Exploring Our Trails
Exploring our Trails
Marsha Dixon, Elizabeth Lavallee and Hannah Proctor
Calling all wannabe hikers! Do you want to know more about all the great hiking trails right here in Francestown? Once a month, representatives from the Francestown Land Trust (FLT) and Francestown Conservation Commission (FCC) will lead a hike on one of these trails. These “Exploring our Trails” hikes will vary in terms of length and difficulty, and we’ll do our best to describe each one in advance. Each month you’ll find information about the next “Exploring our Trails” hike in The Francestown News.
On Saturday, June 8, from 10 to noon, we’ll begin with a moderately difficult trail on George Sanderson’s private land on the north end of town near Deering, on which FLT holds a conservation easement. (If you ever want to know more about conservation easement opportunities on your own land, please reach out to anyone on the FLT board.)
George has created a network of trails on his 163 acres that skirts beaver ponds with stunning water views and traverses fascinating relics of the glacial era including an impressive esker to climb and descend. In season, his property has vernal pools, many wildflowers and abundant blueberries, and there are always the lush hemlock groves and massive erratic boulders. The trail we’ll be taking on June 8 is about 2+1/2 miles round trip, and includes all of these things. It has some sections of uneven footing and possible sections that are wet and muddy. Bring bug spray, sunscreen, plenty of water and a snack for yourself.
Registration helps us plan, so please register for this two-hour hike by sending an email to info@francestownlandtrust.org . Title your email “Register for Explore our Trails” and include your name and the number in your party. Registrants will receive emails with directions to trailhead and any updates.
No dogs please. For any other information, contact Elizabeth Hunter Lavallee (land line 603-547-6356)
The conservation land in Francestown, and the hiking trails there, are part of what makes our town such a special place for nature and the people who get to enjoy it. In February, FLT and FCC had a full moon hike on conservation land in town. Many folks who participated in that hike expressed an interest in having the opportunity to do more of these organized hikes. The “Exploring Our Trails” program is in direct response to that feedback. We welcome additional feedback on what days and times are best for you, and also if there are any particular trails you’d like to explore with us. Marsha Dixon is compiling this feedback and can be reached at 603-831-1586 or marshadixon1720@gmail.com