Mom and dad get their two boys outside, build trails
When Sheldon Pennoyer and Penelope Beal moved their family from Essex, Massachusetts, to the 120-acre Blanchard Hill Farm here in the Monadnock region, they wanted their boys, Pier and Chase, to have the same experiences they did as children -- spending free time cutting firewood and making trails, rather than staying inside.
"It's all about getting out there and using the land."- Sheldon Pennoyer
You're invited to a great time...
Annual Celebration highlights farming,
local conservation heroes
Join Monadnock Conservancy supporters and friends to celebrate land conservation at Peterborough's historic stone barn, a local landmark. Enjoy an inspiring talk by new American Farmland Trust President John Piotti and applaud this year's conservation awardees, Diane Schott and Oliver Mutch & Jan Miller. End the morning with an optional Q&A session, barn tour or guided trail walk.
Join us on Sunday, September 11, from 1 to 3 p.m., for an easy to moderate guided hike around the beautiful Rand Brook conservation area in Greenfield. Explore fields and walk a beautiful woodland trail along the brook and over bridges. After the hike, enjoy homemade chocolate chip cookies, apple cider and tea. Families welcome!
Do you recognize this colorful caterpillar? You can find it this time of year munching on asters and goldenrod. The calico paint is the larvae stage of the brown-hooded owlet moth. It's common in the Northeast and can be found in plain sight during the day.
This summer's lack of rain is hard on farmers. The drought in Cheshire and Hillsborough counties has reduced crop yields, decreased the size of produce and lowered cattle production. On top of low milk prices, it's a tough time to be a New Hampshire farmer. But young farmers are still enthusiastic -- and still in need of your support.
Come hear American Farmland President John Piotti share his thoughts on local farming at our Annual Celebration on September 17. I look forward to seeing see you there!