2011 - Sandown, New Hampshire

Sandown Conservation CommissionThis past year proved to be another successful year for the Sandown ConservationCommission (SCC)! It also brought about changes within the Conservation Commissionitself. After serving as the Chair for the last few years, Brian Butler stepped down toassume the duties of the Treasurer. Chuck Crowe, who has been on the commission forseven years was voted in as the new Chair. Though only being on the commission for twoyears, Pamela Merrill Solomon was voted in as Vice-Chair. We also welcomed a newfull-time member, Samantha Borbone. In the fall of 2011, Dave LaFleur and RogerBarczak resigned after long tenures as SCC members. Dave had dedicated nine years tothe commission and his opinions were always valued. His birdhouse building workshopsat the SCC’s annual fall festival quickly became a perennial favorite. After serving as theSelectmen’s liaison on the SCC, Roger joined the commission and brought with him freshideas and new perspectives on many projects. The contributions from both men will bemissed. The transitions that took place in 2011 opened up one full-time seat and onealternate seat. If you’re interested in getting involved with the preservation of Sandown’snatural resources, don’t hesitate to contact us at infosandown.org.Here are some highlights of the events and activities sponsored and organized by the SCCthis past year:FREMONT ROAD TOWN FORESTThe SCC lead two snowshoe walks (a day time walk and a full moon night walk) in theFremont Road Town Forest complete with bonfires, marshmallow roasts and hotchocolate. They were both well received by the Sandown citizens.The SCC also completed a spring cleanup of the Fremont Road Town Forest trail system,during which the remainder of the trails, including one trail leading to the “Great Rock”was marked. The complete trail network can be downloaded either from the SCC websiteat www.sandowncc.org or by visiting our kiosk in the town forest parking lot, near theintersection of Fremont Road and Phillips Road.The wildlife opening, formerly known as the “Christmas Tree Farm” has started to paydividends as well: deer, turkeys and porcupines have all been spotted using this newlycreated feed plot. In addition, all six of the blue bird houses in the meadow wereoccupied again this season. Unfortunately, the occupants weren’t all Eastern Bluebirds,but swallows as well. Other wildlife sightings in and around the meadow includedwoodcocks and a Blanding’s turtle, one of only three sightings in 2011 of thisendangered turtle in the Sandown area!Community use of the town forest continues to grow; people walking their dogs, ridingtheir horses, snowshoeing, and simply enjoying nature can be seen in the forest andmeadow on a daily basis. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts also continue to use theFremont Road Town Forest for camping and other scout activities, including the BoyScouts’ Spooky Walk, which was again a big success.116 111