5^th Annual ACT Community Hike and Potluck

Sunday October 15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, September 26, 2017

Contact: Gal Potashnick, (603) 823-7777

5^th Annual ACT Community Hike and Potluck, Sunday October 15

EASTON – Everyone is invited to celebrate autumn with an invigorating hike and festive potluck supper on Sunday, October 15, hosted by the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust (ACT).

The hike Sunday morning will be held at the Cooley-Jericho Community Forest (CJCF), created created in 2012 by the towns of Easton, Franconia, Sugar Hill, and Landaff working with ACT. The 840-acres CJCF is one of the largest unfragmented forests in the region outside of White Mountain National Forest. ACT volunteers have worked mightily over the last five years to build and maintain a trail network for hikers and mountain bikers.

The hike will start at 11 a.m. Sunday. Please pre-register at http://www.aconservationtrust.org/education-events. There will be two options for the hike.  The shorter hike will feature a 2.3-mile loop to stunning views from the ledges overlooking Franconia Notch and beyond. A somewhat longer and steeper hike will go to a new trail over Cole Hill, connecting to the current Blue Trail, with distance of about 3.5 miles. Both options will offer people of all ages the chance to explore the trail network and enjoy time outside.

Hike leaders Rebecca Brown and Chris Nicodemus will describe the history and management of the forest. Participants will learn about the forest and wildlife such as moose, bear, and coyote as well as get to see beautiful vistas from a few outlooks on trail.  This property is also an excellent place to observe forestry practices and the process of ecological succession.

Following the hikes, everyone is invited to the ACT Community Potluck the evening of Sunday, October 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Easton Town Hall to socialize, catch up and learn about the latest happenings at ACT and the CJCF.  Bring a dish to share, along with a serving utensil and an ingredient list. Please bring your own beverage; coffee and tea will be available.

Both the hikes and the potluck are free and open to the public, and participants are welcome to attend either event if they cannot make it to both.

All hike participants should pre-register online via the ACT website’s events page (www.aconservationtrust.org/education-events), by emailing outreach@aconservationtrust.org, or the calling the office (603) 823-7777 to reserve their spot. This hike will return to the trailhead by 2:30 p.m.

Participants for both hikes should meet at 11:00 a.m. at the Trumpet Round Road trailhead in Sugar Hill.  Recommended gear includes long pants, boots or sneakers that can get dirty, a hat, jacket, lunch/snacks, and a water bottle.  The hikes will take place rain or shine unless weather is severe.  More information and driving directions to the trailhead are available at www.aconservationtrust.org/education-events.

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 www.aconservationtrust.org or call (603) 823-7777. For news and upcoming events, follow ACT on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aconservationtrust.

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CALENDAR:

Hike at Cooley-Jericho Community Forest, Sunday, October 15. Meet at 11:00 a.m. at the Trumpet Round Road trailhead in Sugar Hill. RSVP and directions at www.aconservationtrust.org/education-events or call (603) 823-7777. Free and open to the public. Hosted by the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust (ACT).

Community Forest Potluck, Sunday, October 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Easton Town Hall.  Bring a friend and a dish to share, a serving utensil, and an ingredient list.  Free and open to the public. More information at www.aconservationtrust.org/education-events or call (603) 823-7777.  Hosted by the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust (ACT).