* Ms. Dorothy Wicksman Jane Wilson* Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Winston Ms. Mary K. Wirth Robert Wofchuck & Heather Gilbert Craig & Maris Wofsy Ms. Marbet Wolfson Randall Wright* Mr. Bradford Wyman Ms. Gail Yearke Mr. John J. Young Jr. Mr. Rodney Young Drs. Karen Zagula & Peter Lindgren* Mark & Susan Zankel Mr. William Zebuhr Mr. Robert Zwolak
FOUNDATIONS, CORPORATIONS & OTHER ORGANIZATIONS Anonymous = 3 Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation Affirm Water, LLC AIG Matching Grants Program Anna B. Stearns Charitable Foundation Appledore Real Estate, Inc. BAE Employee Community Service Fund Beane Family Foundation Black North LLC Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. Employee Giving Program Bruce M. & Sarah T. Schwaegler Fund^ Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Charter Charitable Foundation Citizens Bank CLH Fund^ Compass Fund Concord Cooperative Market Davis Conservation Foundation Earth Share Eastern Mountain Sports Elizabeth H. Trafton Revocable Trust French Foundation George W. Merck Fund^ Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund Hewlett Packard Employee Giving Program Hoffman Family Foundation Houghton Mifflin Company HP Company Foundation IBM Employee Services Center IBM Retiree Charitable Campaign John F. & Dorothy H. McCabe Environmental Fund^ Kiva Foundation Lakes Region Conservation Trust Liberty Mutual Lumina Foundation Lyme Timber Company Markem Corp. Mary & Christopher Rodgers Foundation Merry Maids Millyard Communications Inc. Monadnock Regional High School New England Mountain Bike Association New Hampshire Charitable Foundation New Hampshire Children in Nature Coalition NH Land & Community Heritage Investment Program Papergraphics International, Inc. Putnam Foundation Rosamond Thaxter Foundation Russell Matching Gifts Program The Anita Fund^ The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel The Burdick Faulkner Charitable Fund The Evenor Armington Fund The Gartner Family Fund The Mountain Corporation The Patricia C. & Kennett R. Kendall, Jr. Fund^ The Stettenheim Foundation Thomas W. Haas Foundation^ Thomas W. Haas Fund Tyco Electronics Matching Gift Program United Way of The National Capital Area Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program
Whit & Closey Dickey Fund^ White Mountain Oil & Propane Windsock Village Aviation Corp. Winebaum Fund^ Yankee Publishing, Inc.
GIFT OF LAND OR CONSERVATION EASEMENT Cochecho Country Club Lakes Region Conservation Trust Pomeroy Limited Partnership
IN-KIND DONATIONS Black Forest Cafe & Bakery Casassa & Ryan Diane & Elizabeth D’Arcy Eastern Mountain Sports Millyard Communications Inc. Stonyfield Farm Timberland
NEW LEGACY CLUB Anonymous = 2 Mr. David R. Weber Mr. Robert A. Wells
ESTATE GIFTS RECEIVED Anonymous = 3 Kevin S. Burbank Rosalind S. Holt Yorick G. Hurd Miss Thoreau E. Raymond Ms. Patricia Rogers Susan Steinmuller Thomas Vlach * = Monthly Givers *** = Legacy Club Member ^ = A fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
NEW HAMPSHIRE CHAPTER PROGRAM EFFICIENCY - FY11
These numbers are reflective of the New Hampshire Chapter only. See www.nature.org/annualreport for programmatic efficiency rates of the whole organization.
conservation snapshot
Invasive species control and early detection monitoring: 11 acres of mechanical treatment and hand pulling of woody invasives at 6 priority sites 200 acres surveyed for early detection Trail work accomplished on TNC preserves: 20 miles of trail maintenance completed 5 miles of heavy trail reconstruction completed: Green Hills 15 miles of boundaries monitored and maintained
Marine Program
Acres reef established: 2.5 acres #Oyster Conservationist Sites: 29 Number of oysters restored: 606,637 oysters Additional gallons/day water filtration from oyster restoration: 12.1 million gallons day filtered if all reach adulthood in 3 years.
Freshwater Program
Floodplain forest restoration: 3 acres of native habitat restored 420 silver maple seedlings planted 120 silver maple saplings planted 350,000 silver maple seeds collected and spread 100 stems of invasive plants and shrubs cut and herbicided
CONSERVATION EASEMENTS BRETT: 53.02 acres in Madbury
The Great Bay Partnership’s 100th project conseves nearly 1,300 feet along Gerrish Brook.
VALPEY: 33 acres in Dover
Adds 790 feet of protected tidal shoreline to a nearly unbroken string of protected shoreline properties along the Bellamy River.
PERRY: 528 acres in Sharon, Rindge & New Ipswich
Located along the Gridley River, this easement over a Forest Society Reservation includes 359 acres of wetlands, including Tophet Swamp.
SMITH FAMILY TRACTs #1 & 2
Newfields & Exeter Protected with the Great Bay Partnership, Smith #1 (21.58 acres) has frontage on both sides of the Piscassic River while Smith #2 (48.66 acres) protects a large assemblage of wetlands, beaver ponds, headwaters stream system and associated upland forested habitat in the Piscassic River focus area.
BEAUDETTE FARM
64.28 acres
Durham Conserved by the Great Bay Partnership, this tract is comprised largely of grassland and shrubland habitats that provides exceptional habitat for several grassland bird species and potentially the New England cottontail, a candidate species under the federal Endangered Species Act. Low-lying and with frontage along both Beaudette Brook and the Lamprey River, it also provides valuable flood storage during major storm events – an important public safety benefit.
HAYDEN TRACT
Newmarket & Newfields The mosaic of deep, open water marshes and scrub-shrub swamps provides excellent habitat for waterfowl and several turtle species including wood, spotted, and Blanding’s - all of which made it a priority for conservation for the Great Bay Partnership and the Conservancy.
CASE ESTATE TRACT ON PISCASSIC RIVER
63.71 acres
44.1 acres
Newfields This project was completed with the Great Bay Partnership and includes a site of an historic shingle mill. It also protects over 3,200 feet of frontage on the Piscassic River, as well as a recreational trail used by hikers and fishermen.
PATTERSON WOOD LOT
Newfields Managed carefully by the family for years, this wood lot abuts the recently preserved Smith Family Tract #2. The property’s large assemblage of wetlands, a beaver pond, a 1,025foot section of a headwaters stream system and the associated upland forested habitat were identified as a priority for protection.
Jan McClure
70.24 total acres
Dea Brickner-Wood
Burning and mechanidcal fire management: 95 acres
Carroll & Whitefield The Conservancy assisted the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in acquiring this property, which includes frontage along the Presidential Range Rail Trail. The property is now part of the Pondicherry Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge –an “Important Bird Area” designated by the National Audubon Society.
Dea Brickner-Wood
Stewardship Program
510 acres
Chris Kane
Exemplary Natural Communities: 49.6 acres of low-gradient silty-sandy riverbank system 226.5 acres of red maple - sphagnum basin swamp 750 feet of frontage of sparsely vegetated intertidal system 2 populations of Blanding’s turtle & wood turtle
DODGE FAMILY TRACT AT PONDICHERRY
Kevin McManus
Land Protection
Total Amount of Land Protected through Acquisitions and Easements: 861.05 acres # Conservation easements monitored: 38 # Deed restrictions monitored: 53 Total value of all land protected: $2,996,296 Total purchase price of all land protected: $2,926,296 Value of donated/bargain sales of land/CEs: $70,000
24.44 acres
Dea Brickner-Wood
page 6
field trips and events
page 7
Excited about milder weather? Want to get outside and enjoy nature, or make a difference? Spring outside with your friends, family and coworkers and celebrate nature at one of our field trips or events. All are free for both members and non-members. More details and directions can be found at www.nature.org/newhampshire/events.
8th Annual Legacy Club & Friends Breakfast Wed 4/11 @ 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Chapter Office, Concord, NH
Please join us for a homemade breakfast and discussion with Director of Stewardship Jeff Lougee on the use of controlled burns to restore the globally rare ecosystem of the Ossipee Pine Barrens. Jeff will share how far we’ve come in the past five years, lessons learned, and what’s next. Mingle with other dedicated conservationists and chapter staff for this springtime tradition. This program is free. Please consider bringing a friend! Reservations requested by Monday, April 9th. Kindly RSVP to Megan Latour at
[email protected] or 603.224.5853 x 23.
4th Annual Birding at Horseshoe Pond Mon 4/23 @ 7:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m. Horseshoe Pond, Concord, NH
Master Gardeners Nell Griffin and Gale Rosenberger working in the native gardens at the Great Bay Office. Megan Latour, photo.
Join TNC’s Doug Bechtel for an Earth Day pre-work birding trip around Horseshoe Pond in Concord. We’ll be looking for our resident feathered friends, waterfowl and early spring migrants. Grab your binoculars and start your day enjoying nature! Meet at the Grappone Center Parking Lot on Commercial Street in Concord. Turn into 70 Commercial Street (at the Grappone Center), turn right and bear right into the parking lot. RSVP to Sydney Wall at
[email protected] or 603.224.5853, x 10.
CELEBRATING EARTH DAY: Sun 4/22 @ Preserves Across New Hampshire
We’re celebrating Earth’s biggest day with a hike near you! Join any one of the following outings, each guided by Conservancy staff. Vernal Pool Exploration at Lubberland Creek Preserve, Newmarket: Frogs and salamanders are just a couple of the creatures that make their spring home in vernal pools. Join Gail Coffey from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. for an afternoon of netting and exploring the pools on the preserve. On the Boardwalk at Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve, Manchester: Spring brings lush surroundings in this Atlantic white cedar swamp. Take a walk in these unique woods with cedar swamp expert, Nur Ritter, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Great Views at Green Hills Preserve, North Conway: Take in the sweeping views of the Mount Washington Valley at our most popular preserve with NH Land Steward (and preserve expert!) Wink Lees beginning at 10 a.m. Be prepared for some moderately strenuous hiking. Kindly RSVP for all hikes to Megan Latour at
[email protected] or 603.224.5853 x 23.
Spring Has Sprung! Garden Fair & Native Plant Sale Sat 5/5 @ 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. TNC’s Great Bay Office - 112 Bay Road, Newmarket,NH
The Nature Conservancy is proud to host the Rockingham County Master Gardener’s annual spring garden fair and native plant sale! Come out, peruse the booths and stock up on perennials, herbs and shrubs from local gardens. Receive expert advice and resources from UNH Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners. This event is rain or shine and includes: Gardening for the Birds, Butterflies & Bees Creative Spaces for Growing Vegetables Oyster Restoration in Great Bay Coexisting with Critters in Your Garden Soil PH Testing (bring a sample to test!) Maintaining Your Lawn Organically Invasives to Natives: Making the Transition Herb Heaven Perennials on Parade: Natives, Newbies & ‘Nockouts! ...and more! Questions? Contact Nell Griffin at
[email protected].
7th Annual Great Bay Bird Walk Sat 5/5 @ 7:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Lubberland Creek Preserve Newmarket,NH Join us at TNC’s Lubberland Creek Preserve in Newmarket as coastal bird expert Steve Mirick once again educates us on the migrating and nesting birds that call Great Bay home. Please RSVP (required due to popularity) at your earliest convenience to Megan Latour at
[email protected] or 603.224.5853 x 23.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Call for Weed Watchers! Sat 5/19 @ 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. TNC’s Great Bay Office - 112 Bay Road, Newmarket,NH
We need your help monitoring and controlling invasive plant species on our Preserves. Learn about invasive plants threatening the biodiversity of our seacoast, techniques and tools used for controlling invasive plants & join our team of volunteer Weed Watchers. For more information or to sign up please contact Karen Lombard at
[email protected]. Following the training, Weed Watchers are asked to volunteer 2 half-days to help monitor and pull invasive plants in key areas of our Lubberland Creek Preserve. Please bring a water bottle, work gloves, lunch, sturdy boots and appropriate clothing for working outdoors. Light snacks will be provided.
Tree Planting at Potter Farm Thurs 5/17 @ 10 a.m. Potter Farm, Northumberland, NH
This May, we’ll be planting silver maples at the historic Potter Farm as part of our floodplain forest restoration efforts. Hundreds of trees will be planted and we need your help! Bring work clothes, gloves, sturdy shoes that can get wet, digging tools and a lunch. Contact Doug Bechtel at
[email protected] or 603.224.583, x 16 to be placed on the volunteer list. Date is subject to change due to weather conditions, so be sure to include your contact information!
22 Bridge Street, 4th Floor • Concord, NH 03301 603/224-5853
SPRING 2012 NEWSLETTER
www.nature.org/newhampshire
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Littleton, NH Permit No. 45
The Nature Conservancy is a global, non-profit conservation organization. The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.
great places in the granite state
is a publication of the N.H. Chapter of The Nature Conservancy 22 Bridge Street, 4th Floor Concord, NH 603/224-5853 tel 603/228-2459 fax Mount Washington Valley Office 603/356-8833 Great Bay Office 603/659-2678 Worldwide Office 703/841-5300 www.nature.org © 2012 The Nature Conservancy
Receiving duplicate mailings? Please let us know! Email the duplicate names to
[email protected] and we’ll fix it!
great places in the granite state The membership newsletter of the New Hampshire Chapter SPRING 2012
Where else can you friend an Eastern bluebird? Join new friends on The Nature Conservancy New Hampshire Chapter Facebook page. Discover events, photos and more about our great outdoors and share your own. www.facebook.com/TNCNH
Male Bluebird - 6th Annual Digital Photo Contest Finalist Photo © Jon Winslow, Dover, NH
