Hello from the HCC, your “steward of open space” in Hampton. We maintain an inventory of the Town’s open space and significant tracts, and as an advisory body, we conduct reviews of subdivision applications to make suggestions regarding mandated set-asides. We assist with the periodic revision of the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, and we also investigate appropriate properties to acquire for open space and recreation and then bring these proposals to the Town for discussion and possible approval.
We have five members and two alternates, and what’s been taking up most of our time this past year is identifying and updating current open space in town, and developing fun and educational activities for residents that stress resource protection and appreciation.
Here’s a list of some of the things we’ve been working on this year–even through the pandemic (we sucked it up and joined the Zoom revolution, thanks to our friend Kathy Donahue):
On-line Open Space/Walking Brochure: Hampton has many beautiful areas that offer a variety of vistas, trails and wildlife that range from the easily accessible to the relatively obscure. Many are owned by the Town, some are as simple as abandoned roads, and others are areas maintained by land trusts and the State. We wanted to put as many into one document as possible, and an online brochure allows us to do that, as well as include links to additional photos, maps, etc. Since the brochure is still a work in progress, expect it to be updated and refined in the coming weeks and months. Its first draft, however, should be on the Town’s webpage under Conservation Commission by the time you read this.
Trail ID and Marking: Plans are in progress to clear existing trails (like the Cohantic Ledges trail, damaged by several storms) and define new ones (in the Pudding Hill Preserve and hopefully near the Little River at the Hammond Hill Preserve). This takes a lot of work, and volunteers are always welcome!
Nefarious Knotweed: You’ve read in previous issues about this invasive pest and The HCC’s plan to “Nip the Knotweed” this year in several areas around town. This is a community-wide project—kind of like adopt-a-road, only with plant murder in your heart. We also need you to let us know where it’s growing; Knotweed Czar Marcia Kilpatrick is keeping a list—contact her at 860-455-1226 or Kalmia1234@gmail.com. The first day-o-destruction will be May 1—mark your calendars!
Arbor Day: The Conservation Commission and Boy Scouts joined The Hampton Board of Education/PTO and the Recreation Commission for this year’s Arbor Day Celebration held at the Hampton Elementary School on April 30. The BoE/PTO and the Rec Commission donated trees to be planted in a “grove” in the playground area, to provide some shade for students. Eversource also generously offered to donate an additional tree, as well as seedlings for students to take home.
Join us! We meet the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm, either in person or via Zoom. Check the Town webpage for our upcoming agendas, which give you the Zoom link or physical location.
Penny Newbury