The Branch River Paddle and Hike set for May 22, 2021

Branch River (Photo: Kate Wilcox )

Branch Hill Farm/Carl Siemon Family Charitable Trust (BHF/CSFCT) and Moose Mountains Regional Greenways (MMRG) are once again teaming up to offer canoe and kayak enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy a paddle on the pristine Branch River in Milton Mills, NH. This 4-mile paddle along the scenic and winding Branch River will take place from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, May 22. This year the addition of a hike has been added to the event.   Kayaks and Canoes will be trucked back from the upper end of Milton Three Ponds while participants walk along the lovely trails on Branch Hill Farm passing through forests and fields back to the launch site. The walk back is approximately 1 hour.  Lunch will be offered to all the participants walking along the trail to either sit and enjoy or take with them for later.

As in years past, there will be an educational component to the Paddle. This year’s guest speaker will be Katy Lewis, Research Manager with the Tin Mountain Conservation Center in Albany, NH.  Katy is a wildlife biologist with a master’s degree in wildlife conservation from West Virginia University, with a background in bird and wetland ecology. She brings a recreational love of birding and hiking into her career as a wildlife researcher.  Her work at Tin Mountain Conservation Center involves running the long-term avian research and forest monitoring project, as well as the stream restoration and brook trout ecology research projects. Since 2010 Tin Mountain has conducted over 16 miles of stream enhancements in the Mount Washington Valley, monitoring instream habitat and brook trout response to the addition of woody debris. Katy will speak about the value and impact of adding large wood to streams, as well as some of the results of over ten years of stream enhancements and data collection.  Do not be surprised if she adds a component or two on birds along the way.  

Paddlers should bring their own kayaks or canoes and wear US Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices. This event is extremely popular, and spaces are limited, so early registration is advised. All reservations must be made by the morning of Thursday, May 20; contact Branch Hill Farm Education Coordinator Kari Lygren at 603-978-7125 or kari_lygren@branchhillfarm.org with your name, phone number, and the number of people who will attend. A $15 per person donation at the event is suggested. There is no rain date and participants are requested to leave pets at home.

MMRG/BHF Covid-19 prevention policies are observed. To pre-register and to find out more regarding our covid-19 prevention policies, please call BHF Education Coordinator Kari Lygren at (603) 978-7125 or email kari_lygren@branchhillfarm.org

Branch Hill Farm/the Carl Siemon Family Charitable Trust works to protect open space and working forests and to educate the public about sound forestry, conservation, and agricultural practices; see www.branchillfarm.org.

MMRG, a non-profit land trust, works to conserve and connect important water resources, farm and forest lands, wildlife habitats, and recreational land in Brookfield, Farmington, Middleton, Milton, New Durham, Wakefield, and Wolfeboro. Throughout the year, both BHF and MMRG offer many educational opportunities to inform all ages about the benefits of our region’s natural resources. For more information and a calendar of upcoming events, visit www.mmrg.info