Winter tree ID program at Bela Brook

November 3, 2018

Most of us who enjoy spending time outdoors have some ability to identify common deciduous trees and shrubs when they are clad in their distinctive leaves. But that gets much more difficult in the winter, doesn’t it?

If you want to gain confidence in winter tree identification (and impress your friends) join forester Wendy Weisiger who will give us tips on getting to know familiar trees by clues found in buds, fruits, leaf scars, bark, and branching patterns. Weisiger is managing forester with the Society for Protection of NH Forests.

DETAILS

Saturday, December 1, 9-11 am. Bela Brook Conservation Area, Grapevine Road, Dunbarton.

Parking at the Bela Brook trailhead on Grapevine Road in Dunbarton is very limited. Please park nearby on the side of Zachary Drive. It’s a one-minute walk to the trailhead from there.

Wear sturdy footwear and dress for being outside for a couple of hours in whatever weather is dealt to us that day, including a warm hat and gloves if it's cold. Expect to walk about a mile in total. Wear brightly colored clothing, it's hunting season.

If you have a hand lens or magnifying glass you may find it useful to bring it, but it's not essential.

We will conduct the program rain, snow, or shine. (It doesn’t make any difference to the trees.)

Questions? Email conservation@dunbartonnh.org or call Brett St. Clair at 774-3594.

Be smart. Be visible in the woods in the fall.

October 15, 2018

Archery season for deer began locally on September 15. Muzzleloader season begins November 3 and regular firearms season runs from November 14 through December 9. Waterfowl, turkey and other bird seasons are also underway.

Hunting is allowed in Dunbarton's conservation areas.

Those who will be sharing the woods with hunters are advised to wear blaze orange or another highly visible color and lots of it to make yourself stand out. Do not wear tan or white. If you are out with your dog, make sure it is highly visible too.

Additionally, be careful not to trip over any squirrels . . .

UNH County Extension Forester Tim Fleury (center) talks with Conservation Commission Vice Chair Drew Groves about maintaining a recent timber cut to reopen an old field for wildlife habitat. Fleury conducted a monitoring visit recently at the Kimbal… — UNH County Extension Forester Tim Fleury (center) talks with Conservation Commission Vice Chair Drew Groves about maintaining a recent timber cut to reopen an old field for wildlife habitat. Fleury conducted a monitoring visit recently at the Kimball Pond area for the U.S. Forest Service.

Forest Legacy

August 14, 2018

Approximately 699 acres of the Kimball Pond Conservation Area were purchased with the help of the Federal Forest Legacy Program in 2002.

The Forest Legacy Program is a conservation program administered by the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with state agencies to encourage the protection of privately owned forest lands through conservation easements or land purchases. Loss of forested areas poses an increasing threat to the integrity of the nation’s natural resources.

The Kimball Pond property is owned by the Town of Dunbarton and managed through its Conservation Commission. The NH Divsion of Forest & Lands holds a conservation easement on the property. To comply with the conservation easement the Conservation Commission's stewardship of the property is monitored annually by the State's Land Conservation Stewardship Program and occasionally by the US Forest Service.