The Alan and Edgar Rice Nature Preserve is home to a PLC treasure – the cascading beauty of Cold Brook and Senter Falls. Getting to the falls means crossing Scataquog Brook, a small tributary that connects to the south branch of the Piscataquog River. The bridge that has been serving the Two-Brook Trail was functional…but seriously lacking in the safety department. The bridge didn’t have a railing and had no decking, making it extra slippery. Also concerning — it has washed up the brook after heavy rains or snowmelt. PLC’s Stewardship Committee decided it was time for a safer and more sturdy bridge solution.
Thanks to the skilled design work and expert carpentry of Graham Pendlebury and Matt Caron, a new bridge with decking and railing was built in April. Our friends at Country Three Corners True Value in Weare, NH generously donated the lumber, hardware, and rope needed to complete this project at a high level of quality, ensuring this bridge will last.
On May 7th PLC Stewardship Coordinator Dan Ewald organized a workday with ten volunteers at the Preserve to disassemble the old bridge and salvage the lumber for future stewardship projects. Then, the new bridge was brought to the Scataquog Brook trail crossing and installed on slate landings for stability. The bridge was anchored with rebar to prevent washouts, and the decking was set and tested out for safety and stability.
A tremendous thank you to Matt, Graham, Country Three Corners True Value, and install-day volunteers for bringing this much-needed upgrade to the Alan and Edgar Rice Nature Preserve!
