Quincy Bog Notes
Conserving Land, Connecting People with Nature Spring 2014 Volume 22 Number 1 Happy Anniversary to Quincy Bog — Forty Years of Conservation and Counting Judy Stokes Weber
What were you doing in 1974? I graduated from UNH and started The State of NH deeded RES the former Baker State For- to look for a “real” job. I guess President Nixon was looking too est. after resigning the Presidency. The OPEC oil embargo ended The Eagle Scout Bridge over the outlet stream was built by and the Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship. Popular Jonah Serfass and his Scout troop. books included Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Mainte- RES voted to become a land trust – the Pemi-Baker Land nance and Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. The Academy Award Trust. for best picture went to The Sting and the best record of the year The first two conservation easements were negotiated on was Roberta Flack’s Killing Me Softly With His Song. the Bloomfield property in Dorchester and the Winsor prop- Along with all these happenings, a handful of erty on Stinson Lake Road in Rumney.
people were putting together a plan to save the 2010s pond and surrounding land known today as Quincy Pasture Forest Timber Sale/Habitat Improvement Quincy Bog Natural Area. George N. “Joe” Kent Project was managed by Forester Tom Hahn of FORECO, (1921-1989) was a keen all-around naturalist with Dan Duclos as logger. and an avid bird watcher. He studied botany at PBLT completed its third and fourth conservation ease- Oberlin College, but his particular interest in ments on the Paly property in the intervale leading to Rum- bogs developed from his graduate studies at the ney Village and on the 401-acre Wassett / Fauver property University of New Hampshire. In the early 1970s, Joe and the on the Texas Hill and Old Hebron Roads in Plymouth. late Hobart VanDeusen, a summer resident and Curator of Mam- Trail improvement grants were sought, awarded and mals at the American Museum of Natural History in New York implemented. City, led the effort to acquire and protect Quincy Bog. After Van- Deusen's death, Joe was the prime mover in constructing the 2014 - The 40th Anniversary Celebration of Quincy Bog is Nature Center, which was dedicated in 1978 to VanDeusen’s planned for July 12th. memory. (Continued on page 2)
Looking back over the 40-year history of Quincy Bog, the list of accomplishments is long. Here are just a few highlights. You're Invited! 1970s and 80s to the 40th Anniversary Celebration of 1974 - Quincy Bog (also known as Cranberry Bog) was Quincy Bog Natural Area threatened by development and was purchased for $10K by a local group led by Joe Kent (later named “Rumney Eco- Saturday, July 12, 2014
logical Systems”). Anniversary Program The Nature Center was built; early programs included walks 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Exhibits at Nature Center led by Joe and projects by summer interns who stayed with the Kents. maps of Pemi-Baker Land Trust NH Student Conservation Corps built a new Nature Trail at easements the Bog and camped in Bill and Betty Jo Taffes’ field during trail maps the project. photograph of Roy Chapman An-
1990s drews’ Mongolian Visa (see Winter Tudor Richard completed the first edition of the trail guide, ’13-14 edition of Bog Notes) which focused heavily on trees and forestry practices. display explaining coring research Bill Taffe reinitiated Bog Notes, published twice a year. conducted at Quincy Bog, with Dr. Under the leadership of Al Ports, a capital campaign raised Lisa Doner available between 2:00 the funds for RES to purchase the property on the east side and 3:00 for questions of Quincy Bog, protecting the entire shoreline. 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Beaver walk with NH naturalist Dr. Judy A trail was completed circumnavigating the Bog. Silverberg Jody Young (now Williams) began coordinating the Bog’s 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Children’s activity at the Nature Center Wednesday evening programs and established the Ruth V. Noon – 1:00 p.m. Light refreshments, speaking program and Fisher Memorial Fund to help support the programs. unveiling of the Joe Kent Trail Marker 2000s 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. The History of Quincy Bog Natural Area Beavers were hard at work. RES received a trail grant from presented by Al Ports DRED to install boardwalks and bridges along the trail. 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Docent-led walk with Bog Volunteers sta- Bill Taffe created a website for Quincy Bog. tioned at points along the Joe Kent Trail and The Nature Conservancy gave RES the Petersen property, through the neighboring Baker Forest which was named Quincy Pasture Forest.
Quincy Bog Notes
President’s Perspective Introducing the new logo for Quincy Bog Natural Area / Pemi-Baker Land Trust The Importance of Anniversaries Janice Mulherin The logo was adopt- ed this spring in What do Yosemite National Park, the preparation for the Pemigewasset Wilderness and Quincy 40th Anniversary Bog have in common? They all cele- Celebration. It fea- brate an anniversary this year. In 1864, tures the organiza- the Yosemite Grant was given to Califor- tion's tag line. Look nia as a state park for "public use, resort for the logo and tag and recreation." This was not sufficient line in future publi- protection from development and live- cations. stock grazing, but conservation leaders like John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt had the foresight to further protect the area. portance of conserving this area of signifi- hard work from those who came before us In 1890, Yosemite National Park was cance. In the years since it was protect- to protect, conserve and manage these created. ed, the Bog has become a place for us to areas for the generations to come.
connect people with nature, get a little In 1964, President Johnson signed into exercise, come for reflection, observe This year, as we celebrate the 40th anniver- law the Wilderness Act. This sought to, natural processes, and learn about the sary of Quincy Bog, please take a moment "assure that an increasing population, world around us. For those of us who to thank those with the foresight, leadership accompanied by expanding settlement can't remember a time without the Bog, and determination to protect this special and growing mechanization, does not we are thankful to those who came before place. We hope you will join us on July occupy and modify all areas within the us. 12th at the Nature Center. United States and its possessions, leav- ing no lands designated for preservation The Pemi-Baker Land Trust (PBLT), es- As this is my first "President's Perspective,” and protection in their natural condi- tablished in 2004, is another arm of the I too want to thank those who came before tion...” The Pemigewasset Wilderness, Quincy Bog Natural Area. Its goal is to me, especially Betty Jo Taffe, our past pres- part of the White Mountain National For- help local landowners conserve their land ident. I am grateful for their leadership and est, was designated in 1984. This area and protect it from development. The dedication throughout the years. Here's to was heavily logged in the late nineteenth PBLT holds easements for four properties the next 40 years! century and today is an outstanding ex- in the Pemi-Baker Valley ensuring protec- ample of the resilience of New England tion and responsible management in per- Janice Mulherin assumed the presidency of Quincy Bog Natural Area (QBNA) at the beginning of the year. forests. petuity.
So, where does Quincy Bog fit in? Like Sometimes it takes a little distance to get Yosemite on a national level and the a new perspective. On a recent driving (Continued from page 1, Weber)
White Mountain National Forest on a trip from New Hampshire to California, my Thanks to you, our Quincy Bog Friends, for state level, Quincy Bog faced local husband remarked that we often forget keeping the dream alive and supporting the threats due to encroaching develop- how vast and diverse our country is. From important work of conserving land and con- ment. It was forward-thinking individuals the plains of Nebraska, to the Sierra Ne- necting people with nature. We look for- like Joe Kent, Hobart VanDeusen, and vada Mountains, to the magnificent giant ward to welcoming you, your friends and several others who recognized the im- trees of Kings Canyon, it took passion and family to our 40th Anniversary Celebra- tion at the Quincy Bog Natural Area on July 12th. NOTICE: Baker Forest Management Plan Implementation Janice Mulherin To help us celebrate, we invite you join us at Quincy Bog for a day-long event to in- Named for State Senator William D. Baker, this 5-acre parcel was clude guided walks, activities for children, donated to the State of New Hampshire in 1915 under the condi- historical presentations, exhibits, refresh- tion that it would be planted with trees. The former potato field ments and a short program honoring was planted with pine in the fall of 1916: one section with white founders and donors. There will be special pine and another with red pine. Over the years, timber has been exhibits of old photographs and maps of periodically harvested from the site. In 2003 the forest (located the properties managed by the other arm of between the Quincy Bog and Quincy Road in Rumney) was given our organization, the Pemi-Baker Land to Rumney Ecological Systems (RES). Trust. Come for all or part of the day. Almost 100 years since planting, the pine is reaching maturity and it is time to think about the forest's future. Foresters Robert Berti and Janice Mulherin, both members of Whether you are regular visitor or you the RES board, prepared a management plan for the property that incorporates RES’s haven’t been to the Bog in a while, we goal to manage the forest and promote its use for education, research and enjoyment hope you join us this year, as we look back thus providing benefit to the people of New Hampshire. Its future is as a demonstration on where we have been and look forward forest to model best forestry practices. A timber sale is planned for later this year. to future accomplishments.
Much of the pine will be harvested and the ground scarified to encourage new pine Judy Weber is a member of the QBNA Board of Direc- seedlings to germinate. Any funds generated from the timber sale will be used to sup- tors. She is chair of the committee planning the 40th port RES programs. Anniversary Celebration.
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Spring 2014
Junior Naturalist Corner Marguerite Crowell
What is a wetland? When water is pre- Get Involved! Be a species lower in the food chain, such as sent at or near the ground’s surface all or plants, insects, fungi, and bacteria sup- part of the time, and there are specialized Wetland Steward! port these larger animals.
kinds of soils and plants, it is a wetland. What is a steward? A steward is some- Cool Fact—Blueberry pie, cranberry juice and one who helps to protect the natural envi- Moxie soda are all made from wetland ronment so that future generations can plants! enjoy it.
What are the most common types of Cool Fact— Helping your community to reduce wetlands? The most common are bogs, waste and conserve water are two ways to marshes and swamps. help!
Cool Fact—Other types are called fens, moors, What is Citizen Science? People share muskegs and mires! their nature observations to help scien-
Why are wetlands useful? Wetlands tists understand the environment. provide flood control, groundwater, pollu- Cool Fact—Many wetlands have been dis‐ tion protection, habitats, food, recreation turbed by human ac vity, so it’s important to and education. help protect these special places. Cool Fact—Peat (mosses from wetlands) can To learn more about how to get involved go to: https://www.projectnoah.org/ What can I do at Quincy Bog? Support be mined and used as fuel and fer lizer! the Bog by attending nature talks during missions/8540384 What animal populations live in or the summer, taking part in the Junior Nat- near wetlands? Fish, birds, beaver, Marguerite Crowell is a member of the QBNA Board uralist Program, volunteering, and being otters, mink, and other mammals can all of Directors and is planning activities for children at respectful of the living plants and animals be found in or around wetlands. Wetland our 40th Anniversary Celebration. when you visit.
Update on Quincy Bog’s High frequency antennas pick up very fine research.) In addition, these new data details of the sediment, but only from the provide evidence for Baker River flood- Sediment History nearest few meters, while low frequency ing in Quincy Bog within the last 1000 Lisa Doner, Ph.D. antennas pick up returning signals from years. deeper material, but with less detail. De- If you were at Quincy Bog on the last Tues- pending on the frequency of the emitter, the Editor's note: Dr. Doner will be speaking at Quincy day in April, you would certainly have no- Bog this summer on August 13th. The title of her radar signal penetrates through different ticed the red canoe and bright yellow raft Wednesday evening talk is "The Paleoecology of layers of sediment, bouncing back to the Quincy Bog: Stories of the Past 14,000 Years.” She making repeated trips back and forth th antenna at different speeds. Arcone, an will also be available for questions at the 40 Anni- across the open waters. Undergraduate versary Celebration of Quincy Bog on July 12th. expert in acoustic data interpretation, said student James Coll and Dr. Lisa Doner, that low conductivity in the Bog’s water both of the Environmental Science and produced an excellent series of images. Policy Department at Plymouth State Uni- Become a Friend of the Bog versity, met up with Dr. Steven Arcone, of The longest set of profiles, running parallel If you did not respond to the remittance the Cold Regions Research and Engineer- to shore between the Nature Center and envelope in your Winter Edition of Bog ing Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, NH to the beaver dam, shows 9 meters of sedi- Notes, please consider doing so now. conduct a high-tech survey of the pond ment along that section. There is evidence Either find that envelope tucked away using ground penetrating radar, or GPR. of a pervasive erosional layer, perhaps since January, or mail a check to the The team worked against a stiff wind but from a Baker River flood that entered the address below and become a Friend of managed to create GPR profiles along 4 bog with enough current to scour off the Quincy Bog for our 40th Anniversary separate transect lines, each one repeated overlying sediments. There is also evi- year. There are no paid administrators; using different frequency of antenna for a dence to indicate a possible clay layer left your entire contribution is used to sup- total of 12 profiles. by the retreating glaciers; it overlies glacial port the operational expenses till deposits. (programs, projects, maintenance) of the Bog and the Pemi-Baker Land Trust. Overall, this survey revealed that Quincy Please send your name and address Bog has 15 meters of lake, river and till along with a check to the following ad- deposits. About 9-10 meters of the sedi- dress. If you would like to include your ment seems to be post-glacial, as the cor- e-mail address, we will add you to the list ing indicated. The GPR results show that being developed to notify Friends of up- the thick deposits extend under the entire coming events. Thank you for joining us. bog area, however, and are not limited to the “deep water” spot where the core was Quincy Bog Natural Area/ collected. (See the Spring ’13 edition of Pemi-Baker Land Trust Bog Notes for a description of the coring PO Box 90, Rumney NH 03266 Page 3
Quincy Bog Notes
text. A typical drawing pictures “a pair of dung-ball-rolling scarab Books We’re Reading at the Bog beetles… with the male pushing the ball and the female riding on it passively. The ball, once buried, provides food for their larvae Life Everlasting: The Animal Way of Death which then pupate inside the ball.” There is substantial scientific A review submitted by Bob Bulkeley content, but he writes with the general reader always in mind.
This compact but comprehensive book by Bernd Heinrich Like Heinrich’s Winter World and Summer World, this fascinating (Mariner Books, 2013, $15.95) is written with the lyrical style of book clarifies and deepens our understanding of the world we his other books. He uses a friend's desire for a green burial to inhabit while making us more aware of our responsibilities. Re- launch his discussion on how all living creatures but humans are turning to the opening question in conclusion, he addresses recycled at death. The chapters discuss topics such as animal "How would I like to be buried?" scavengers and predators, plants and decomposition, and meta- Bob Bulkeley is a member of the QBNA Board of Directors and is the chair of the morphoses and burials. His observations always lead to broader committee that maintains the trail around the Bog. ecological issues. For example, human or natural activities that create an absence of food for vultures can endanger the very existence of this species. Pesticides such as D-Con that exter- minate mice can kill much more than those pesky rodents with Volunteers Needed the presence of poison in the dead animals. The author's obser- After a memorable (!) winter, it is very pleasant to think about vations lead to philosophical discussions about humans’ role in restful summer hours at Quincy Bog Natural Area. I hope all our the ecological balance of the natural world. "Friends of the Bog," who aren't already volunteers, will decide to
Heinrich's lucid and fascinating discussion make 2014 "the year." (The commitment is just 3 hours a week in July and August.) journeys from bark beetles in the forests at his homes in Maine and Vermont, to dung- At The Bog you will find your tensions fading as you enjoy the eaters in the plains of Africa, and finally to views of our lovely pond, the colorful wildflowers, and the charm- the watery deaths of salmon and whales. ing birds and animals. The trails have been made more user- In rich detail, Heinrich describes his experi- friendly and new benches are situated in the most scenic spots. ments with creatures dead and alive to ob- Please volunteer to greet our visitors at the Nature Center and serve the ecological processes of food offer directions, advice, walking sticks and bug repellant. chains and how everything is recycled in Call: Pat 603 536-2401 one way or another - except our human remains. His superb drawings illustrate the Pat Barker coordinates volunteers at QBNA and serves on the Board of Directors.
Board of Directors
Rumney Ecological Systems administrators of Quincy Bog Natural Area and Pemi-Baker Land Trust
President Janice Mulherin, 2011, Rumney P.O. Box 90, Rumney, NH 03266 Vice President Gino Infascelli, 2012, Campton Secretary Kerry Yurewicz, 2008, Plymouth Treasurer Michelle Wright, 2013, Ashland
Directors Gunnar Baldwin, 2013, Plymouth Patricia Barker, 1981, Campton Robert Berti, 1996, Rumney Linda Brownson, 2012, Wentworth Robert Bulkeley, 2005, Campton Charles Chandler, 2006, Warren Marguerite Crowell, 2012, Plymouth Widge Kent, 2002, Plymouth Betty Jo Taffe, 1994, Rumney Judy Weber, 2007, Rumney
Names are followed by the year of joining Board.
Founding Director George (Joe) Kent*, Rumney
Directors Emeritus Robert Gregoire*, Rumney Doris Hillier, Wentworth Allan R. Keith*, Chilmark, MA Warren King, Ripton, VT Faith Mattison, Hanover George “Al” Ports, Rumney Stanley Shmishkiss*, Lynn, MA
*members of original Board
Editors: Widge Kent & Kerry Yurewicz Quincy Bog Notes is a twice-yearly newsletter of information, announcements, and news Contact Us: [email protected] about the Quincy Bog Natural Area and Pemi-Baker Land Trust. This edition has been partially underwritten by Community Guaranty Savings Bank of Plymouth, NH. Clipart ©2002 Zackery Zdinak Quincy Bog Natural Area, 131 Quincy Bog Road, Rumney, NH, 03266, www.quincybog.org