Join Piscataquog Land Conservancy and the Dunbarton Conservation Commission for a winter hike/snowshoe in Dunbarton’s Kuncanowet Town Forest and Conservation Area, Saturday, January 26 at 1 pm.
Dress for the weather. Snowshoes may be necessary depending on the condition of the snowpack.. If it is icy, creepers or microspikes might be a good idea. Expect to be out for about 3 hours.
Meet at the Kuncanowet trailhead and parking area off of Holiday Shore Drive.
If you plan to attend, please register on the PLC website at this link.
Workshop participants now barking up the right tree
Forester Wendy Weisiger explains how opposite or alternate twig configuration are clues about a tree’s identity
A handful of Dunbarton residents are now much more knowledgeable about the basics of tree identification when trees have shed their iconic leaves.
Society for Protection of New Hampshire Forests Managing Forester Wendy Weisiger presented an excellent workshop on Saturday outlining strategies on how to differentiate deciduous trees by their shape, bark, location, twig configuration and buds.
The Bela Brook Conservation Area where the workshop was held is home to a number of common species including red and sugar maple; white, black and gray birch; red and white oak; beech and aspen; as well as white and red pine and hemlock.
A big thanks to Wendy for her preparation, sharing her knowledge — and the excellent handouts!
Winter tree ID program at Bela Brook
Most of us who enjoy spending time outdoors have some ability to identify common deciduous trees and shrubs when they are clad in their distinctive leaves. But that gets much more difficult in the winter, doesn’t it?
If you want to gain confidence in winter tree identification (and impress your friends) join forester Wendy Weisiger who will give us tips on getting to know familiar trees by clues found in buds, fruits, leaf scars, bark, and branching patterns. Weisiger is managing forester with the Society for Protection of NH Forests.
DETAILS
Saturday, December 1, 9-11 am. Bela Brook Conservation Area, Grapevine Road, Dunbarton.
Parking at the Bela Brook trailhead on Grapevine Road in Dunbarton is very limited. Please park nearby on the side of Zachary Drive. It’s a one-minute walk to the trailhead from there.
Wear sturdy footwear and dress for being outside for a couple of hours in whatever weather is dealt to us that day, including a warm hat and gloves if it's cold. Expect to walk about a mile in total. Wear brightly colored clothing, it's hunting season.
If you have a hand lens or magnifying glass you may find it useful to bring it, but it's not essential.
We will conduct the program rain, snow, or shine. (It doesn’t make any difference to the trees.)
Questions? Email conservation@dunbartonnh.org or call Brett St. Clair at 774-3594.