Carl Toko suggested investigating a trail located on an easement property in New Ipswich, NH. The trailhead was located behind Schoolhouse 13 on Main street. The property is under protection from the Monadnock Conservancy, Keene, NH.
It was a relatively mild day for December but I was grateful for gloves. We opted to take the loop trail to the right.
Witches Broom
I was on the lookout for what type of trees and shrubs might be found along this trail. The first thing I noticed was a Witch’s broom growing on a shrub. This is a deformity of the plant in which several branches will radiate from a common point. It is usually the result of a pathogen.
Mixed Hardwoods and Stone Walls
The trail is well marked. I noticed several large stands of Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) located near what appeared to be a wet area. I definitely intend to return in spring when it is in bloom.
Wetlands
We left the loop to take a side trail which eventually connected to Preston Hill Trail. I was pleased to see a fairly large wet area with stand of dead trees. I didn’t see any blue heron nests but it might be a good place to see them.
Windblown
Continuing along the trail, noticing more Mountain laurel.
Preston Hill Road
Eventually the trail ran into Preston Hill Road which took us out to Old Country Road.
Till Next Time
We only explored half of the loop and just a portion of Preston Hill Road. There are several other places to go, but that will happen on another day.
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Additional information provided by the New Ipswich Conservation Commission:
Bob Boynton (President)
Glad you enjoyed the trail. Just for the record, the land was given to the town of New Ipswich by the Thurston Williams estate to compensate for damage done to the environment by the now nonexistent O.K. Tool Company (formerly Williams and Hussey) in Milford per order of the EPA.
After the donation, the New Ipswich Conservation Commission contracted with the Monadnock Conservancy to have them perpetually monitor and protect the property.
Your Conservation Commission managers the property, and created the existing trail network for the enjoyment of all.