Energy and enthusiasm were running high at a meeting on February 10 devoted to identifying and describing the miles of walking trails within Andover’s borders. Sponsored by the Andover Institute, an arm of the Andover Community Association, “Discovering Andover’s Hiking Trails” was part of an ongoing series of “Space Explorations,” designed to introduce attendees to seldom-visited local areas.
This particular program was inspired by Anne Hewitt’s idea to mine information on the walking trails that currently exist and to explore ways to disseminate that information.
Approximately 35 people attended the open meeting, held in the library of the Andover Elementary/Middle School. Alex Bernhard began the session with an overview of the Northern Rail Trail and then a more detailed look at the section of the rail trail that passes through Andover. He reminded attendees that walkers, bikers, horseback riders, and snowmobilers are all welcome on the trail, but other motorized vehicles are not.
We are fortunate to live right on a rail trail that provides terrific views, interesting cultural remains, glimpses of wetlands out of sight of roads — and all on a beautifully built and maintained bed with a nice, low grade. For more information, go to FNRT.org.
It was my turn next to describe the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway, a 75-mile ring of linked trails and roads that connects all three local mountain summits. Two sections of the Greenway pass through Andover.
Hikers can walk from Proctor Academy, through its woodlands to the summit of Ragged Mountain, and then down to New Canada Road in Danbury. In the other direction, the path goes across the Blackwater River and then ascends to Winslow State Park on the side of Mount Kearsarge.
Volunteers built and continue to maintain the system of trails, and while membership is encouraged, all are welcome to join SRKG’s organized hikes or explore the trails on their own. Information, trail descriptions, maps, and a calendar of hikes can all be found at SRKG.com.
Dave Pilla, Woodlands Manager at Proctor Academy, spoke next about the school’s vast (2,500 acres) land holdings and large network of trails, reminding us that the property is not posted and the public is welcome to walk there. Proctor’s acreage is managed for multiple uses, including timber harvesting, hunting, sugaring, wildlife management, and classes.
Dave invited questions from the group, and our session quickly turned into a discussion about old growth stands, succession, huge white oaks as boundary trees, and other forestry issues. Many attendees, recognizing Dave’s expertise and his skills as a teacher, were glad to know that Dave would be leading a walk on the Proctor property the following Saturday as part of the Andover Conservation Commission’s “Taking Action for Wildlife” project and co-sponsored by Proctor Academy.
The last presenter was Paul Currier, representing the Andover Planning Board, who has been pursuing his own project of walking all of Andover’s Class 6 roads. Paul explained that these roads are no longer maintained, and that while adjoining property owners have the right to put up gates and bars, walkers are allowed to pass through them. On such roads, walkers get a glimpse into the town’s history through networks of stone walls, remains of cellar holes, and still-standing chimneys.
Finally, the session became an opportunity to swap ideas, locations of favorite walks, and ideas for how to continue the process of identifying and sharing special places to walk in Andover. Lots of people had lots to say, and nobody was in a hurry to leave the room.
Clearly this is an idea whose time has come! If you would like to be involved in this ongoing effort, or to receive copies of the maps used at the meeting, contact the Andover Community Association at AndoverCommunity03216@nullgmail.com.
Eagle-Cam
Kit Norris alerted me to the wonder of the Berry College (Georgia) Web cam that allows us to look directly into the nest of a bald eagle pair. Soon after I began checking in on the nest, the first of two eggs hatched; as I am typing this article, the second is due any time now. Have a look yourself at Berry.edu/EagleCam.
Intrigued? Want to see more? You can watch many other birds at The Cornell School of Ornithology’s Web site “All About Birds.” Go to Cams.AllAboutBirds.org for up-close and intimate views of barn owls and albatrosses, among others.