Monadnock Conservancy Trail

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.

https://flic.kr/p/2o3GCvS Protected by the Monadnock Conservancyhttps://flic.kr/p/2o3Fjmt Trailhead

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.

https://flic.kr/p/2o3Brct Witch's Broom

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.

https://flic.kr/p/2o3Ggfh Ubiquitous stone walls and some Mountain Laurel Shrubs on right slope

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.

https://flic.kr/p/2o3GgiP Wetlands

Windblown

Continuing along the trail, noticing more Mountain laurel.

https://flic.kr/p/2o3BrjH Note downed tree to left of trailhttps://flic.kr/p/2o3GCyN Upended tree

Preston Hill Road

Eventually the trail ran into Preston Hill Road which took us out to Old Country Road.

https://flic.kr/p/2o3GCmJ Preston Hill 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.