Lost River Gorge and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests to celebrate 100 years of protecting Lost River

Lost River Gorge guides and visitors wore overalls while exploring the gorge in the 1900's.

North Woodstock, NH -- North Country residents and visitors are invited to celebrate the 100th birthday of the preservation of Lost River Gorge, Thursday, June 7, 2012. Located on Route 112W in N. Woodstock, Lost River is one of the oldest natural attractions in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

To mark this special occasion, visitors who arrive dressed in period clothing (early 1900’s) will receive free admission for the day, and individuals who bring something to show that they have visited Lost River Gorge during the past 100 years can take $2.00 off their admission rate. A free gift also awaits the first 100 guests to visit the gorge on this celebration day.

Special guided tours will be available to guests at 9:30 am, 11:30 am and 2:30 pm along with two unique children’s hours at 10am and 1:30pm, featuring crafts, games and other activities (Parents are welcome to join too) and a birthday celebration with cake and ice cream at 12:30pm.

Lost River's General Manager Deb Williams says, “If you can answer a Lost River trivia question correctly at the end of your journey, you will receive 25% off your entire purchase of regularly priced items in the gift shop. And there will be giveaways and discounts in the gift shop throughout the day.”

The gorge and 157 acres of surrounding forest are owned and maintained by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. In 1912 the property was acquired by the Society when its members learned the owner, Publishers Paper Company, planned to harvest the timber from the entire site. By that time the gorge was being written about broadly, and had become a notable attraction since its discovery in 1852 by two young brothers who were out fishing along Lost River.

According to Forest Society spokesman Jack Savage, "An agreement was achieved in which the owner donated the land to the newly formed Forest Society, and volunteers raised $7,000 to purchase the standing timber."

Lost River is the first and oldest of the Forest Society’s 174 properties it maintains as forest reservation. Savage says "The setting is ideal for the Forest Society since it offers a place where visitors can see the work of the organization and learn about the natural world of the North Country."

“Over the years, the number of visitors who have come to appreciate the site as a special and unique place has grown into the thousands,” Savage says. “It’s a cool place, and so many people have been able to enjoy a wonderful outdoor experience.”

In 1967, the Forest Society entered an agreement with White Mountain Attractions to manage the tourist site.

“For the last century Lost River has been an ideal place for people to connect to what makes New Hampshire special,” says Jane Difley, President/Forester of the Forest Society. “We value our partnership with White Mountains Attractions, which enables the public to continue to enjoy the wonders of the gorge while supporting our conservation mission.”

Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves is owned by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and managed by White Mountains Attractions in North Woodstock.

White Mountains Attractions, founded in 1958, is the marketing association for 16 attractions within the White Mountains region, including Attitash, Cannon Mountain, Clark’s Trading Post, the Cog Railroad, the Conway Scenic Railroad, Flume Gorge, the Hobo Railroad, Loon Mountain, Lost River Gorge, Mount Washington Auto Road, Polar Caves, Santa’s Village, Six Gun City, Story Land, Whale’s Tale and Wildcat Mountain.

For more information about Lost River Gorge and a full schedule of events including Father's Day discounts and upcoming evening series events , visit www.lostrivergorge.com; email at info@lostrivergorge.com or check out Lost River Gorge on Facebook. For information about the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests or the White Mountains, go to www.forestsociety.org or www.VisitWhiteMountains.com.

Wildflower Festival June 2, 2012

32 Years of the Wildflower Festival and the Day has Old Favorites and New Offerings

BETHLEHEM, N.H. —The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests invites wildflower enthusiasts to kick off the annual Fields of Lupine Festival June 2 at The Rocks Estate. The day will mark the start of the 32^nd Annual Wildflower Festival, with a full slate of fun activities planned at the turn-of-the-century Estate.

From cooking and planting to floral identification and edible flowers, wildflowers and other plants will be celebrated on this early summer day. Several workshops and tours are planned to entertain and educate visitors from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The Festival will include guided walks by Virginia Jeffries, Anne Gruczka and Janet Hill along the Mile Path, which meanders through the historic Rocks Estate property, where the Glessner family, original owners of the Estate, collected and planted a plethora of flowers.

“This trail is off-limits to guests apart from guided tours, as per the wishes of the donors of the property, John Lee and Martha Batchelder,” said Clare Brown, of the Bethlehem Heritage Society and a Forest Society staff member. “The guided walks offer a chance for visitors to see the trail, a hidden historic jewel, bringing together the natural world and the heritage of The Rocks Estate.”

Interpreters will highlight the rich history of the Glessner family, who summered here beginning in the late 1880s, while explaining the natural world they loved so much. The Mile Path walks are limited to 15 people per tour and fill quickly, so reservations are strongly advised.

Local bird enthusiast Mary Boulanger will lead two birding and history walks past the original farm site purchased for $2,300 by John Glessner in 1882. Flower enthusiast Pam Dexter will teach participants to identify flowers using a key, a skill which both beginners and experts will find helpful in the field.

In the “Floral Edibles” workshop, Rocks’ volunteer Janet Hill and staffers Clare Brown and Carlene Quinn will share a variety of ways to use a range of plants to spice up meals at home. The program includes identification of the plants used and where to find them.

“Learning what you can pick and prepare yourself is getting to be a lost art,” says Hill, a gardening and cooking enthusiast. “We want to reintroduce people to what they can find in the wild or grow naturally.”

New this year are samples of three wines from Hermit Woods Winery. The wines selected are all made from local ingredients and will tantilize the taste buds. Those chosen for the day are Day Lily Wine, Elderberry Wine and Knot Tomato Wine.

Owned by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, the landmark 1,400-acre Rocks Estate includes numerous buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The farm specializes in rural experiences and provides Agri- and Eco-tourism opportunities throughout the year.

The cost for the day-long Wildflower Festival is $15 and includes lunch and all programs. A $5 discount is given with each lupine festival book presented.

For more information and a schedule of events please visit www.therocks.org For reservations and other inquires e-mail info@therocks.org or call 603-444-6228.

The Days Events and Menu (menu may be subject to change)

Historic Mile Path Walks 10 am, 10:30 am, 2 pm, 2:30 pm.

History and Bird Walks 11:00 am amd 2 pm.

Chef Demo 1 pm

Flower id 10 am, 2 pm.

Menu for "Edible Flowers" Lunch

Rhubarb Punch and Crystal Light

Marigolds and Cream Cheese with Crackers.

Home made jams and crackers.

Marinated Fiddleheads and Wild Leeks

Japanese Knotweed Soup

Mushroom Dill Soup

Salad with mesclun greens, Johnnie Jump Ups, Garlic and Chives.

Raspberries, vinegar and Oil dressing.

Wraps with Spinach, Cucumbers, Dill and Pepper with grated cheese and mayonnaise.

Sour pickles.

Ice Cream with Rhubarb Sauce

Rhubarb Cake

Wine samples from Hermit Woods Winery 

Theme Announced for 2012 Lisbon Lilac Festival

The Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced the theme for the 25th Annual Lilac Time Festival to be held Memorial Day weekend in Lisbon, NH, May 27th -29th.

This years theme is one of memories and nostalgia Gone but not forgotten.

Enthusiasm is already being generated in the community for ideas for parade floats and decorating.

The Lilac Time Festival will once again be co chaired by Janice Choate, Lisbon Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member and Cathy Burke, Lisbon Main Street, Inc., Director.

The trade mark parade featuring theme floats and an abundance of the fragrant lilac flowers will also welcome the newly crowned Miss New Hampshire, Mc Lures Alumni Band, the Mad Bavarian Brass Band and the Fernald Lumber Yankee Horse Hitch. The popular Millers Amusement Rides will open Friday evening with a special one price bracelet for all rides May 27th, the rides will be open throughout the weekend.

Entertainment in Chevron Park will begin Saturday morning with Blue grass music from the well known Parker Hill Road Band. Delightful Concerts will follow throughout the day, with local bands performing. The parade will start promptly at 11:00am. This years Grand Marshalls will be two of the women who helped spur the first Lilac Festival in 1981, Aggie Andross and Barbara Ashley. Aggie and Barbara have continually brought humor and organization to the annual event. We salute their generosity to the community.

The Arts Gallery will sponsor a Craft Fair and Sale on Saturday May 28, on the Shared Ministry Church lawn. Contact Kathy Stevens for more info at 838 - 6675. Vendors, Crafters and Artists will occupy the sidewalks of Lisbon during the three - day event.

Lisbon Main Streets Annual Chili Chowder Cook Off will be held Sunday May 28, from 11am to 2pm. For entry applications call 838- 2200. Taste the the best chili and chowder in the North Country. The Lisbon Lions, will offer their tasty sausage sandwiches Saturday and the area churches will provide home cooked food and goodies. The Friends in Council will hold a bake sale on Saturday morning. Arrive early to buy some great pies and cakes.

Take time to participate in the Art Gallery?s Peoples Art Show, help judge the winners of art in numerous mediums.

The traditional Memorial Shared Ministry Church Service and dedications will be held Sunday morning.

The Northern New Hampshire Fire Apparatus Parade followed by Fireworks brings a climax to the downtown Lilac Festival, Sunday evening.

New Hampshires twenty fifth annual Lilac Festival will have a grand finish at the Lisbon Village Country Club where the Lilac Golf Tournament will be held on Monday May 29th. For additional information please call (603)838 -2200.