(Durham, NH, October 30, 2020) - Over a century ago, a wealthy shoe manufacturer from Boston, Thomas Plant, saw the beauty of Ossipee mountain range in Moultonborough, N.H. and decided to build a castle. Today, more than five thousand acres of land wraps around the Castle in the Clouds as part of a conservation patchwork of land that is protected forever. Join WINDOWS TO THE WILD host Willem Lange as he explores this multifaceted property to see why it is considered the crown jewel of the Lakes Region.
As the COVID-19 pandemic settles in, people from near and far look to escape to the mountains of New Hampshire. “We’ve seen this spring how important these properties are. People have been kept at home because of the pandemic and are eager to have some enjoyment and get some fresh air. We’ve had more use than ever of these trails,” says Donald Berry, President of the Lakes Region Conservation Trust.
There are nearly two-million acres of public or conserved land in New Hampshire that is used by both outdoor enthusiast and wildlife. The Lakes Region Conservation Trust immediately saw the value and importance of conserving the land surrounding the Castle in the Clouds so that it would be open to public use. “When we conserve land it means that it will be protected forever, it means that people will be able to enjoy the beauty of it, the recreational opportunities, the wildlife habitat of it and the peacefulness of it forever,” says Berry. “As we look at possible land conservation opportunities that people bring to us, one of the key factors in our thinking is how a particular piece of land connects with larger pieces of land to create big corridors that allow wildlife to move across the landscape.”
Close to six million dollars had to be raised to protect the Castles in the Clouds property. Ann Hackl was one of many people who help secure the funding. “Conservation is something I’ve really been involved in and cared about ever since I was a kid,” says Hackl. “I grew up on 200 acres in Connecticut and then when my father retired he sold it and it was developed. I swore that one day I would own a chunk of land and I was going to save it.” She did just that. Ann and her husband donated over 300 acres to the conservation.
To preserve land, generations of families have come together to discuss whether to outright donate their land or to donate a conservation easement where they can continue to own the land and work the land. But for many of these families, they all have one thing in common – preservation. “Some of us have long family roots in this part of New Hampshire and we really treasure it. It means a lot to us to preserve the natural aspects of the land that we’ve appreciated throughout our lives,” says Berry.
You can explore more of this crown jewel of the Lakes Region on the next episode of WINDOWS TO THE WILD, premiering Wednesday, November 4th at 7:30 pm on New Hampshire PBS and online anytime at nhpbs.org/windows.
UPCOMING EVENT - Sunday, October 6, 2024 - Trail Mixer 2024 Windows to the Wild Event
WINDOWS TO THE WILD WITH WILLEM LANGE is generously supported by the Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust and the Bailey Charitable Foundation
Willem Lange’s wardrobe is generously donated by The Kittery Trading Post
Fifty years ago, a group of citizens stopped the development of an oil refinery.
Listen on your favorite podcast platform
Thanks to our podcast partner: The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication at Franklin Pierce University
Adventure journalist Freddie Wilkinson and a group of indigenous paddlers set out.
We rejoin adventure journalist Freddie Wilkinson and a group of indigenous paddlers.
A team of researchers study the effects of human interactions with Canada Jays.
Gregory Rec and his daughter Corrina love hiking together.
Myah Rather is a Meteorology and Atmospheric Science student from Maryland.
Willem Lange and a group of New England travelers explore the beauty and culture of France.
The Gulf of Maine offshore wind farm could become New England's next source of renewable energy.
Elevate Youth empowers youth to explore the outdoors and promotes environmental stewardship.
Joe Klementovich travels along Maine's rivers on a paddleboard.
Marshall Hudson writes stories about interesting and often forgotten places and people.
Scarlett, also known as "Little Foot" has hiked all 48 of New Hampshire's 4,000 footers.
Mirna Valerio does it all. She runs, hikes and skis. She encourages others, no matter who they are.
As an NHPBS member, you'll be among the first to experience it.
Randy Pierce lost his sight in 2000, but not his determination to keep hiking.
Dogtown, part of the forgotten forests of Cape Ann, Mass.
Wildlife videographer Alfred Balch heads into the woods with Willem.
Find out what attracts our feathered friends to this special spot.
Host Willem Lange takes viewers on a ride along the Scenic RailRiders track in Concord, NH.
A North Conway, NH family shares what they learned about the effects of climate change.
Willem and Wendy Lull explore and discuss ways to record and preserve life on the coast.
Willem goes looking for moose with long-time moose researcher Charles Willey in Colebrook.
A trip along Vermont's Long Trail.
Join host Willem Lange on a tour of a Cambridge oasis -- the Mount Auburn Cemetery.
Willem and a group of people from throughout New England took a trip through Ireland.
What do you do with a section of 170-year-old abandoned railroad track?
Melissa Elam has hiked all of NH's 4,000-foot mountains with her cat, Floki.
A North Conway family shares what they learned about the effects of climate change.
Gabriel Andrus will ski from the northern border of NH to its southern border this winter.
There are gems in the hills. Host Willem Lange learns there's a lot to rock hunting.
Arlette Laan is the first woman to hike all eleven of the National Scenic Trails.
Kayaker Betsy Wish set out years ago to meet the people who catch our lobsters.
Host Willem Lange is at sea on the American Eagle schooner.
The Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve is considered an ecological gem.
WINDOWS TO THE WILD's good friend and Outdoor Enthusiast, Chaya Harris from Outdoor Afro.
Getting outdoors is important but its also important to be safe.
Susie Spikol is a naturalist at the Harris Center for Conservation Education.
Mt. Eustis Ski Hill opened in 1939 and was a community gathering place until it closed.
New Hampshire resident Susan Dromey Heeter is competitive.
Competitive rower Erik Frid takes a break from competition to row 300 miles.
David Krueger is a Language Specialist / Interpreter, you may have seen him.
Redline guide Ken Hodges hikes with Debby "Bear Repellent" Roberts.
Willem hikes with partners and participants of Summits in Solidarity.
The Lifesaving Station at Wood Island was used for sea rescue prior to the Coast Guard.
The Lifesaving Station at Wood Island was used for sea rescue prior to the Coast Guard.
Conway photographer Joe Klementovich uses a paddleboard to explore 130 miles of the Saco.
Students attend school aboard a schooner.
Join us for an all new season of Windows to the Wild with Willem Lange! Wednesdays at 7:30
Host Willem Lange is with friends on the Tucker Mountain trail in Vermont.