Meetings: Second Wednesday of the month, 7 PM at Mann House (except July & August)

Map of Mason Conservation lands (2011)(.PDF 1.3 MB)

Map of Invasive Species in Mason (2011), 8.5"x11"(.PDF 2.2 MB)

Map of Invasive Species in Mason (2011), 24"x24"(.PDF 1.8 MB)

List of Mason conservation lands, conservation easements, or other Town owned or untaxed lands (as of July 10, 2011)(.PDF 12 KB)

Boston & Maine 1981 "val sheet" maps of Mason Railroad Trail (.PDF 1.3 MB)

Mason Conservation Fact sheet, as of March 2011)(.PDF 880 KB)

Mason Natural Resources Inventory (short form)(.PDF 76 KB)

Big Cats Survey Form (.PDF 80 KB) used to report sitings of Mountain Lions / Cougars in Mason.

Minutes (Nov 2007 to present)

Information about Asian Long Horned Beetle Spring 2009 Hillsborough County Conservation District Newsletter (PDF 73 KB)

These programs are in memory of Florence Roberts, conservationist, nature lover and member of the Mason Conservation Commission for 35 years. She donated the 39 acre forest on Valley Road so the southern entrance to town will remain wild forever. Mason Scouts recently completed a trail through the forest that is available for walking and hiking. Access points are across from the cemetery and just north of the Uncle Sam House.

These programs are funded by donations, not tax dollars. For more information, contact Barbara DeVore at 732-3761 or leahcha@yahoo.com.

All programs are at 7:30 pm in the Town Hall, unless otherwise noted.

Chestnut Program, Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at 7:00 PM.
Join Wildlife Biologist, Curt Laffin, as he discusses the history and demise of the American chestnut tree and efforts by the American Chestnut Foundation to restore it locally and throughout its historic range. There may be healthy American chestnut trees in Mason that can be used as "mother trees". Learn about the 900 chestnut trees growing in a nursery in Peterborough.

Animal Tracking Program, Saturday, February 11, 2012, at 9:00 AM.
Join master tracker Jon Sargent AM to discover what animals have been out and about. Plan to meet at railroad trail by Pratt Pond, on Pratt Pond Road, then proceed to a near-by area where tracks are likely to be plentiful. Participants should dress in layers; it is better to overdress than be cold. Of course snow cover will be preferable. Depending on the snow depth, snow shoes may be an option.
On a recent expedition in north Mason, Jon found tracks of the following critters: bobcat, red fox, coyote, black bear, long tail weasel, ruffed grouse, deer mouse, white tailed deer, porcupine, gray squirrel, and snowshoe hare.
If you have questions, e-mail Jon at jonasargent@comcast.net or call Barbara DeVore at 732.3761.

Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) Map Splash, Thursday, March 1, 2012, at 7:30 PM at Town Hall.
Your Input Is Needed!
You are cordially invited to view maps created for Mason's Natural Resource Inventory.
Your personal knowledge of your land, neighborhood or town is needed as the maps are based on data from state and federal sources. You can assist with verifying information from aerial photos. Checking the accuracy and completeness of data will be of great assistance.
The maps depict different natural resources, including water, forests, wildlife habitat and farmland. Write-ups to accompany the maps will be available for review, too.
Don't feel knowledgeable about this subject? Join us out of curiosity and learn more about your neighborhood.
Refreshments will be served at this free event.
Questions? Contact Barbara DeVore at leahcha@yahoo.com or 732.3761.

Watch for news on possible upcoming programs!
"Curious Naturally" by Mary Holland
Drug Take Back Program in conjunction with Mason PD
Bee Keeping

Animal Tracking Program with naturalist Jon Sargent
Orchids with John Crooker
Eyes on Owls with Marcia Wilson
Salamander Migration with Rick Glatz
Spoon Making with Spoonwood by Dan Dustin
Mountain Lions with Bill Betty

Animal Tracking in Winter with Jon Sargent,
Outdoor Tracking Session with Jon Sargent,
Coyotes and Wolves in the New England Landscape with Chris Schadler,
Salamander Migration with Rick Glatz,
This Yard is for the Birds - Landscaping for Wildlife by Margaret Hagen WMUR TV and UNH Extension Service,
Ticks and Human Diseases They Spread in New Hampshire by Dr. Alan Eaton,
Dragonflies with Jeff Young,
Hawk Migration with Francie Von Mertens,
Mushroom Hunt with Reta Chaffee MacGregor,
Alaska Wilderness: Canoe Journey into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge with Marcia and Mark Wilson