Conservation Solutions for the Places You Love

October 2022 eNews

2022 Annual Report

UVLT is excited to share its most recent Annual Report. We hope you will read and absorb the tangible impact of hundreds of supporters coming together to shepherd the many varied accomplishments of the land trust during its last fiscal year. 

Farmland Protection Initiative 

 Now Accepting Applications

The 2014 Farm Bill created the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) as a way to utilize partnerships to spread Federal dollars and better address National and State resource concerns. UVLT applied for and was awarded an RCPP that looks to accelerate the pace of farmland conservation in Grafton and Sullivan Counties.

The RCPP is a 5-year commitment by UVLT and its partners, which will provide secured access to Federal conservation funding, leveraged by UVLT, state, and local funding, and greater flexibility to utilize the Federal farmland protection program to conserve the unique and special farmlands of the Upper Valley in New Hampshire.

Story Walk Grand Opening!

On October 15, the Story Walk at Lyme Hill Conservation Area officially opened to an eager and excited crowd of all ages! The opening kicked off with remarks from local stakeholders, project visionaries, and featured an appearance by D.B. Johnson, author of the trail's first book Henry Climbs a Mountain. 

Led by volunteers, Tara McGovern and Curtis Cote, this innovative and creative new trail was created to provide “A  family friendly hiking destination which encourages young children to get out onto local trails and to creates an enthusiasm for hiking at a young age, as well as develop respect for the forest and nature, to have fun, and read a book.” (Tara McGovern). Volunteers from Hypertherm constructed the metal stands and brackets. The trail was specifically designed to have the stands mounted into the natural landscape of glacial erratics that are scattered all over the hillside at Lyme Hill. UVLT is partnering with Lyme’s Converse Free Library to select story books for the trail.

The Story Walk is an easy 1/2 mile out and back lollipop shaped loop that can be walked as an isolated hike or as part of a longer hike within the Lyme Hill trail network. New improvements to the trail network include Get outside today, and enjoy some family fun for everyone!

Field Notes Friday!

Did you know UVLT sends the OUTside directly to your INbox every Friday?

That's right! Our Land Stewards are always on the move, out in the wild, and sharing their knowledge and exciting finds through Field Notes Friday. 

To catch up on all the action subscribe to our YouTube Channel, and make sure to sign-up for your weekly dose of Field Notes below. 

A Successful Brookmead Potato Harvest

with Willing Hands

Late last month, volunteers, including many from King Arthur Baking Company, joined UVLT for the annual potato harvest with Willing Hands at Brookmead Food Pantry Garden. Through this truly communal effort over 370 lbs. of potatoes were harvested! 

Paddle the Border

Earlier this month, a crew of river enthusiasts participated in Paddle the Border (PTB), now in its 19th year! PTB was started as a way for community organizations from Vermont and New Hampshire to work together to "showcase" our shared asset, the Connecticut River. This UVLT sponsored event promotes the natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources of the Connecticut River. PTB is held twice a year weather permitting-no rain dates are planned.

SAVE THE DATE for Spring 2023-- May 21!

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

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