All the trails are wooded with extensive wetlands bordering both the east and west side. From the parking area, the yellow trail leads north into an open area that was used as a log landing and small sand pit. The trail junctions are just north of that open area. The trails are relatively flat with easy terrain.
Charles Rand purchased this property in 1947 from the owners of what is now Independence Farm. His goal was to own a personal woodlot, separate from the family business of Rand Lumber Company. Charles had a deep connection to this land and his love of this place was passed on to his son Chuck. Father and son spent hours walking under towering white pines and past red maple swamps, picking blueberries, and observing wildlife. The family consistently managed the land for the long term, with wildlife habitat and a high-quality forest as top goals. When Charles passed away in 1997, his wife Nancy inherited the land and continued its good stewardship. Her eventual desire was for son Chuck to own it and sustain the family’s long history as stewards of this forest. Tragically, Chuck died in 2013 after succumbing to cancer.
Nancy, and her daughter-in-law Sandy, decided to honor their loved ones by ensuring this land would remain undeveloped by gifting it to the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire (SELT) in 2014. To support the stewardship of this land, more than 100 community members contributed funds for its long-term management. Now, thanks to the Rand’s generosity and the community support, generations of children and families can enjoy these beautiful woods.
The Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire is a membership-based, non-profit whose mission is to protect and sustain the significant lands in our communities for clean water, outdoor recreation, fresh food, wildlife, and healthy forests. SELT works in the 52 communities of southeastern New Hampshire to voluntarily conserve special places for the public benefit through conservation easements and ownerships. Once land is conserved, SELT ensures the conservation goals are met through our landowner easement stewardship program and through sustainable management of SELT-owned lands. Join as a member or volunteer today!
Visit SELT online for more information, or contact:
Southeast Land TrustA small parking area and kiosk are located on South Road in North Hampton right near the intersection with Boutilier Lane and the Rye Town Line.
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