Conservation Commission Past Events

A group of around 60 folks of all ages from all around the area gathered at the Town Offices for an engaging talk by Chris Schadler.

The clever and resilient coyote is our native song dog and a top predator in the northeast. While Western coyotes evolved on the Great Plains, our Eastern coyote has been shaped by red and gray wolves, dogs and the wily western coyote. The habitat in the northeast supports deer which encourages a larger size, longer stronger legs and a more developed packing instinct in this predator. Despite the ecological benefits the coyote brings, it is the most persecuted carnivore in North America. And yet, it survives and thrives despite efforts to eradicate it.

Chris Schadler, M.S., Conservation Biology, will discuss coexistence strategies whether you farm, hike or garden. “Understanding the mind and ecology of the coyote can keep us one step ahead of problems”, according to Chris, who, with 30 years of wolf and coyote research, sheep farming, and teaching, will demonstrate that “knowledge is power” when it comes to living with coyotes.

Learn more about Chris and coyotes at ProjectCoyote.com

Conservation Commission Past Events

A great group of gardeners and farmers joined Seth Wilner, of the UNH Ext., at his garden in Newport NH to talk about soil health, organic gardening practices, cover crops, season extension, crop rotation, and establishing a pollinator habitat among other topics.

There are some great resources about soil health available through the UNH Extension, UVM Vermont Pasture Network, and Vermont Grass Farmers Association.

Conservation Commission Past Events

Ten people came out to the CREA property for a wildlife tracking workshop held by the Cornish Conservation Commission and led by tracking enthusiast Joe LaRue. Throughout the workshop, we spotted several animal tracks and signs while Joe encouragingly helped us look for clues as to what animals had been there and why.

One big takeaway from the workshop was to focus on your area of awareness in relation to your area of disturbance while walking through the woods. The animals throughout the forest talk to one another and tip each other off when there is a potential threat. The slower and quieter you walk, and less threatening you appear, the smaller your area of disturbance will be and the greater your chance of seeing more animals. Your area of awareness is broadened by understanding wildlife tracks and signs, and listening to what the birds and other animals are saying to each other.

Suggested Book: Mammal Tracks & Sign: A Guide to North American Species by Mark Elbroch
Suggested Facebook Groups:
New England Tracking Exchange
Animals Don’t Cover Their Tracks: Animal Track Identification Help Group
Tracking Certification Option: cybertracker.org