6:48 a.m.
Saturday, November 11, 2017 6:54 am
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The Milton Conservation Commission and Milton Board of Selectmen are inviting all Milton residents to a 'Trail Party' showcasing the walking trails of the 73-acre town-owned Casey Road property that the MCC is working to conserve.
The event is scheduled for 10-noon on Dec. 2. After a brief update on the status of the conservation project, naturalist Charlie Ek will lead a walk of this beautiful property while discussing its important natural resources and pointing out features of interest.
The 73-acre Casey Road conservation land has approximately one and a half miles of trails through mixed deciduous-evergreen forest with some nice specimens of mature oak and pine trees. A scenic portion of Lyman Brook runs along one boundary, part of which has been dammed by beaver. There are seeps and possible vernal pools in an area of forested wetlands. Several stone walls crisscross the property.
This guided walk will take participants through the uplands section and down to the brook and a look at the beaver pond for a total of about 2 miles round trip. Ek will point out signs of wildlife and their habitats and talk about the many species that make use of the land, including bear and moose. He will also discuss the results of a recent fish survey of the brook and pond.
Ek has been exploring the woods since he was a boy growing up in Minnesota. He is a long-term orienteering expert as well as 'birder'; his more recent interest in hunting has sharpened his skills at identifying animal tracks and sign. In 2006-09, Ek initiated an outdoor academy at Kittery Trading Post, teaching orienteering and outdoor skills to K-12 kids in schools districts of both Maine and New Hampshire, including Milton. As a neighbor to the Casey Road property, he has visited it many times and knows its trails and wildlife intimately.
This Trail Party is free and open to the public and appropriate for families with children. No advance registrations needed. Trail maps of the Casey Road property will be available along with complimentary refreshments, including apple cider and cider donuts donated by McKenzie's Farm. This is still hunting season, so participants are asked to wear bright colors and stay with the walking group. Cars may be parked along the side of Casey Road, as long as they do not block the driveways. Please do not bring pets to this event. For more information, call Cynthia Wyatt at (603) 473-2020.
The Milton Conservation Commission's mission is to fulfill the mandates of RSA 36-A and the conservation goals in the Milton Master Plan, which it works to accomplish through conservation projects to protect Milton's water resources, forestlands, wildlife habitat, productive farmland, and recreational areas. Additional benefits are the preservation of Milton's scenic beauty and rural character, supporting NH's vibrant tourism industry and safeguarding the water quality of Milton Three Ponds and the town wells. This natural resource protection has long term benefit to Milton's economy.