Frequently Asked Questions

Is all conservation land open to the public?

All lands that the Monadnock Conservancy owns are open to the public. However, some conserved properties are owned by private landowners. Check out our hiking and paddling pages to find places where you can easily enjoy the out-of-doors. Have a question about a specific property? Please email us or call 603-357-0600 — we’d love to help!

Are dogs allowed on Monadnock Conservancy properties and trails?

Yes, dogs are welcome on a leash at this time. (Note that some trails may be closed to dogs, either temporarily or permanently, due to user conflict or wildlife-related reasons such as nesting birds.) Please pick up after your pet and pack out your trash.

Where can I find information about hiking on Mount Monadnock?

A good place to begin is right here on our website; go to the About Mount Monadnock page. Trail maps, hours, and park history can all be found at the New Hampshire State Parks website.

I came across a Monadnock Conservancy sign in the woods along a property boundary. Does that mean I can hunt there?

Look carefully at the sign; if it says “owned and managed by the Monadnock Conservancy,” then chances are you can hunt there. Just give us a call to be sure. If the sign says “protected by a conservation easement held by the Monadnock Conservancy,” then it is privately owned and the choice about whether to invite hunting is up to the landowner. In this case we encourage you to talk directly to the landowner.

How can I make a donation?

You can do this a few easy ways. Mail a check, payable to Monadnock Conservancy: Monadnock Conservancy, PO Box 337, Keene, NH 03431. Donate online securely with a credit card, debit card, or with a bank transfer.

Can I make a donation in memory or in honor of someone?

Yes. When you make a gift by check, you can simply include a note that indicates for whom the gift is in memory of or in honor of. If you make a gift online, there is a checkbox to click (“Dedicate my donation in honor of or in memory of someone”) that allows you to indicate for whom you would like the gift in memory or honor of.

How do I make a gift of stock?

To make a gift of stock is easy. You simply need to give this Conservancy stock information sheet (PDF) to your brokerage firm. Please be sure to notify us that the donation is on its way. It is so helpful for us to know the name of the stock, the number of shares being transferred, and the date you expect them to arrive.

What is a conservation easement?

A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a conservation organization, like the Monadnock Conservancy, that limits activities on the land in order to permanently protect natural resources.

Is there a minimum size of property the Monadnock Conservancy will conserve?

No, not necessarily. Though we are more inclined to protect larger tracts of land, our selection of projects depends more on the specific features of a property than its size. Read more about conserving your land or feel free to contact the land protection staff to discuss your property.

Do landowners with conservation easements on their property still pay property taxes?

Yes, the land is still privately owned and therefore landowners still pay property taxes. If the land is already enrolled in the New Hampshire Current Use Assessment Program, the landowner’s rates will likely stay the same.

Where does your funding come from?

Donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations are the single greatest source of our operating income, followed by income from endowments and investments. Only a small fraction of operating income comes from government sources. Funds to acquire new conservation properties come from a mix of public and private donations and grants.

Is the Monadnock Conservancy a government agency?

The Monadnock Conservancy is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, not a government agency. All of our trustees and staff are willing volunteers or hired independently; no one is appointed by local, state, or national offices involved with public affairs.

Is the Monadnock Conservancy part of The Nature Conservancy?

We are an independent land trust, founded by a group of local residents and volunteers. Although, we are not part of The Nature Conservancy or directly affiliated with the national organization, we do work together as partners on projects in the Monadnock region, such as the Ballou Farm in Swanzey.