Introduction and History

In the heart of southwest New Hampshire, one of the state’s most picturesque regions, are the tree covered ridges and valleys of the Shieling Forest.

The Shieling Forest was a gift to the State of New Hampshire by the late Mrs. Elizabeth Yates McGreal. Mrs. McGreal was a longtime resident of Peterborough and a nationally known writer whose concerns ranged from books, libraries and work for the blind, to forests and their proper use. In addition to her gift of 47 acres of land with buildings to the State of New Hampshire in 1980, Mrs. McGreal established a trust fund to help defray the costs of maintenance and operation of the Shieling Forest. This trust is managed by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

The Shieling Forest is operated by the Division of Forests and Lands of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, for the purpose of helping to stimulate public interest and knowledge on properly managing small private forests and related natural resources.

Staff

A.J. Dupere

Community Forester

Public / Educational Programs

Whether you are interested in identifying animal tracks in the snow, learning which shrubs and trees to plant to attract more birds to your backyard, or just interested in becoming a better steward of your land, the Shieling Forest has something for you.

Throughout the year, Shieling Forest conducts seminars led by expert speakers; slide shows; historical programs; field trips; and hands-on demonstrations, where you can learn about any topic connected with forestry and natural resources. These sessions are informative, educational, and entertaining. They also provide a great opportunity to meet other people who share your interests. (See Coming Events).

Programs at the Shieling Forest are presented in cooperation with the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association, and the U.S. Forest Service - State and Private Forestry.

Forest Management

Most of New Hampshire’s 4.5 million acres of timberland is privately owned. This land provides timber, wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, and many other benefits. Yet to be used to its full potential, landowners need to understand the importance of proper forest management.

For those who like to experience the outdoors firsthand, the Shieling Forest  offers a self-guided forestry trail. This trail is used for walking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Facilities

McGreal House - This building was the year-round residence of Mrs. Elizabeth Y. McGreal until she moved to Concord in 1995. It has been carefully renovated and maintained to reflect its early New Hampshire Heritage.

Forestry Learning Center - This building serves as the focal point for all activities at the Shieling Forest. There is a meeting room, library, and exhibit areas. This facility is available to groups and organizations for meetings with a conservation purpose. This building is handicap accessible.

Directions

The Shieling Forest is located on Old Street Road, one-quarter mile south of Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, New Hampshire. (See also Where We Are).

For more information: Contact the Community Forestry and Stewardship Bureau - Urban Forestry Center at 45 Elwyn Road, Portsmouth, N.H. 03801-5701, telephone (603) 431-6774.