Follow the Trail with Bill Reid,
The Last Green Valley's Chief Ranger

“Turtles were around before dinosaurs, and they watched them emerge, prosper, and disappear altogether. Without changing their body plan at all, turtles further observed the rise of birds and mammals. They are still here today, waiting to see what happens to us.” — Thomas F.…

In March I wrote about exploring three beaver ponds at my grandparent’s old farm property in New Hampshire. With the late winter ground and water still frozen it was easy for me to explore the edges of each pond, especially the one closest to a…

I’ve written about the success eagles and other raptors have had with rebounding populations here in The Last Green Valley and nationwide. While the successes are to be celebrated, there are still two threats that are not allowing raptors and waterfowl to thrive the way…

Tomorrow is Memorial Day, a day we take time to celebrate those who gave their life for our country while serving in the armed forces. To honor the fallen we hold parades, set out graveside decorations, make speeches and remembrances and take time to give…

 “Planting nuts requires a vision for a future that goes beyond one’s mortal reach,” — Bernd Heinrich from The Trees in My Forest Last fall I was presented with a gift of two 1-gallon plastic bags of red oak acorns. My sister-in-law Jamie had collected…

“Although it is easier to find the nest in early winter, nest finding in spring is more of a challenge and infinitely more rewarding, since the nests are in use.” —John Hanson Mitchell from “A Field Guide to Your Own Back Yard.” Step outside in…

“The survival of its species depends on how well it can protect and keep warm a ridiculous, round, rolly, fragile thing, containing its future offspring.” Joan Dunning, Secrets of the Nest: The Family Life of North American Birds In my office I have a photograph…

Earth Day was April 22, and I had the opportunity to celebrate in style with a very enjoyable hike at West Thompson Lake — one of the six U.S. Army Corps of Engineer (USACOE) recreation areas within The Last green Valley National Heritage Corridor. It…

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he [or she] needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” — Rachel Carson Are you and…

“Spring was moving in the air above and in the earth below and around him, penetrating even his dark and lowly little house with its spirit of divine discontent and longing.” Mole from “The Wind in the Willows,” by Kenneth Grahame One of the most…

It is no surprise to those of us who have lived all or large portions of our lives here in southern New England that spring likes to tease and entice us. We have marked the start of spring with cold snowy days, and days like…

I have hiked around Breakneck Pond at Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union many times and in all seasons. This past month I was there on two occasions, and I want to share my experience about the hike in hopes that readers might venture to…