Our volunteer community is more like an extended family. Visit this page often for the latest volunteer news and events — and check out pictures of our volunteers in action.
2007 Volunteer of the Year
Rocks volunteer Brad Presby runs the Maple Sugaring program at our North Country headquarters.
North Country Volunteer, Brad Presby, was recognized as the Forest Society's 2007 Volunteer of the Year at the Forest Society's Annual Meeting at Creek Farm on September 29. When I met Brad 15 years ago he was passionate about maple sugaring, and I was willing to learn - a match made in the North Country. Soon after starting work for the Forest Society, I was asked to help teach the art of maple sugaring to visitors. As I had grown up in the UK, I admitted to knowing nothing about maple syrup apart from how to eat it. Luckily Brad took me under his wings and my maple education began. I learned to tap trees, set up an arch (or two), set tanks in the woods, wash buckets, and draw off.
I was lucky enough to see Yankee ingenuity (tinkering, they call it) at its best and glean knowledge from this 4th generation sugarer. Brad gradually moved into the position of presenter at our weekend maple programs which draws over 200 people, and he now helps to teach our school maple programs during March."
Brad's enthusiasm for maple production is infectious, and his teaching style engages the audience with stories of his family's adventures in the sugar house.
Brad is knowledgeable, witty and very fast talking! While moving a maple arch with him this spring, we (the Rocks staff) got a lesson in Yankee ingenuity and wit. With Brad at the helm, the maple arch was moved, complete fire-brick and all, from Sugar Hill to its new location at the Rocks Estate.
This year the Forest Society is renovating The Rocks Sawmill/Pigpen into a year round maple display and sugar house. Brad is at the helm of this ambitious project that will save an historic building while teaching a rural art to visitors of the property.
Congratulations Brad!
Volunteer Appreciation Day
In recognition of Volunteer Appreciation Day on June 10, 2005, Forest Society volunteers ventured north to "Find Lost River." During the outdoor portion of our thank you program, tour guide Dennis Mitchell explains the geology and history of Lost River Gorge. Some volunteers even crawled through the cave formations, but not the Lemon Squeeze!
Two hundred twenty-five volunteers donated over 5,600 hours during our 2005 fiscal year, equivalent to almost three fulltime volunteers. This includes groups like United Way and Americorps, community service students, onetime and annual project volunteers, and those who contribute on a regular basis. Volunteers have been involved with our organization since the beginning in 1901. They are a valuable resource to the Forest Society; a resource and friendships we appreciate. To find out more about the Forest Society's volunteer program, contact Trish Churchill at (603) 224-9945 Ext. 311.
Robinson named state's top volunteer
Win Robinson has been honored with the state's highest award for volunteerism -- the Spirit of New Hampshire Award from Volunteer NH! Established five years ago, the nonprofit group promotes volunteerism and community service. The award recognizes his generous efforts on behalf of multiple environmental and community organizations.
Win has been a Forest Society volunteer for 22 years as a trail crew member, fisheries biologist consultant, solar building tour guide, and floodplain nature trail guide. He also serves on Concord's conservation commission, is a board member for the Statewide Program of Action to Conserve our Environment (SPACE) and the Southern New Hampshire Council for Recources, is a member/volunteer for the New Hampshire Archeological Society, Merrimack County Conservation District, and the Upper Merrimack River Local Advisory Committee. He helps with the city's annual ski and skate sale, works on local projects with 20/20 and Groundwork Concord, and is helping to draft the city's open space master plan.
Win adds this award to other recognition earned over the years, including the New Hampshire Vibram Outstanding Volunteer of the Year in 1997, "Community Good Guy" from the Woman's Club of Concord in 1996, and the Forest Society's Volunteer of the Year award in 1983.
Solar tour guide warms up the crowd
Mark Vernon, volunteer solar tour guide from New London, introduces a Plymouth State University professor and his students to our award-winning Conservation Center. Trained guides, like Mark, lead interpretive tours for school groups, visiting dignitaries from other countries, college students, educators, solar-related architects, state agencies, and the general public. The tours focus on the passive solar heating techniques used and the nationally recognized green building features found in the French Wing of the building.
