The Beauty of New Hampshire Forests

Posted on October 29, 2019 by bridgeswhit

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Beautiful New Hampshire forest during fall foliage
– from the official nh.gov website, Division of Forests and Lands

New Hampshire residents take great pride in protecting the natural resources and beauty of our state, including our forests. At the state level, the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands protects, manages, and oversees the forests in New Hampshire.

The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (Forest Society), founded in 1901, "is a forestry association seeking to perpetuate the forests of New Hampshire through their wise use and their complete reservation in places of special scenic beauty." This private, (registered 501c3) non-profit membership organization is one of the most effective statewide land conservation organizations in the country and is accredited by the Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Commission

"New Hampshire is unusually well endowed with forests and sparkling waters. We enjoy walking, hiking, picnicking, hunting, and working on our lands. Products from the forests and farmland nourish and shelter us. Open space sustains our economy and our culture. The landscapes of New Hampshire help define and enrich our quality of life." (From the Forest Society's website)

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Monadnock Reservation, with 4,519 forested acres in Jaffrey, Dublin, and Marlborough. Forest Society photo.

The Forest Society manages properties, known as "reservations," in over 100 New Hampshire towns throughout the state and includes natural communities, habitats, and recreational opportunities. There is very likely to be a Forest Society reservation near any NHBBA Bed & Breakfast in the state. To find a reservation, use the Forest Society's interactive online guide or ask your innkeeper for information.

Pins on a map of New Hampshire represent reservations. Those with blue pins typically have parking areas, mapped trails, and more detailed information. Go to the Forest Society's online Forest Reservation Guide for an interactive map. Forest Society image.

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Forest Reservation Guide for an interactive map

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Hikers enjoying Kauffmann Forest, 1,919 acres at Christine Lake with the White Mountains in the background – Forest Society Photo

"Reservations are open to the public for fishing, hunting, hiking and other passive pedestrian recreation." The recreational opportunities vary in nature by location and by season. Some of the activities you can enjoy: hiking; picnicking; hunting and fishing; birding; rock climbing; and skiing and snowshoeing. Not all activities are allowed on all reservations — see the amenities, policies, and rules for each reservation.

Are you looking for a fun activity that will get you, your family, and your friends outdoors? The Forest Society's Forest Reservation Challenge is for you! This challenge encourages outdoor enthusiasts to explore more of their properties: https://forestsociety.org/challenge

Additionally, the Forest Society rents out rooms for meetings and conferences at their award-winning Conservation Center in Concord. The environmentally-friendly building serves as the headquarters for the Forest Society and is home to several other conservation organizations. Click here for Conservation Center Rental Information.

The NHBBA has decided to hold its semi-annual general membership meeting at the Conservation Center in November. If you are a current or aspiring NHBBA member and would like to attend our meeting, please contact Kelli LaValley (Inn on Golden Pond) at Innkeepers@innongoldenpond.com.

Written by NHBBA board member, Susan Karalekas, who owns and operates the Bridges Inn at Whitcomb House in Swanzey.

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