Branch River (Photo: Kate Wilcox )
Branch Hill Farm/Carl Siemon Family Charitable Trust (BHF/CSFCT) and Moose Mountains Regional Greenways (MMRG) are again offering local canoe and kayak enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy a paddle on the beautiful 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 21st. Due to its’ overwhelming popularity last year, participants will once again partake in a hike along the lovely trails on Branch Hill Farm passing through forests and fields back to the launch site while the kayaks/canoes will be trucked back from the upper end of Milton Three Ponds. 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.
This year’s guest speaker will be Nels Liljedahl, Outreach Coordinator for the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Nels graduated from the University of Maine in Orono in 1981 with degrees in Environmental Science, Forestry and Park and Recreation Management and has served as the District Conservationist for Carroll and Belknap counties. Most recently Nels has spent time in Palau through NRCS working to battle the grave issue of erosion the small pacific country faces. Nels will be speaking on what makes up a “watershed” and how certain activities on the upper reaches can impact the drinking water below.
Paddlers will need to 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. Registration can be found online here. A $15 per person donation is suggested. There is no rain date and pets are not permitted.
Branch Hill Farm/Carl Siemon Family Charitable Trust works to conserve farm and forest lands 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, Wolfeboro, Ossipee, & Tuftonboro. 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.mmrgnh.org
