Members of a trail crew during Monadnock Trails Week 2021. PHOTO COURTESY KEITH MARTIN
The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (Forest Society), which is the majority landowner of Mount Monadnock, and New Hampshire State Parks will host the 16th annual Monadnock Trails Week July 22 to 26.
Trail improvement projects are planned all over the mountain , as well as events and gatherings at local restaurants and businesses in the communities around Mount Monadnock.
"Monadnock Trails Week is not just about getting out on the trails for maintenance projects. It's about celebrating a mountain that has been a gathering spot and symbol of the surrounding community for centuries," stated Andy Crowley, stewardship projects manager for the Forest Society. "If you have not volunteered for trail maintenance yet or come out to join us at one of our gatherings, come out and give it a try. You will leave dirty, tired, satisfied and with a new appreciation of every step you take on a trail, as well as learn about some great local businesses, and even make a new friend or two."
According to Phil Bryce, director for the Division of Parks and Recreation, “the state’s partnership with the Forest Society has been key to balancing the need for recreation and conservation of Mount Monadnock.”
"The popularity of the mountain requires continued efforts to improve trail maintenance, manage the natural and cultural resources, and preserve the quality of the visitor's experience,” he stated. “The Forest Society is a great partner in helping us do this."
Forest Society and New Hampshire State Parks staff, along with experienced trail work leaders, will guide volunteers in multiple projects throughout the week, including work on the White Arrow Trail, Marlboro Trail, Gap Mountain trails and various trailhead improvement projects.
After the first day on the trails, Friday, July 22, a kickoff party will be held at Post & Beam Brewing at 45 Grove St. in Peterborough at 5:30 p.m. Blackfire Farm Pizza's mobile food truck will be on hand, and attendees will receive 20% off their beer order. No reservations are required.
On Saturday, July 23, at 6:30 p.m. at Dublin Road Taproom & Eatery at 53 Dublin Road in Jaffrey will host “Building Unity Outdoors” with Early B. Hunter Jr., founder and president of Black Folks Camp Too. BFCT is a marketing-driven business whose mission is to increase diversity in the outdoor industry by making it easier, more interesting, and more fun for Black people to go camping and build unity for everyone, everywhere. The program is supported, in part, by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. Register at forestsociety.org/event/monadnock-trails-week-building-unity-outdoors.
On Sunday, July 24, at 10 a.m., “A Walking History of Thoreau” will feature a guided interpretive tour to the summit of Mount Monadnock with the Forest Society's recreation and community relations manager, Matt Scaccia, while reflecting on how Henry David Thoreau's transcendental viewpoint influenced his personal observations on Monadnock between 1844 and 1860. Registration is full.
No trail work experience is necessary to volunteer; conservation professionals will lead groups to complete different projects. Tools and safety gear will be provided. Children 13 to 15 year old are welcome with an adult guardian or supervisor. Sixteen- and 17-year-olds must get a signed parental permission form or waiver. Days run from 9 to 3 p.m., depending on the project. To sign up, visit forestsociety.org/event/monadnock-trails-week-2022.
Volunteers should bring a daypack, water, snack, lunch, gloves (if they have them), sunscreen, bug repellent and gear for the weather such as a raincoat or hat. Wear closed-toe shoes or hiking boots, long pants, and sweat-wicking clothes that can get dirty.
Participants in all events and volunteer days will be entered to win prizes provided by Monadnock-area community sponsors.
For information, contact Andy Crowley at acrowley@forestsociety.org.
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