IN THE FIELD
Forest Society 120th Annual Meeting Saturday, September 25, 2021 | Creek Farm Reservation, Portsmouth, NH AGENDA 9 a.m.–12 p.m. – Field trips (returning to Creek Farm by noon) 12–1 p.m. – Picnic lunch 1–2 p.m. – Business Meeting and Awards 2 p.m. – Keynote Speaker: Carolyn Finney
FIELD TRIPS 1. Set Sail on the Gundalow Piscataqua Enjoy a relaxing morning on the Piscataqua River cruising through Portsmouth’s historic harbor sailing past forts, lighthouses, and the Naval Shipyard. You’ll be invited to join the crew in raising the sail and steering the ship. Onboard educators will share their knowledge of gundalows, the cultural and natural history of the Piscataqua maritime region, and the impact of humans on the watershed over the past 400 years. You’ll have the opportunity to ask the captain, educators, and volunteers more about what you learned or just relax and take in the sights. This field trip departs from the Gundalow dock at Prescott Park. For directions and parking information, visit gundalow.org. Trip leader: Carrie Deegan
(OPPOSITE PAGE) CARRIE DEEGAN; (THIS PAGE) EMILY LORD
2. Explore Tuckaway Farm and Powder Major’s Forest Durham, Madbury, Lee Join a moderate hike beginning at Powder Major’s Forest that leads to a new 36-acre conservation easement added to adjacent Tuckaway Farm, a three-generation family farm “tucked away” along the Oyster River. The Cox family operates an organic farm, growing vegetables, fruits, hay, mushrooms, and grains, as well as pastured lamb and eggs. Learn about their Community Supported Agriculture and Bread Club for local residents. The easement protects prime agricultural land, excellent wildlife habitat, and 4,000 feet of frontage along the Oyster River, which is a significant source of drinking water for the Town of Durham and the University of New Hampshire. The property also contains the stone abutments of historic “Dishwater Mill,” and the family cemetery of the Revolutionary War Captain Smith Emerson. Trip Leaders: Brian Hotz and Matt Scaccia. Meet at Tibbetts Field (25 Lee Road, Madbury) at 9:00 a.m.
The tidal Sagamore Creek flows beside Creek Farm Reservation.
3. Tour Champlin Forest Reservation Rochester Learn about the proposed addition to Champlin Forest! Join us for a roughly 2-mile walk among the woodlands and wetlands of the Forest Society’s 185-acre William H. Champlin, Jr. Forest and 122-acre Champlin Forest addition, a parcel that the Forest Society is working to purchase and protect. Located between the busy communities of Rochester and Somersworth, this property offers walking trails, two former ponds, well-managed forests, Clark Brook, remnants of smallscale granite quarries, and wildlife habitat. Trip Leaders: Leah Hart and Wendy Weisiger. Field trip begins at 9:00 a.m. from the Champlin Forest trailhead in Rochester.
4. Perspectives on Creek Farm Creek Farm has undergone a metamorphosis in recent years. Join Forest Society staff for a two-part tour that visits the renovated buildings and take an easy stroll on Creek Farm campus.
The group will divide into two, with both experiencing the built and natural perspectives. The trip segments include: A. Creek Farm Campus Tour With Special Guest, Carolyn Finney Join Annual Meeting keynote speaker Carolyn Finney, author of Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship of African Americans to the Great Outdoors, for unique perspectives and shared conversation on the role of conservation landscapes relative to racial equity and inclusion. The tour includes easy walking along the Little Harbor Trail, which boasts views of the waterfront and passes by historic trees. Trip leader: Dave Anderson B. Tour Historic Carey Cottage and Forest Society Education Center at Creek Farm Visit the Forest Society Education Center at Creek Farm to learn about new education programs, partnerships, and future plans. We’ll also tour the newly renovated and restored Carey Cottage, headquarters of Seacoast nonprofit GoodWork at Carey Cottage. Trip leader: Sarah Kern
Registration fee of $50 per person includes field trip, picnic lunch, and program. Early bird registration fee of $40 is available before September 7. BYO lunch registration option includes field trip and program with no lunch. Kids under 12 join free. Registration deadline is September 20. Visit forestsociety.org/annualmeeting for more information and to register. Summer 2021 FOREST NOTES | 5
