A Family Treasure

Charles Rand purchased this property in 1947 from the owners of what is now Independence Farm. His goal was to own a personal woodlot, separate from the family business of Rand Lumber Company. Charles had a deep connection to this land and his love of this place was passed on to his son Chuck.

Father and son spent hours walking under towering white pines and past red maple swamps, picking blueberries, and observing wildlife. The family consistently managed the land for the long term, with wildlife habitat and a high-quality forest as top goals.

When Charles passed away in 1997, his wife Nancy inherited the land and continued its good stewardship. Her eventual desire was for son Chuck to own it and sustain the family’s long history as stewards of this forest. Tragically, Chuck died in 2013 after succumbing to cancer.

Nancy, and her daughter-in-law Sandy, decided to honor their loved ones by ensuring this land would remain undeveloped by gifting it to the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire (SELT) in 2014. To support the stewardship of this land, more than 100 community members contributed funds for its long-term management.

Now, thanks to the Rands’ generosity and the community support, generations of children and families can enjoy these beautiful woods.

Explore the Charles E. Rand Memorial Forest!

This property is open to explore. Please hike safe. Dress appropriately (and knowing how to use a compass will be very helpful).

All the trails are wooded with extensive wetlands bordering both the east and west side. From the parking area the yellow trail leads north into an open area that was used as a log landing and small sand pit. The trail junctions are just north of that open area. The trails are relatively flat with easy terrain.

The Charles E. Rand Memorial Forest is owned and managed by SELT and is open for public enjoyment. Please follow these visitation guidelines:

• Carry out what you carry in.
• Leave things where and as you find them – no cairns, rock art.
• Stay on marked trails, respect designated trail uses and prohibitions and use only designated trail head parking.
• Respect wildlife.
• Respect other users of the trails and our neighbors.
• Control your dog(s). Be aware where they may be required to be on leash or any areas they may not be allowed.
• Hunting is allowed on most SELT lands. Be aware of hunting season and wear blaze orange for your own safety.