Conservation Solutions for the Places You Love

August 2023 eNews


August Spotlight

View of Mount Ascutney from Bible Hill Road

Summer Midpoint

Although the beginning of summer felt like anything but, we're finally seeing some pockets of much needed drier weather and enjoying lots of time in the sunshine outside (maybe not today).


Yet, despite only reaching summer's midpoint, and the bright sun sharing more of its' splendor, the recent cooler temperatures at night are a steady reminder that once again we will quickly transition to Fall in the coming months.


Before that happens, we are excited to engage with you at several different upcoming events that offer a variety of ways to get outside. Looking for a chance to count caterpillars during the Monarch Monitoring Blitz? We've got you covered! How about a geology hike, or a chance to experience the newly opened Stonehouse Mountain Trail? We've got that too!


Don't have time to get outside? We can help! Bringing the OUTside directly to your INbox with Field Notes every Friday. In addition to keeping you in the know, you'll learn great new nature facts to share at your next social gathering.


All of these exciting opportunities are available to YOU, and even if you haven't joined us before we promise you'll quickly feel like an old friend, welcomed into our community of land conservation supporters.


Stay connected with UVLT on Instagram, and let nature come to you!

Connect With Us On Instagram!


Current Happenings at UVLT


Employer-sponsored Service volunteers from Hypertherm work together to move a large rock.

We get by with a LOT of help from our friends!

We’re a hardworking, homegrown group that depends on people like you.

Over the past 34 years, we’ve protected over 500 parcels of land and more than 52,000 acres. Thousands of people have participated in these accomplishments and in the ongoing stewardship of conserved properties. It takes all of us, working together, to choose a vibrant, resilient and sustainable future for the Upper Valley — and to make it happen. Have a specific skill or interest that you don’t see? Let us know! We love working with all people, and are here to help you find the best fit for you.

Sign-up for Volunteer News!

Looking south to a lower plateau on the Paradee property that includes brook/river habitat.

Two NEW Closings:


UVLT is pleased to announce the conservation of two new pieces of land.


The Cream Street Conservation Area, 169 acres located in Thetford, VT, was donated to UVLT on May 31. The property includes upland forest, more than 20 acres of wetland and cedar swamp. UVLT will own the land for long term conservation and stewardship.


The donors (who wish to remain anonymous) tended to use the property as a place of refuge and contemplation as far back as the 1960s. They remember visiting the house that was on the property, which was taken down in 1974, and staying there as a retreat. They also hiked around the wetland and had picnics there. At least one of them remembered a time when the land was so open that they could see the White Mountains.


The Paradee property, 7 acres located in Orford, NH was graciously conserved by Linda Paradee who donated a conservation easement on June 14. This parcel, situated on the banks of the Connecticut River has been in Linda's family since the 1800s. Linda is a proud Morey family descendant, who first met with UVLT to discuss conserving her property more than 20 years ago. The conservation easement protects prime agricultural soils and floodplain with critical riparian buffers on the river and a tributary stream. She continues to own, enjoy and steward this land that she loves.


We are excited to add both of these properties to our conservation portfolio, and look forward to sharing more information about them on our website soon!

Learn About UVLT'-owned Conservation Areas

A plaque at Starr Hill in Lebanon, NH honoring Laurel Letter's conservation efforts

Building a Legacy

August is National Make-A-Will Month, a perfect opportunity to create your own will and express your vision and values. Amber Porter did. Read her story by clicking the button below. 


UVLT offers access to FreeWill, an online estate planning tool that can help you get started. This tool doesn’t replace the expert advice of your personal attorney -- you can use it to create a draft for review and discussion with your attorney, or if you prefer, write a simple will to execute as Amber did. August is a great time to begin!

Read Amber's Story


Upcoming Events

Mission Monarch Counting Event

August 12, 2023 | Up On the Hill Conservation Area

Join Sullivan County’s Education and Outreach Specialist, Dawn Dextraze, and Upper Valley Land Trust’s Volunteer Coordinator, Cassie Bernyk, as they lead a program about monarch life cycles as part of the 2023 International Monarch Monitoring Blitz!


During this event we will actively search milkweed plants for monarch eggs, caterpillars and adults. Observations will be recorded on data sheets and uploaded into the Mission Monarch database.


All equipment will be provided and most can be taken home with you. Please wear long pants, apply sunscreen/ bug spray, and bring your own water/snacks . Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch for a picnic afterwards if interested. See you there!


REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Click below for more details and to register!


Save the date for the next Mission Monarch Event: Monarch Tagging!

Sunday, September 10, 3-5pm

Up on the Hill Conservation Area, Charlestown, NH

More Event & Registration Information!

Stargazing at Mountainview Farm (Orford, NH)

August 10/11/12** (date will be weather dependent)

The Orford Conservation Commission and the Upper Valley Land Trust are excited to host their annual night under the stars, led by Bobby Farlice-Rubio.

Mountain View Farm in the Quinttown region of Orford is the perfect place to take a tour of the night sky. Its remote location, 360 degree view, and lack of electric light pollution mean you can see the whole sky on a clear night.


The event opens at 7:30 pm for those who want to come early and find their perfect viewing spot. The tour of the night sky begins at 8pm. In the past, participants have brought a picnic dinner to enjoy the time spent waiting for the sun to set. 


This event is free and open to the public but donations are appreciated and may be made when you arrive or online anytime. Registration is required. See you there!

More Event & Registration Information!

Opening Hike at Stonehouse Mountain Trail

August 18, 2023 | 2 PM

Join UVLT staff and landowners Bob and Christie Hedges (UVLT Board Member) for a moderately challenging (~720 elevation gain) group hike up to the Stonehouse Mountain summit to celebrate the "official" opening of the Stonehouse Mountain Trail. We will gather at 2 pm on Friday, August 18th, at the trailhead parking on Stonehouse Summit Road. We'll have drinks and munchies for our return! Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring your water bottle. NO DOGS, please. No registration required.

More Event Information!

We Know You Love the Upper Valley. We Do Too.

Become a part of the conservation solution and DONATE and/or VOLUNTEER today!


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