FRANCONIA – The Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust (ACT) is hosting a nature walk on a conservation property in Franconia on Wednesday, August 2nd from 3:00-6:00 p.m. The public is invited to join us for some fun outdoors learning about trees, wildlife, wetlands, and the history of the land.
The Crocker Preserve nature walk will introduce participants to some new trails recently built on the 65 acres of land currently in the process of being conserved by ACT through the generosity of the Crocker family. The family is preserving the land in memory of the late Sarah Crocker by donating the land to ACT. The Franconia Conservation Commission will be asked to hold a conservation easement that prevents future development of the parcel, protecting the land forever. It is a lovely property with a real feeling of peace and seclusion.

This is the third in a series of five nature walks this summer on local lands conserved by ACT. The walks take place every other Wednesday from 3:00-6:00 p.m Participants should pre-register for this event via the ACT website or by calling the office at (603) 823-7777. ACT’s Outreach & Member Services Director, Gal Potashnick, and ACT volunteer Linda Moore will lead this portion of the summer nature walk series. Dee Crocker McKown of Lyman will co-host the Crocker Preserve walk. The property has been in McKown’s family for many years.

 “This is a wonderful opportunity for members of the community to not only come together and enjoy the beautiful conservation lands in our area, but also learn about the natural and cultural history of our region,” said Potashnick. 

 This event is free; a $5 suggested donation is welcomed and very much appreciated. The terrain of the approximately one and a half mile loop is quite flat with a lovely wide trail, but is not well shaded; participants should come prepared wearing hats and armed with sunscreen. The group will move at an easy pace with many stops to observe and enjoy nature.

 Recommended gear includes comfortable clothing for being outdoors in warm weather, boots or sneakers that can get dirty, a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, and a water bottle. Nature guidebooks and binoculars are optional for those who want to learn and see more.

 The remaining nature walk schedule includes the usually private Godfrey Memorial Conservation Area in Lyman on August 16, and a TBD location on August 30. For details on each hike, please visit http://www.aconservationtrust.org/education-events.

 If you are interested in volunteering to co-lead an ACT hike, or help interpret plants, wildlife, or geology, please contact ACT at (603) 823-7777.  

 The Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust is the North Country’s regional lands conservancy, protecting land for the vitality and well-being of our region. Learn more and become a member at http://www.aconservationtrust.org or call (603) 823-7777. 

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CALENDAR:

 Franconia, Crocker Preserve Nature Walk, Wednesday, August 2, 3:00-6:00 p.m. Meet at the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust office, 729 Main Street, Franconia. Find more information and register at http://www.aconservationtrust.org/education-events or call (603) 823-7777. Free to members, and open to the public, kids encouraged to join. $5 donations are welcome and appreciate. Hosted by ACT.

 Lyman, Godfrey Memorial Conservation Area Nature Walk, Wednesday, August 16, 3:00-6:00 p.m. Meet at the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust office, 729 Main Street, Franconia. Find more information and register at http://www.aconservationtrust.org/education-events or call (603) 823-7777. Free to members, and open to the public, kids encouraged to join. $5 donations are welcome and appreciate. Hosted by ACT.

TBD Nature Walk, Wednesday, August 30, 3:00-6:00 p.m. Meet at the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust office, 729 Main Street, Franconia. Find more information and register at http://www.aconservationtrust.org/education-events or call (603) 823-7777. Free to members, and open to the public, kids encouraged to join. $5 donations are welcome and appreciate. Hosted by ACT.