From the desk of Gal Potashnick, Outreach & Member Services Director;

Celebrate Your Community Forest with a Hike at Peak Foliage!

EASTON – Have you been to your community forest lately? The beautiful 840-acre Cooley-Jericho Community Forest (CJCF) is turning nine and everyone is invited to celebrate! Join your friends and neighbors on Saturday, October 16^th for the annual anniversary hike at the CJCF (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) hosted by the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust (ACT). There will be two hikes to choose from so that people of all ages and abilities can explore the Forest.

Both hikes (2.5 and 3.5 miles respectively) will be somewhat challenging, containing steeper sections and moderate elevation gain, hikers should be prepared for the terrain. The groups will move at an easy pace stopping to observe and enjoy nature. Kids are encouraged to come along, and dogs are always 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.

Registration for the hike is required and will be capped for your safety and enjoyment, so please be sure to register ASAP. Registration closes at noon on Friday, October 15.  To sign up today go to act-nh.org/education-events.  ACT’s hikes 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.

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CALENDAR:

“ACT’s Annual Cooley-Jericho Hike” Saturday, October 16^th, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Information and registration at act-nh.org/education-events or call (603) 823-7777. Free and open to the public; all ages welcome. Suggested $5 donation to support conservation. Hosted by Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust. Registration is required and each hike is capped at ~15.

“Wild Thing Film Series: Gather at the Colonial Theatre” Friday, October 8^th, 7:30 – 9:15 p.m. Tickets are $12 / $10 members, purchase tickets online at bethlehemcolonial.org/events/gather. The Colonial Theatre’s Wild Thing film series is created in partnership with Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust and highlights films about the natural world.