The Dismal
East Hanover, NH
The Dismal at Pressey Brook is one of UVLT's Newest Conservation Areas. The trails have all been freshly marked, a parking lot was recently built and a new map has been made. The property is located in the headwaters of the Mascoma River watershed and contains approximately 239 acres of emergent and forested wetlands. The property is named after the Great Dismal Swamp in Virginia/North Carolina. These wetlands, when looked at with the surrounding upland forest complex, provide exceptional habitat for a wide array of species, including the federally listed northern long-eared bat.
Read Three Poems for The Dismal by Jessica Purdy
Trues Ledges
Lebanon, NH
In 1998, local efforts succeeded in City's acquisition of this parcel; now permanently conserved by easement to Upper Valley Land Trust. Some highlights of this land include a rocky gorge (between upstream and downstream parcel boundaries, True's Brook drops some fifty feet in elevation along 700 linear feet of shoreline with three dramatic overlooks); long-popular local swimming hole; varied plants and animals (aquatic, riparian, and upland species share relatively small area). Trues Ledges consists of 0.3 mile of trails and is rated 2, or easy but hazardous. Seemingly nondescript trail descends through woods to the dramatic True's Brook, which drains much of southwest Lebanon.
Read Two Poems for Trues Ledges by Christopher Locke
Up on the Hill
Unity, NH
The property was donated to UVLT by Harvey and Christina Hill in December of 2016. Up on the Hill stretches from Morningside Lane in Charlestown to Sawyers Brook in Unity, with the more northeasterly portion of the property located in southwest Claremont. It is mainly forested, with a several open meadows and agricultural land that is leased to a farmer growing corn and hay. There is also a large wetland, streams, and vernal pools scattered throughout the property. The healthy and well managed forest that the Hills have need no repair or time to regenerate. Our goals for this forest are twofold—it has been so well cared for that it will provide UVLT with sustainable income from timber harvests, which will be used for the continued stewardship and maintenance of the property. We also intend to carry on the stewardship legacy by using the forests to demonstrate sustainable timber management and silviculture through workshops and programming. Up on the Hill has a diverse habitat and nearly half of the property has been ranked as highest quality habitat in the State or region by the NH Wildlife Action Plan. Along with continuing the agricultural and forest management, UVLT is managing the property for recreation and educational use. This summer, UVLT staff were out blazing a network of trails and putting up signs and a kiosk to welcome visitors to the property.