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2008 Volunteer of the Year
Local Real Estate Attorney Lynn Edwards was recognized by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests as the organization’s Volunteer of the Year. Edwards was honored at the Forest Society’s annual Volunteer Reception.
“Lynn is a real estate attorney who has provided extensive professional help to the Forest Society’s land protection staff,” said Forest Society Senior Director of Land Conservation Tom Howe. “Her assistance drafting legal descriptions for conservation easement and property deeds, and researching complicated title issues has been invaluable.”
Howe also cited Edwards’ huge commitment of time over the course of the past year – up to two full days per week – as well as her flexibility in taking on a variety of tasks and her positive approach to working with many different staff members.
“Lynn’s contribution is one the key reasons we were able to conserve so much land – more than 10,000 acres – last year,” he said.
Howe presented Edwards with a framed photograph of the Mulligan Forest in Nottingham, New Hampshire – now a Forest Society reservation that Edwards’ efforts helped conserve.
Originally from Long Island, New York, Edwards is a resident of Auburn, New Hampshire. A long-time Forest Society member, she and her husband have lived in New Hampshire for 20 years.
““The Forest Society is fortunate to have a variety of ages and types of volunteers working together toward a common goal: to keep New Hampshire New Hampshire,” said Forest Society Volunteer Coordinator Trish Churchill. “We’re happy to have this opportunity to show our thanks and appreciation to Lynn for all her efforts.”
Congratulations Lynn!
Volunteer Salute
Linnea Manley was recognized by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests with a special Volunteer Salute at the organization’s annual Volunteer Reception.
A resident of Bethlehem, New Hampshire, Manley has volunteered at the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests since she was eight years old, helping extensively at three Forest Society North Country properties. Her first volunteer assignment was clearing paths and weeding the Lost River flower garden, and later putting out the nature garden signs each spring. At Bretzfelder Park in Bethlehem, she helped clear trails, remove brush and rake lawns. At the Rocks Estate, she has planted and sold Christmas trees, split wood, conducted maple sugaring and Halloween tours, and staffed the gift shop.
Forest Society Volunteer Coordinator Trish Churchill remembers one of Linnea’s early volunteer experiences at Forest Society event. “Linnea sprang into action as soon as she arrived, helping the caterers set the tables while the rest of us stood around visiting,” said Churchill. “She was about 10 years old, but she moved about like a veteran events planner.
Over the past 10 years, Linnea has volunteered more than 350 hours – a number that amazes even her.
“I never knew how the time would add up,” she said. “My favorite job has always been helping lead tours in The Rocks Estate. I enjoy working with visitors and other volunteers.”
“Volunteers are an integral part of the Forest Society, providing hundreds of hours of valuable work every year,” said Rocks Estate Director Nigel Manley. “We are lucky to have multiple generations working together with a common goal. Crossing this age divide brings the generations closer, and helps us all to learn from each other."
Manley will enter Mount Holyoke College as a freshman this fall.
Volunteers from EMS, SCA, Forest Society Clear Monadnock Trails During Volunteer Week
Mount Monadnock has the distinction of being one of the most-climbed mountains in the western hemisphere. Such intensive foot traffic means that regular trail maintenance is needed to ensure safe and sustainable recreational opportunities.
From July 19 through 23, volunteers and staff from the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests were joined by others from Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) and the Student Conservation Association (SCA) to rehabilitate the mountain’s well-traveled White Arrow Trail. Working through nearly a full week of rain, representatives of all three organizations installed water bars to mitigate the impacts of erosion and completed other trail maintenance and rehabilitation projects.
These efforts are part of the Monadnock Master Plan implemented in 2006 by the Forest Society in conjunction with the Monadnock Advisory Committee, NH State Parks, and the Town of Dublin, New Hampshire.
“This event generates awareness about the mountain’s history and stewardship needs,” said Forest Society Director of Land Management Geoffrey Jones. “In addition, Trails Week sets an example showing how many organizations that care about the New Hampshire landscape can come together for a shared purpose and make a difference.”
For the third year in a row, the Peterborough-based EMS generously supported this event with a grant of $5,000 and donated equipment that included work gloves, water bottles, sunscreen, and insect repellent. EMS also donated backpacks, sleeping bags, water bottles, fanny packs, and other outdoor gear to raffle to all who worked on the trails, and several volunteers. The value of that volunteer labor was at least equal to that of the other donations.
“Mount Monadnock is right in our front yard, we can see it from our offices in Peterborough,” said EMS Group Sales Manager Peter Moore. “EMS is committed to supporting outdoor recreational opportunities. We’re happy to take a lead role in the upkeep of this popular destination, and we are especially proud to participate ‘on-the-mountain’ with the Forest Society to protect and enhance this great southern New Hampshire landmark for our associates and customers to enjoy.”
In 1915 the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests conserved its first tract of 406 acres on Mount Monadnock, beginning a long-term effort to protect the natural integrity of the mountain and its surroundings. Since then, the Forest Society has acquired a total of 4,000 acres at Mount Monadnock and Gap Mountain in the towns of Dublin, Marlborough, Troy, and Jaffrey. The Forest Society leases much of its land to the State to be operated as Mount Monadnock State Park.
