History of Fieldstone Walls

In partnership with Moose Mountains Regional Greenways (MMRG), join Town Historian Catherine Orlowicz for a program titled “Fieldstone Walls—Their Form and Function—Birch Hill Community Forest.” The presentation will begin at the Cabin located at Birch Ridge Community Forest, New Durham, NH.

While at the cabin, guests, with the aid of photographs, will learn a little history about the beginning and evolution of these barriers that crisscross this rural landscape. Learn about the type of stones used in their construction, the different styles used in building these enclosures, and the different functions of the fieldstone walls. Guests will walk a little over a mile from the cabin to tour and view fine examples of fieldstone walls. The destination is the remaining stone features of the homestead of Chase Durgin. There will be examples of fieldstone walls used to keep livestock in or out of areas, the enclosure of a family burial ground, and the foundation for their cape-style home. The return walk to the cabin will provide an opportunity to look out over the breathtaking Merrymeeting Lake and the picturesque landscape of ridgelines near and far.

Catherine Orlowicz is the Town Historian for the Town of New Durham, NH. Formerly she has served as the President of two local non-profits specializing in historic preservation and was appointed Town Historian in 2006. She has served as President for two local non-profits connected with historic preservation. She currently serves on the Land Management Team for Birch Ridge Community Forest in New Durham.

The event is free for MMRG members. $10 suggested donation for non-members to support MMRG programs.

Register today.