New land protection projects are exciting for PLC and our members, so we share quite a bit of news about the work leading to the completion of a land or conservation easement acquisition.
But what happens after the closing date?
That’s where our volunteer Property Monitors come in! PLC Property Monitors are literally the eyes and ears of the organization. Their good work ensures that every PLC property and conservation easement is monitored each year and protected forever from encroachments or misuse.
They’re an amazing group of dedicated, passionate individuals and we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them. We want you to Meet the Monitors, get to know them, and learn about the work they do.
In this edition of Meet the Monitors, you’ll meet Dave Butler!
How long have you volunteered for PLC and how did you hear about the opportunity?
I can’t remember when it started. I was doing a bike ride in New Boston and saw a sign on a PLC property (Saunders Pasture). When I got home, I went to the website and joined on the spot.
What property/properties do you monitor?
I’ve monitored various properties over the years, in Weare, Lyndeborough, Goffstown, and Bedford.
What is your favorite part of being a property monitor?
Finding out about/exploring parts of the PLC service area I’d never been to before. In many cases, starting off on a PLC property leads to nearby conservation areas.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a property monitor?
The Tarr “outlier” tracts are landlocked and mostly wetlands. They must be monitored in winter – accessed over the ice.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a property monitor?
The most rewarding aspect is being a trails monitor at the Tarr Sanctuary [different from property monitor, and we need volunteers for this]. It’s heartwarming to meet people who appreciate conserved land in a heavily developed part of the state.
What piece of advice would you give to someone monitoring a conservation easement for the first time?
Go out on your property with a veteran monitor.
What five songs would you put on your PLC property monitoring playlist?
In no particular order:
Across the Great Divide (Kate Wolf)
Goin’ Back (Neil Young)
Where do the children play? (Cat Stevens)
Another Day (Tim O’Brien)
Spanish Pipe Dream (John Prine)
What’s the most unexpected or interesting thing you have encountered as a property monitor?
A close encounter with a coyote and a small family cemetery in the middle of the woods.
Interested in volunteering with PLC as a property Monitor?
Complete our Volunteer Inquiry Form and PLC’s Stewardship Coordinator Dan Ewald will be in touch soon!
