Photographing the natural world

May 4, 2025

Dunbarton Conservation Commission member and local nature enthusiast Drew Groves, will share images and details concerning his photography in an informal discussion on Tuesday evening, May 6, at 6:30 pm at the Upper Town Hall meeting space above the Dunbarton Public Library.

You may have seen an exhibition of Drew's photos recently at the library. While he has traveled extensively to photograph nature, many of his best photographs are taken in Dunbarton's Kimball Pond Conservation Area.

This presentation is sponsored by the library and is free and open to the public.

Be smart. Be visible in the woods.

November 2, 2024

Muzzleloader hunting season for deer begins locally today and runs through November 12. Regular firearms season for deer is November 13 - December 8. Archery season has been underway for weeks. Waterfowl and other bird seasons are also ongoing.

Hunting is allowed in Dunbarton's conservation areas.

Those who will be sharing the woods with hunters are advised to wear blaze orange or another highly visible color and lots of it to make yourself stand out. Do not wear tan or white. If you are out with your dog, make sure it is highly visible too.

The Merrimack County Champion Black Gum Tree

October 3, 2024

After giving a talk at our town hall this spring, Kevin Martin, the author of Big Trees of New England, visited our Kuncanowet Town Forest and Conservation Area to see Dunbarton’s claim to fame in the big tree arena.

He sent a few photos and this note:

“Letting you know that my grandson and I canoed across Gorham Pond and hiked in to check out the black gum there. The measurements are 111" Circumference, 67' H, and 41' ACS, for 187 points. Thought it to be in fair condition. Was 107" C in 1989 and 111" C in 2010 so seems to have stopped growing.

“Sapsuckers like it. Holes show in the close-up photo.

“Neat spot with a few other large gum within view of this one. Should still be county champ.”

Click on each photo to see full size.