A Generational Feat

By Carrie Deegan

The Forest Reser vation Challenge (FRC) has inspired many people young and old to get out and explore the 33 Forest Society properties that make up the challenge Finishers earn an embroidered patch and lots of great memories from the Seacoast to the North Country not to mention bragging rights! In the fall of 2022, Kevin Yonge of Derr y, N.H., finished the challenge with his eight-year-old grandson, Kayden, the youngest FRC finisher to date Forest Notes caught up with Kevin and Kayden to learn more about their experience and find out what’s next for this dynamic duo For more information about the FRC, visit forestsociety.org/forestchallenge.

How did you hear about the Forest Reservation Challenge and why did you decide to do it?

Kevin: We had been doing a lot of local hikes when Kayden was ver y young, and when we ran out of new local hikes, we did a search online for other trails That’s how we found out about the Forest Society’s FRC I think part of the driving force for Kayden was the reward of the patch for finishing!

Did you have a plan of attack for hiking all 33 of the FRC’s properties?

Kayden: Not really We just picked days we wanted to hike on, looked at the list, and then picked a hike.

Kevin: The first one we did was in an adjacent town in Londonderry [at the Bockes Memorial Forest]. Sometimes, we’d do a couple on the same day because they were near each other, especially up north, which was quite a drive for us

Were there any funny or memorable moments during the challenge?

Kayden: When we visited Monadnock Reservation, we decided to climb the Metacomet-Monadnock (Royce) Trail From that trailhead, there is a trail that goes up Monadnock but also one that heads south up Gap Mountain We accidentally picked the trail that went up Gap Mountain, so we hiked two summits in one day!

Kevin: Monadnock was our last reservation in the challenge, so it was a long day!

What was your favorite property to explore?

Kayden: All of them were amazing and different, so I don’t have a favorite because they were all too good!

Kevin: All the reser vations were tremendous, and the FRC gave us an opportunity to see parts of the state we other wise wouldn’t have seen There were several special places, including Creek Farm, where you can canoe or kayak on a tidal creek, and Madame Sherri Forest, where you can explore the stone ruins of Madame Sherri’s castle

Did you learn anything new while doing the challenge?

Kevin: We learned a lot from answering the challenge questions for each property; they were terrific. They really helped us appreciate the histor y of each site The FRC gave us an appreciation for what the Forest Society does as an organization, too It’s great that so many areas are protected from development for generations to come

Kayden: I learned that carving into tree bark is harmful to the tree Also, I think it is important to protect places like these because it is fun to go hiking and you should never take away something that is a treasure You should take only pictures and leave only footprints

Do you have any advice for other young hikers considering tackling the FRC?

Kayden: Yes! You’ll need good hiking boots, a first aid kit, food and water, and bug spray, especially at the McCabe Forest! Also, just keep going. Take breaks if you need to but be open minded and never give up

What challenge or hiking list do you want to do next?

Kayden: We are currently working on the New Hampshire Fire Tower Quest and should have that wrapped up soon. After that, we’re going to try to hike the 12 summits that make up the Belknap Range Challenge and, who knows, maybe we’ll start working on the New Hampshire Four-Thousand-Footers list, too!

1 The long drive to the Washburn Family Forest in Clarksville was so worth it! The hike along the pristine Connecticut River was awesome.

2. This old white pine at the Bretzfelder Park in Bethlehem truly the Giant sequoia of the Northeast has survived 200-plus years of harsh New Hampshire weather! It continues to thrive and may see another 200 years. You’ll be stunned by its size when you see it for yourself!

3 After visiting Lost River in Woodstock, Kevin Yonge and his three grandchildren (pictured from left), Harper, Kayden, and Skylar, hiked the Chippewa Trail to the summit of Black Mountain where they enjoyed the beautiful view from the top.

4. We were fortunate to see the fragile castle staircase at the Madame Sherri Forest before part of it collapsed. There are awesome hiking trails surrounding the entire property a full-day adventure awaits all visitors!

5. Nearly a foot of snow on the Kidder Trail didn’t stop us from reaching the summit of the Hay Reservation’s Sunset Hill to enjoy its spectacular views of the valley below. After our hike, we visited the The Fells where we marveled at the estate’s historical and architectural splendor.

6. During our visit to Creek Farm, we kayaked on Sagamore Creek where we gazed at the Wentworth by the Sea hotel and explored one of the many small islands in the bay. After kayaking, we hiked the Little Harbor Loop Trail to the historic Wentworth Coolidge Mansion for a sight to behold.

7. We did it! After beginning the challenge in September 2019, we completed it on October 15, 2022, with a beautiful hike up Monadnock We encourage everyone to take the challenge and enjoy all the natural beauty that New Hampshire has to offer!