Upcoming events

WMT Hike #8: Gap Mountain

Saturday, October 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The entire length of this hike (about 4.5 miles) is on the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, a long-distance trail from the Long Island Sound in Connecticut to the summit of Mount Monadnock. Beginning at an old train depot, you start off on an easy walk, entering the woods on Fern Hill. The trail becomes steep and rough toward the summit of Gap, from which there are beautiful views across the valley. You’ll get a break to eat lunch and admire the views of Mount Monadnock and the surrounding area. Then, continue on a mostly downhill section to the parking area. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes, and bring plenty of water and a lunch. Rain will cancel. Registration is required for this event to coordinate return transportation; see below for contact.

Presented by: Wantastiquet-Monadnock Trail Coalition, Forest Society, and Monadnock Conservancy.
Location: Meet at the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests Gap Mountain North Trailhead parking lot at the end of Bullard Road in Jaffrey, N.H.
Contact: To register, please email Hiel Lindquist or call Tom Duston at 603-256-6082.

WMT Hike #9: Grand Monadnock

Saturday, November 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join the Wantastiquet Monadnock Trail (WMT) Coalition in celebrating the completion of a new long-distance hiking trail from Mount Wantastiquet in West Chesterfield to Mount Monadnock in Jaffrey with this last leg in a series of section hikes. The guided, 6-mile strenuous hike goes from the base of Gap Mountain to Mount Monadnock’s summit and back, via the Royce Trail (also a section of the Wantastiquet-Monadnock and Metacomet-Monadnock trails). Please wear sturdy hiking shoes, dress in layers for late fall hiking, and bring a bag lunch and plenty of water. After the hike, the group is invited to meet at a local restaurant (location to be announced) for a celebratory dinner. For more information and to register (required), please see below for contact.

Presented by: Wantastiquet-Monadnock Trail Coalition, Forest Society, and Monadnock Conservancy.
Location: Meet at the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests Gap Mountain North Trailhead parking lot at the end of Bullard Road in Jaffrey, N.H.
Contact: Email Bernadette Cassidy or call Tom Duston at 603-256-6082.

Cheshire Walkers at Converse Meadow

Wednesday, November 7, 2018, from 8:45 a.m. to noon

Converse Meadow features an historic pre-Revolutionary mill site and dam where flour, lumber, boxes, and shingles were produced from the 1760s to the 1930s. Though few signs of the mills remain, the property is now host to an easy 1.5-mile loop trail that follows the shore of Converse Meadow Pond and related wetlands. The Town of Rindge purchased the property in 2004 to prevent the land from being developed, and a conservation easement held by the Monadnock Conservancy further ensures Converse Meadow will remain open space in perpetuity. Join Conservancy executive director Ryan Owens to walk the trail and learn about the natural history of the site.

Presented by: Monadnock Conservancy and Cheshire Walkers, a program of Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock.
Location: Meet at the Keene Department of Public Works, 350 Marlborough Street, to carpool.
Contact: Email Ryan Owens or call 603-357-0600, ext. 103.

Film: David Attenborough’s “Light on Earth”

Thursday, November 8, 2018, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The spectacular light produced by glowworms, fireflies, and plankton is known as “bioluminescence” — light made by living creatures. But those familiar glows and flashes are just a fragment of the bioluminescent world. Explore the mysterious realm of living light with this award-winning documentary film, which follows David Attenborough and a team of researchers as they investigate the science of bioluminescence, including several species found right here in New England. Dave Wichland of Wichland Woods, a unique mycology business, will talk about bioluminescent mushrooms following the film. The film is free, though donations are always welcome.

Presented by: Monadnock Conservancy, Harris Center for Conservation Education, and the Keene State College Film Society.
Location: Putnam Arts Lecture Hall theater, Redfern Arts Center, Keene State College, Keene, N.H.
Contact: Email Katrina Farmer or call 603-357-0600, ext. 111.

Film showing: “Farmers for America”

Friday, November 9, at 6:30 p.m.

With the average age of the U.S. farmer pushing 60, and with young people unable to afford farmland and equipment, who will grow our food? This film explores the challenges our farmers are facing and the reasons why agriculture is facing a looming skills gap unlike anything we’ve ever encountered. A panel of local farmers and experts, including the Conservancy’s Conservation Project Manager Stacy Cibula, will share how people can work together to address this issue in our area. Part of the 2018 Feast on This! Film Festival; suggested donation $10/per person.

Presented by: Monadnock Farm and Community Coalition, Northeast Center for Appropriate Technology, and Monadnock Conservancy.
Location: Stonewall Farm, 242 Chesterfield Rd, Keene, N.H.
Contact: Email Roe-Ann Tasoulas.

Intro to Herbal Tinctures

Tuesday, December 11, 2018, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

This is a great class for you and your friends who are interested in the inherent healing and substance that plants provide. Brenna Morris of Luna’s Herbals will introduce you to native plants and their medicinal properties, and then teach the basics of tincture making. You will make a tincture from native plants, and take the tincture home to enjoy or give as a gift. This class is hosted at a conserved property. Please click here to register in advance; $25 for Conservancy members, $35 for non-members. (Fee covers all workshop materials.)

Presented by: Monadnock Conservancy and Luna’s Herbals.
Location: Camp Glen Brook, 35 Glenbrook Road, Marlborough, N.H.
Contact: Email Shauna Sousa or call 603-357-0600, ext. 110.