From the desk of Gal Potashnick, Outreach & Member Services Director;
Celebrate Your Community Forest: ACT’s 7th Annual Hike & Potluck
EASTON – Have you been to your community forest lately? The beautiful 840-acre Cooley-Jericho Community Forest (CJCF) in Easton is turning seven and everyone is invited to celebrate the big year it’s had! Join your friends and neighbors on Saturday, October 26th for the 7th annual hike (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and community potluck (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.), hosted by the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust (ACT).
The hike is being led by Bill Vales, an ACT member and avid geologist and so as you might guess, it has a geology theme! Spend your Saturday morning taking in the views while seeing traces of how our mountains were formed hundreds of millions of years ago and discover the effects of the (relatively recent) ice age that started approximately 2 million years ago.
Even though we will be moving at a slow to moderate pace to take in all that is being presented, this hike will still be somewhat challenging with some steeper sections and moderate elevation gains. Hikers should wear sturdy footwear and may want to bring trekking poles. Children are encouraged to come along and dogs are also welcome!
The CJCF officially came to being in 2013 to protect the upland forest on the ridgelines of Cole Hill and Cooley Hill. Four communities—Easton, Franconia, Landaff, and Sugar Hill—came together to create the Community Forest, which is now owned by ACT and managed in partnership with the four towns. The CJCF is permanently protected and open to all who want to enjoy it. There are all sorts of different ways to have fun in your forest including hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, skiing, hunting, and wildlife observation.
Following the hike, all are invited to the ACT Community Potluck from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Easton Town Hall. Bring your favorite dish to share and come socialize and learn about the latest happenings at ACT and CJCF. Along with a dish to share, please bring a serving utensil and an ingredient list. The event is BYOB; coffee and tea will be provided.
Registration for the hike is required and is capped at 15 participants for your safety and enjoyment, so please be sure to register ASAP. Registration for the community potluck is not required but is very much appreciated to help organizers plan accordingly. Registration closes at noon on Friday, October 25. To sign up today go to act-nh.org/education-events. Both events are free and open to the public with a suggested $5 donation to support conservation in our region.
The Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust inspires and leads private, voluntary action to conserve the land the North Country loves. Learn more and become a member at act-nh.org or by calling (603) 823-7777.
photo credit Kevin Jones
The Landaff Ledger 