Discoveries in the natural world often take place off the trail where fewer people find their way.
Join Lynne Flaccus, naturalist and Chocorua Lake Conservancy Stewardship Director, for an off-the-trail exploration of the Charlotte C. Browne Memorial Woods on Washington Hill Road, one of the CLC’s conserved properties. The southern portion of this property has no trails, but provides a wonderful place to explore. We’ll take a leisurely summer walk through this mixed forest and field, using our own internal compass along with maps and apps to help us find our way. Along the way we’ll identify summer flowers or other plants, and search for birds and other wildlife. We’ll keep a list and add the observations to a resource inventory that helps us with long-term management of the property. What’s there and what’s not?
This walk will also provide an opportunity for participants to learn about our property stewardship program and offer an introduction to what it might be like to become a steward or monitor for our properties. We are always looking for volunteer stewards who can be our eyes and ears on the ground and help us be attentive stewards of our lands. Even if you aren’t interested in volunteering, we hope you’ll join in this walk for the adventure of it, and to help us document what we observe.
The Browne Memorial Forest was gifted to the CLC in 2002 by Sarah Chamberlin with restrictions that limit development and forestry. The two parcels that make up this preserve protect wildlife habitat and provide a forested buffer along the Chocorua River.
While the southern portion is without trails, the northern parcel has two, providing ample opportunities for exploration to the river, with its stunning view of Mount Chocorua, and through the woods.
The property has a gentle slope to it and the walk will be of moderate pace. Participants should wear comfortable hiking boots or shoes, be prepared for uneven ground off trail, weather and insects, and bring water and a snack. Questions? Call Lynne at the office, 603-323-6252 or email lflaccus@chocorualakeconservancy.org.
And don’t forget to join us after the walk for our annual member cookout at 12:00!
Naturalist Lynne Flaccus has 30 years of experience in land conservation and stewardship, managing protected properties, studying wildlife, and educating adults and children.