Spring has arrived and it’s a beautiful time to be in the woods. Most of the snow is gone, but be aware that on the trails that receive a lot of winter use the snow was packed down and became ice. Icy conditions are present in many spots. Bringing creepers or microspikes along just in case is a good idea — probably for the next week or so until the ground warms up and that ice melts. Have fun!
Snowshoe anyone?
Join Piscataquog Land Conservancy and the Dunbarton Conservation Commission for a winter hike/snowshoe in Dunbarton’s Kuncanowet Town Forest and Conservation Area, Saturday, January 26 at 1 pm.
Dress for the weather. Snowshoes may be necessary depending on the condition of the snowpack.. If it is icy, creepers or microspikes might be a good idea. Expect to be out for about 3 hours.
Meet at the Kuncanowet trailhead and parking area off of Holiday Shore Drive.
If you plan to attend, please register on the PLC website at this link.
Workshop participants now barking up the right tree
Forester Wendy Weisiger explains how opposite or alternate twig configuration are clues about a tree’s identity
A handful of Dunbarton residents are now much more knowledgeable about the basics of tree identification when trees have shed their iconic leaves.
Society for Protection of New Hampshire Forests Managing Forester Wendy Weisiger presented an excellent workshop on Saturday outlining strategies on how to differentiate deciduous trees by their shape, bark, location, twig configuration and buds.
The Bela Brook Conservation Area where the workshop was held is home to a number of common species including red and sugar maple; white, black and gray birch; red and white oak; beech and aspen; as well as white and red pine and hemlock.
A big thanks to Wendy for her preparation, sharing her knowledge — and the excellent handouts!