Conservation-Minded Recreation at Merriam Woods

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Peregrine Falcon Nesting Closure
Current Events
Peregrine Falcon Nesting Closure
Current Events

Climbers: Please be aware that some of the cliffs at Merriam Woods are currently closed to climbing for peregrine falcon nesting. We will let everyone know once we get word from NH Audubon that the closure is lifted.

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Current Events
Merriam Woods Update
Current Events
Merriam Woods Update
Current Events

While this blog contains some common sense recommendations as we await a formal management plan, we wish to be perfectly clear that the WOODSTOCK CONSERVATION COMMISSION MANAGES MERRIAM WOODS.

The Friends of Merriam Woods is a group of people, independent from the WCC, who love the land and want to work together to take care of it and be good stewards. Please interpret any past or future references to “working with the WCC to manage the land” as simply our desire to be in harmony with the WCC and conservation-minded in our recreation.

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Current Events
Spring Update
Current Events
Spring Update
Current Events

Huge thank you to the town of Woodstock for hearing discussion on the question of climbing bolts! Hope to see you at the next meeting of the WCC April 11th at 4pm!

CLIMBERS! Please respect the moratorium on new route development, which will remain in effect until this issue can be fully addressed in the WCC management plan. We also will continue to work with the Audobon Society and let you know of any cliff closures for Peregrine nesting.

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Current Events

This land is your land.

Merriam Woods belongs to us all, thanks to the generous gift of the Merriam family, It is not just for climbers, or hunters, or bird watchers or plant lovers. This is Town of Woodstock Conservation land. Let’s preserve it, cherish it, and share it.

The Merriam Family gifted this land as conservation easement with the deed stating the land be managed by the Town of Woodstock and preserved for the public for agriculture, forestry, and recreation.  The land now, named "Merriam Woods", is located at the west end of Tripoli Road around a ¼ mile from exit 31 on I93.

Friends of Merriam Woods hopes to demonstrate to the Woodstock Conservation Committee that town residents care about preserving access to public recreation on this land. Conservation and recreation do not need to be opposed. Drastic actions like chopping safety bolts are not needed to get people to do the right thing, we just need to reach out and start a conversation as partners in conservation. So long as we are organized and work together, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts can adhere to reasonable limits on usage, given the chance.

A climber and a future conservationist, this local 8 year old often says, “climbers need to pay more attention to the plants and animals, not just themselves.” Getting out on the rock is a wonderful family activity, and reminds us all to take care of our planet.

Who Are We?

The Friends of Merriam Woods is a group of local residents, landowners, and outdoor enthusiasts who love the land and want to work together to take care of it and be good stewards. This group operates independently from the Woodstock Conservation Commission, and is not responsible for managing the land. The material on this site reflects the opinion of the member or membership, and should not be construed as reflecting the wishes of the WCC.

Our Goals:

  • Protect Merriam Woods as conservation land managed by the Town of Woodstock in order to fulfill the Merriam family's wishes that it be preserved for public use for agriculture, forestry, and recreation.

  • Support inclusive, conservation-minded recreation at Merriam Woods, keeping the preservation of nature as a priority.

  • Share resources about local flora and fauna, such as peregrines, wildflowers and fragile plants.

  • Inform locals about Merriam Woods.

Support responsible climbing and outdoor recreation at Merriam Woods.

The Woodstock Conservation Commission (WCC) manages Merriam Woods and is in the process of developing a management plan. Help spread the word that both conservation and recreation are intended purposes of this beautiful land, but preserving nature is always a priority!

Want to learn more about Merriam Woods?…

Merriam Woods Information

“We want climbers of today and tomorrow to share in the joys of climbing and get inspired to protect and care for the places we get outside. But climbing access isn't guaranteed—our community has to work together to protect it..”

— The Access Fund

We want to listen to everyone’s voice, especially yours.