Meet the Monitors: Jill Giffiths

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 Jill Griffiths!

How long have you volunteered for PLC and how did you hear about the opportunity?

This is my sixth year as a volunteer monitor. I had previously been a member of the Contoocook River Local Advisory Council but was looking for a new volunteer opportunity related to protecting natural resources when I moved to the Piscataquog watershed in Francestown. I reached out to a friend who was involved in PLC (Jess Charpentier) and she got me on board.

What property/properties do you monitor?

I am currently monitoring the Lydia Dodge parcel of the New Boston Town Forest, which was newly protected with an easement in 2021. I can walk to this property from my house and have spent many hours hiking, biking, and skiing on trails there, so it is very convenient! Previously I have monitored the Brennan Falls and Normandin properties in Francestown.

What is your favorite part of being a property monitor?

Having a reason to venture off the beaten path and explore the woods beyond. Growing up, hiking with my dad would often involve lots of bushwhacking and promises that the trail was “just over the next rise.” Quoting James Taylor, he would remind us that it was always more interesting to go “home by another way.” His aversion to out-and-back routes eventually rubbed off on me too, so I enjoy having an excuse to bushwhack again (much to the dismay of my family members).

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a property monitor?

Being overly optimistic about how much ground I could cover with one or two small children tagging along while bushwhacking through the woods. Sometimes it’s better to just plan for some alone time to get the job done more efficiently.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a property monitor?

Feeling that I am contributing to an important cause while doing something enjoyable and beneficial for my physical and mental health.

What piece of advice would you give to someone monitoring a conservation easement for the first time?

The free Gaia GPS app can be very helpful when bushwhacking and trying to locate more elusive boundaries.

What five songs would you put on your PLC property monitoring playlist?

I don’t usually listen to music while walking in the woods because I like to hear my surroundings, but if I did, I would probably choose something mellow and instrumental, or maybe a good audiobook or podcast.

What’s the most unexpected or interesting thing you have encountered as a property monitor?

During a recent visit to Lydia Dodge, my son and I observed bear claw marks on a tree, two teeny red-spotted newts, two massive boundary trees, an interesting 4-foot-wide section of stone wall, a colony of puffball fungi, and too many winterberries to count. Another time we found a large moose antler. There are always interesting things to find in the woods!