Michelsen Conservation Area

Linda Michelsen and her late husband, Jeffry, discovered the secluded old farm site on Foster Hill Road while cross-country skiing. They fell in love with the open fields and sweeping views to the west, and the towering trees that climbed up a steep ridge to the east. They purchased the property in 1992, and last week, Linda ensured that it will always remain for the wildflowers, birds, and host of other wildlife that call it home.

Michelsen placed a conservation agreement on the land with the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust (ACT). The agreement ensures that the land will never be developed.

“Many people over the years have driven up to the property to enjoy the view and amazing sunsets and I’m pleased to continue that tradition.” Michelsen said.

The Michelsens purchased the property with the intent of eventually living there. They enjoyed the land as playground and refuge, a place to walk the dog and get away for family time, reading scary stories by candlelight.

They cleared the old logging roads and built new trails, cut firewood, collected sap and made maple syrup, and through a NH Fish & Game program planted wild apple trees for wildlife. They created a plan for forest management, recreation, and wildlife and became a Certified Tree Farm. Michelsen allows a state snowmobile corridor to cross the property. 

Sadly, Jeffry’s death in 2003 ended the plans of living there, but Linda held on to the property because of how much it meant to him. She continued to manage it for wildlife, and enjoyed the great diversity of species, particularly birds, because of the mix of fields and forest.

“We are honored to work with Linda to achieve her dream of having this land forever open for wildlife,” said ACT Executive Director Rebecca Brown. “And because Linda has taken such care of the woods, it will be an excellent place to show other landowners how good forest management is done. We have such gratitude for Linda donating this conservation easement.”

At its higher reaches, the property’s forest includes an unusual mix of plant species in what the NH Natural Heritage Bureau identifies as an exemplary example of a red pine rocky ridge natural community. This is a rare occurrence in the state because natural red pine growth typically requires fire. Exemplary occurrences are state-level priorities for biodiversity conservation as they include the best and sometimes only occurrences of the community type in the state.