Take a walk / Take a photo!

Hello everyone,

I have found that being outside has really helped to clear my head. We are so lucky to be surrounded by such beauty! Gal Potashnick, the Outreach Director from ACT (Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust) has sent me directions to some exquisite sites that are free to explore.

Take a look below for links to maps and descriptions, directions to all the properties are on the ACT website at https://act-nh.org/explore-our-lands.

Gal also suggested that we photograph some of what we see. I would love to post images on the library website. Why not get the kids involved and I will be sure to put the photos they take on the website.

Thank you Gal! Thank you ACT!

Take care everyone,

Ann

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Sugar Hill
Foss Forest, MacCornack-Evelyn Forest, and Bronson Hill Conservation Area
Map: https://act-nh.org/s/Bronson-Hill-2019-11-21.pdf
Directions: Foss Pearl Lake Rd Entrance https://goo.gl/maps/x7BWGVhXqwD2, Bronson - End of Dyke Rd Entrance: https://goo.gl/maps/GGw8bSfFHNF2
Description: Thanks to the generosity of several families, there are some great places to explore in Sugar Hill. This map shows three abutting properties, two owned by ACT and one privately owned and conserved with ACT, making up over 300 permanently protected acres for public (and wildlife) use!
The properties officially named the Foss Forest, MacCornack-Evelyn Forest, and Bronson Hill Conservation Area are open to the public. The Bronson Hill Conservation Area is privately owned so please respect space around the landowners' home.

Please visit and walk the trails through the classic hardwood forest, out to a great view of the White Mountains, and explore wooded wetlands.

Whipple Field
Map: in process
Directions: Polly’s https://goo.gl/maps/jU77y9UTEYp
Description: With the generous support of more than 110 community members, ACT completed the purchase of the Whipple Farm land in the summer of 2005. The 20 acre plot, the last undeveloped land from one of Sugar Hill’s early farms, is located on Route 117 just up the hill from Polly’s Pancake Parlor. The trail can now be accessed behind Polly’s at the back of the upper level parking area. You and your family are invited to enjoy the Whipple Conservation Area land for walking, skiing, snowshoeing, and the like.


Franconia
Lawrence Forest
Map: https://act-nh.org/s/20170602-ACT-Lawrence-map.pdf
Directions: Fox Hill Park - https://goo.gl/maps/KQK9e3LUL8D2, End of Old County Rd - https://goo.gl/maps/CpWBuybokVv
Description:The Lawrence Forest in Franconia has it all: steams, wetlands, floodplains, young and more mature forest, and views, all accessible from foot trails and connected to the larger Franconia Trails system. The Lawrence Forest was conserved with ACT in 2016 through a partnership with the town and Franconia Conservation Commission. And is a great addition to the already formed trail network in Franconia. Parking is available at Fox Hill Park and some limited parking also available at the end of Old County Road.


Easton
Cooley Jericho Community Forest (CJCF)
Map: https://act-nh.org/s/20190905-CJCF-trails.pdf
Directions: Trumpet Round Rd Parking - https://goo.gl/maps/1AV3Pt55ZFP2
Description: TheCJCF is 840 acres in the northwest corner of Easton, sharing boundaries with Sugar Hill and Landaff. It is spectacularly beautiful and rugged, with stunning views. Sporting some of ACT’s more difficult trails there are several options to get out and enjoy your community forest. A 3-mile loop trail (blue trail) or the easier 2 mile (yellow to blue loop) bring you up to the height of land on the property. Most recently our hard working volunteers cut and blazed a new connector trail over the Cole Hill summit adding just under a mile of trail to the overall network. This new trail (blazed in red) allows for a slightly longer loop hike from blue to yellow (or vice-versa). There are also hidden treasures for kids of all ages to discover together - gnomes and fairy houses hidden along the trail for you to find!
More detailed descriptions of the trails can be found on the Cooley-Jericho Community Forest (CJCF) page on the Trail Finder website (trailfinder.info/trails/trail/cooley-jericho-community-forest).