interstitialRedirectModalTitle

interstitialRedirectModalMessage

Three otters swimming in a pond that is yellow from reflected light.
Just Keep Swimming River otters enjoy a late afternoon swim in Lime Pond. © Jeff Lougee/TNC
Stories in New Hampshire

What Happens at a Nature Preserve?

As countries race to protect at least 30% of Earth’s remaining intact ecosystems, see 3 ways local stewards manage New Hampshire's protected areas.

By Li Platz, Marketing & Communications Intern

Li Platz headshot.
Li Platz 2022 Marketing and Communications Intern in New Hampshire © Li Platz

In New Hampshire and beyond, the stewardship, maintenance and restoration of protected lands is vital to their long-term resilience. Healthy forests, farms and wetlands remove carbon from the atmosphere—key to the fight against climate change. At the same time, there’s value in preserving the magic of towering cedar forests at Manchester Cedar Swamp or the endless, rippling grasses at Lubberland Creek for new and future visitors.

Growing up in rural Wyoming, I was raised to value public lands and the people who take care of them. When I moved to New Hampshire to intern at TNC, I found myself wanting to tag along with staff to experience firsthand how we tackle challenges—ecological and otherwise—at different preserves. These outings seemed like a way for me to participate in stewardship and connect with New Hampshire’s lands and waters on which all life depends.

Join me on a journey to see three of TNC’s New Hampshire preserves. Together, we’ll learn how local land stewards manage them to monitor for invasive species, ensure habitat connectivity and support recreation for all.

A forest in the fall with a lake in the foreground.
Fall Reflections Lime Pond reflects fall colors like a mirror. © Jeff Lougee/TNC

Scientifically speaking, invasive species—whether they’re plants or pests—are non-native organisms that cause harm to an ecosystem. People who study invasives consider “harm” to be anything from crowding out other life to spreading diseases that affect plant, animal or human health. Everyone knows an invasive species: They weren’t invited to the party but showed up anyway, and now they’re irritating the guests. In reality, invasive species can take control, threatening rare habitats and creating problems for nature and people. Land stewards carefully monitor and remove invasive species to ensure ecosystems survive into the future.

At The Nature Conservancy’s Lime Pond Preserve in Columbia, New Hampshire, land stewards are working to remove wall lettuce—an invasive plant that spreads like wildfire over forests and wetlands. As wall lettuce grows here, it uses resources that maidenhair ferns, wild onions, orchids and other unique flora need to survive. Without invasive species management, native plants could be lost, forever altering the ecosystem.

Keep scrolling to see what I experienced at Lime Pond.

View of a road from the passenger seat of a vehicle.
Dark and Stormy Driving to Lime Pond Preserve in Columbia, New Hampshire. © Li Platz/TNC
View taken from inside a car of a woman driving.
Finding Our Way Stewardship staff travel to Lime Pond Preserve in Columbia, New Hampshire. © Li Platz/TNC
An image of a green leafy plant with yellow flowers.
Wall Lettuce This invasive plant is a member of the aster family. © Li Platz/TNC
A person pulling invasive plants in a forest.
Invasives Management Stewardship staff pull invasive wall lettuce from Lime Pond Preserve in Columbia, New Hampshire. © Li Platz/TNC
A yellow warbler on a tree branch.
Witchety-witchety Yellow warblers can often be heard at Lime Pond. © Sheen Watkins
Fallen trees and branches in the woods.
Quiet Solace Lime Pond Preserve in Columbia, New Hampshire. © Li Platz/TNC
View of a road from the passenger seat of a vehicle.
Dark and Stormy Driving to Lime Pond Preserve in Columbia, New Hampshire. © Li Platz/TNC

1/6

Getting to Lime Pond Preserve

The morning is dark and stormy. Our pickup truck grinds over rural New Hampshire roads. Creedence Clearwater Revival blares from the radio: “I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?” Autumn Bennett, seasonal land steward and volunteer coordinator, looks over at me from the driver’s seat and grins. “Yeah, we’ve seen it,” she says. We’ve been driving north for nearly three hours to meet Mike Crawford, northern New Hampshire land steward and Autumn’s supervisor, for a "wall lettuce pulling party."

View taken from inside a car of a woman driving.
Finding Our Way Stewardship staff travel to Lime Pond Preserve in Columbia, New Hampshire. © Li Platz/TNC

2/6

Wall Lettuce Pulling Party

Our “party” originally had six guests, including Autumn and me. But half the invitees couldn’t make it. As we put the truck in reverse for the third time—Google Maps isn’t always reliable—I’m wondering if I should have stayed home too. I’m not even sure what wall lettuce looks like. Autumn isn’t sure either. We do know it’s an invasive plant, and we’re supposed to get rid of it.

An image of a green leafy plant with yellow flowers.
Wall Lettuce This invasive plant is a member of the aster family. © Li Platz/TNC

3/6

What Even Is Wall Lettuce?

Wall lettuce, it turns out, is a member of the aster family, with airy clumps of yellow flowers and toothed leaves. Mike points it out as we walk through dense mesic northern hardwood forest at Lime Pond Preserve. He was able to send us his location, and we’re here, following behind him and stepping carefully to avoid crushing rare species.

A person pulling invasive plants in a forest.
Invasives Management Stewardship staff pull invasive wall lettuce from Lime Pond Preserve in Columbia, New Hampshire. © Li Platz/TNC

4/6

Once You See It

The site at Lime Pond is overrun with wall lettuce. The thin green plants spread over a forested hill and down into a northern white cedar swamp, choking out mosses and maidenhair ferns. “Once you’ve seen it, you can’t unsee it,” Autumn groans. I agree. We each have a pair of work gloves and some trash bags. We’ll stuff the bags with the lettuce of our labor. The three of us drop our backpacks and glove up.

A yellow warbler on a tree branch.
Witchety-witchety Yellow warblers can often be heard at Lime Pond. © Sheen Watkins

5/6

Song of the Forest

There’s a rhythm to the work: bend, reach, grab, pull. Time passes slowly. Autumn hums along to something playing in her earbuds. She’s come prepared. With nothing to distract me, I pay attention to the forest. My song is the yellow warbler’s “witchety-witchety-wichety” one. I remove my gloves, tracing my fingertips over bumpy lichens climbing up oak trunks and soft ferns. Then, it’s back to pulling.

Fallen trees and branches in the woods.
Quiet Solace Lime Pond Preserve in Columbia, New Hampshire. © Li Platz/TNC

6/6

Necessary and Ongoing Work

By late afternoon, our trash bags are full. We choose not to look over the hill, where wall lettuce abounds. “That’s the reality of invasives management,” Mike says with a wry smile. “Next time, we might come back to do a prescribed burn.” A carefully planned fire could clear out the wall lettuce invasion. But we’re proud of our work as stewards of Lime Pond Preserve. It’s quiet, necessary, selfless.

A common loon, a duck-sized bird with a black head and a black-and-white-spotted body and wings, glides on a body of water.
Common Loon A common loon glides along the surface of Lime Pond © Jeff Louge/TNC

Visit Lime Pond Preserve

At Lime Pond, you can find northern white cedar swamps with centuries-old trees, rich mesic northern hardwood forest with maidenhair fern and wild onions, beautiful wetlands with an amazing diversity of orchids, and the state’s only occurrence of the brown bog sedge, which is found along the shoreline of the pond. Plan your visit today.

× A common loon, a duck-sized bird with a black head and a black-and-white-spotted body and wings, glides on a body of water.
An aerial view of a creek winding through a saltmarsh.
Lubberland Creek A tidal creek flows through a salt marsh into Great Bay in Newmarket, New Hampshire, at The Nature Conservancy's Lubberland Creek Preserve. © Jerry and Marcy Monkman/EcoPhotography.com

American eels hatch near Bermuda in the Sargasso Sea before traveling a thousand miles to the freshwater rivers and lakes of the eastern United States, where they grow and live for many years. Once they reach maturity, they travel back to the Sargasso Sea to spawn. But in the Great Bay estuary of New Hampshire, narrow culverts prevent eels and other migratory fish from reaching freshwater systems. These waterfall-like barriers block fish from swimming upstream to the freshwater habitat essential to their life cycles.  

In 2020, The Nature Conservancy worked with the Town of Newmarket to replace a culvert under Bay Road at Lubberland Creek Preserve. With rising sea levels, more intense storms and increased surface water runoff, the old 3-by-4-foot pipe couldn’t effectively pass water between the creek and the nearby salt marsh. The concrete box culvert we built instead allows water to flow with the tides and helps migratory fish and other species navigate safely. This is the second year post-construction that our land stewards have set fish traps to see if migratory fish use the culvert to travel upstream—a measure of what scientists call aquatic connectivity.

Here’s what happened when I helped staff monitor for fish at Lubberland Creek.

A woman standing in a saltmarsh near a creek.
Gone Fish Monitorin' Land Steward and Volunteer Coordinator Autumn Bennett monitoring fish in Lubberland Creek in Newmarket, New Hampshire. © Li Platz/TNC
Two people walking through a saltmash carrying tools.
Science in the Saltmarsh TNC staff head across the saltmarsh to monitor fish in Lubberland Creek. © Li Platz/TNC
Two fish traps pouring fish into a bucket of water.
Fish Traps TNC staff record data on fish caught in fish traps placed in Lubberland Creek. © Li Platz/TNC
Looking down into a bucket containing many small fish.
Mummichogs Mummichogs are small estuarine fish that eat mosquitos. © Li Platz/TNC
Two people performing scientific study in a saltmarsh.
Fish Monitoring TNC staff study what species of fish have been caught in fish traps placed in Lubberland Creek. © Li Platz/TNC
An assortment of fish traps on the ground.
Fish Traps TNC staff clean fish traps in preparation for their next use. © Li Platz/TNC
A woman standing in a saltmarsh near a creek.
Gone Fish Monitorin' Land Steward and Volunteer Coordinator Autumn Bennett monitoring fish in Lubberland Creek in Newmarket, New Hampshire. © Li Platz/TNC

1/6

Gearing Up for the Workday

Autumn and I arrive at the Great Bay Office in the morning. We've been experiencing a heat wave recently, and it’s already sweltering hot. Still, we’d rather suffer in our long pants and sleeves than expose ourselves to thick shrubs and swarming mosquitos at Lubberland Creek. Joanne Glode, southern New Hampshire stewardship ecologist, waves us to the shed to gather supplies: rubber boots, work gloves, plastic buckets, saline monitor, measuring stick and data sheets. “Good morning!” she says cheerily. We smile, trying to match her enthusiasm.

Two people walking through a saltmash carrying tools.
Science in the Saltmarsh TNC staff head across the saltmarsh to monitor fish in Lubberland Creek. © Li Platz/TNC

2/6

A Sea of Grasses

“I set out the fish traps a few days ago,” Joanne says. “So all we have to do is go pull them up and see what we’ve caught.” She makes the work sound simple and, well, fun. We head out, carrying our buckets in one hand so we can swat at insects. I weave through the sea of grasses, carefully avoiding the hidden troughs dug by 18th-century saltmarsh farmers and others to try and manage the marsh. However, these practices caused more long-term harm than good. More recently, stewards have worked to restore the area so estuarine species can thrive.

Two fish traps pouring fish into a bucket of water.
Fish Traps TNC staff record data on fish caught in fish traps placed in Lubberland Creek. © Li Platz/TNC

3/6

Checking the Fish Traps

At the first site, Autumn and I take turns hauling up the wire fish traps, filling buckets with water to hold the fish and identifying species with the laminated identification key. After we record the data, we release the fish back into their habitat.

Looking down into a bucket containing many small fish.
Mummichogs Mummichogs are small estuarine fish that eat mosquitos. © Li Platz/TNC

4/6

Jackpot! We Found an Eel

On the saltwater side of the culvert, we find mummichogs (a small estuarine fish that eats mosquitos) and crabs. One trap contains an American eel. We’re excited—this is one of the migratory fish we hoped to see. While the eel hasn’t yet made it to freshwater, Joanne says that’s okay. “The water is really low this year, so I’m surprised we’re seeing these fish at all.”

Two people performing scientific study in a saltmarsh.
Fish Monitoring TNC staff study what species of fish have been caught in fish traps placed in Lubberland Creek. © Li Platz/TNC

5/6

Celebrating Our Wins

At each site, we take the width and depth of the water and the salinity. As we move further from the marsh and cross through the culvert, the salinity decreases. Here, we find white perch—another migratory species. “This is great,” Joanne says. “They’ve been able to use the culvert to get toward fresh water.” Autumn and I nod, too hot and tired to say much. But I’m pleased by the tangible results. Nature can be fickle. In the world of environmental stewardship, it’s important to celebrate your wins.

An assortment of fish traps on the ground.
Fish Traps TNC staff clean fish traps in preparation for their next use. © Li Platz/TNC

6/6

Ready for Next Year

We trudge back to the office under the mid-day sun, sweat dripping down our necks. I help lay out the traps and spray them with the hose to prevent rust. Like the stewardship team, they’ll be ready for next year’s catch.

Landscape view looking out across a salt marsh, with streams meandering through golden grasses; a forest is in the far distance.
Lubberland Creek Preserve Sunset on the salt marsh at Lubberland Creek Preserve in Newmarket, New Hampshire. © Jerry & Marcy Monkman, www.ecophotography.com

Visit Lubberland Creek Preserve

At Lubberland Creek, hikers will enjoy ponds, wetlands, salt marsh, mud flats, vernal pools and a variety of critters including songbirds, fisher, deer, salamanders, beaver, wood duck and more. Keep your eyes peeled for the great blue heron rookery! Plan your visit today.

× Landscape view looking out across a salt marsh, with streams meandering through golden grasses; a forest is in the far distance.
View from behind of a woman resting on a bench in the forest and looking at an informational sign.
A Place to Rest Handmade benches dot the All Persons Trail in Manchester, NH, providing frequent places to stop and take in the surroundings. © Rooted in Light Media

On Earth Day 2022, The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire opened a fully-accessible trail at Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve in Manchester. The All Persons Trail is a 1.2-mile accessible path that provides visitors access to unique geologic features in the preserve, including mossy glacial boulders and vernal pools nestled amongst oak forests. For three years, we worked with different community groups, Indigenous partners and experienced trail builders to plan and construct a trail that welcomes everyone. After learning about the process and writing about the project at TNC, I wanted to visit the All Persons Trail with a few staff members who made it happen and experience the magic of Manchester Cedar Swamp.

Take a peek into my summer day at the trail.

TNC's Joanne Glode, Sheila Vargas and Megan Latour.
All Persons Trail Team TNC's Joanne Glode, Sheila Vargas and Megan Latour visit the All Persons Trail at Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve. © Rooted in Light Media
Closeup of rocks lining a gravel path in the woods.
Hands On Most of the rocks that line the edges of the All Persons Trail at Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve were split by hand using traditional tools. © Rooted in Light Media
Sunlight streams through dense trees onto a boardwalk.
Glow and Light The sun filters through cedars at Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve in New Hampshire. © Li Platz/TNC
A group of people on an observation platform in woods.
A Platform with a View Visitors to the All Persons Trail at Manchester Cedar Swamp can view the rare giant rhodendron from a spacious platform in the woods. © Jerry and Marcy Monkman/EcoPhotography
Li Platz hugging a large black gum tree.
Hug A Tree New Hampshire's Marketing and Communications Intern, Li Platz, hugs a 500-year-old black gum tree at Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve. © Megan Latour/TNC
TNC's Joanne Glode, Sheila Vargas and Megan Latour.
All Persons Trail Team TNC's Joanne Glode, Sheila Vargas and Megan Latour visit the All Persons Trail at Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve. © Rooted in Light Media

1/5

In Person at All Persons Trail

As I park at the All Persons Trail, I’m eager to get out of the car. While working for TNC, I’ve learned much about this preserve and project. Words and images are compelling, but I’m ready to experience this place in person. Three members of the team—Sheila Vargas, Megan Latour and Joanne Glode—are preparing for our walk in the woods, spraying insect repellent and adjusting their TNC T-shirts. “I guess we came at a less popular time,” Megan says. “The parking lot is usually full.”

Closeup of rocks lining a gravel path in the woods.
Hands On Most of the rocks that line the edges of the All Persons Trail at Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve were split by hand using traditional tools. © Rooted in Light Media

2/5

Attention to Detail

Our crew is here to share the trail with Crystal Diaz de Villegas, the acting state director for New Hampshire. She’s come from Florida and, like me, has never been to a cedar swamp before. It’s hot and humid, and haze settles around us as we step out onto the trail. “The rocks that form the base of the trail were all cut by hand,” Megan explains. As I look down, I appreciate the attention to detail that went into the design—the wide path, even gravel and gentle, rolling terrain.

Sunlight streams through dense trees onto a boardwalk.
Glow and Light The sun filters through cedars at Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve in New Hampshire. © Li Platz/TNC

3/5

Eating Wild Blueberries So Close to Downtown

Above us, sunlight gleams through the leaves of towering oak trees. Birds call out to each other from the tallest branches—their songs soar over the hum of summer insects. Flanking the path, there’s a dense understory of shrubs and ferns, and near the boardwalk loop, wild blueberry bushes grow with abandon. We stop to pick blueberries, reaching up on tiptoe to find ripe ones. They burst open in our mouths, tangy and sweet. “These taste like summer,” I say. Megan agrees. “It’s amazing that we’re so close to downtown and eating wild blueberries."

A group of people on an observation platform in woods.
A Platform with a View Visitors to the All Persons Trail at Manchester Cedar Swamp can view the rare giant rhodendron from a spacious platform in the woods. © Jerry and Marcy Monkman/EcoPhotography

4/5

A Fairy-tale View of an Atlantic White Cedar Swamp

The lookout platform is my favorite spot we visit on the trail. From the deck, I peer out at the grove of giant rhododendron emerging from the mist. We’ve missed their blooms, but the view of the white cedar swamp is still something out of a fairy tale. I tilt my head up toward the sky, enjoying the forest air. An elderly couple sitting on a wooden bench behind me seems to have the same idea. We soak in the sunshine together.

Li Platz hugging a large black gum tree.
Hug A Tree New Hampshire's Marketing and Communications Intern, Li Platz, hugs a 500-year-old black gum tree at Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve. © Megan Latour/TNC

5/5

Keeping the Trail Accessible for Us All

This warm July afternoon is so peaceful that I almost don’t want to leave. But I know if I return in autumn, the oak trees at Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve will be brilliant shades of gold, orange and red. Volunteers will take time to collect fallen leaves and branches from the trail to ensure it’s accessible for wheeled devices. Each season, the beauty of nature at Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve remains because of—and for—us all.

Three people hike on a flat trail in the woods.
Ease On Down The Road Hikers enjoy a leisurely stroll through the woods. © Robert Nua Toy-Gile

Visit Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve

Hiking, snowshoeing and bird watching are fun activities at Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve. The All Persons Trail is suitable for all abilities and includes interactive, immersive experiences for all visitors. A free audio tour is available in both English and Spanish. Plan your visit today.

× Three people hike on a flat trail in the woods.