Today, a Dream Became Reality

The preservation of Chain of Ponds Community Forest in Madison, NH, is a true testament of what can happen when a community comes together with heart, patience, and purpose.

This has been a journey decades in the making, a story that begins with conversations among neighbors who looked at the land and saw not just trees and ponds, but dreams and possibilities. Once destined to become a large development and later a golf course, the fate of  Chain of Ponds could have been very different. But our community saw something more: an ecological wonder worth protecting, a place where wildlife thrives, and where people can find peace and connection in nature.

In time, the landowners came to see that same beauty and vision. Together, we turned a dream into a promise to protect this remarkable landscape forever.

Today, we are delighted to announce that the Chain of Ponds Community Forest is now conserved. The project spans 625 acres with scattered bodies of water that hopscotch through hemlock-hardwood forests.

It is home to beavers who have built intricate and enormous dams, a safe haven to sensitive wood turtles, a sanctuary for generations of nesting loons, and an abundance of wildlife that depend on these clean waters and healthy forests. Visitors can wander its welcoming trail system that is beloved by bird watchers, leaf peepers, cross country skiers, and hikers, who each find their own way to slow down, reconnect, and take a deep breath among the trees.

From the kettlehole bogs (small, round wetlands formed by glaciers) and unique fen systems (small nutrient-rich, groundwater-fed pools) in the south, to the sweeping western views of Mount Chocorua in the north, this land offers endless moments of discovery and reflection. Time seems to expand and soften as hours are easily lost among the trees.

A Community Treasure

Going forward, we will be raising funds to enhance the parking area, create signage, and create new trails so they are more resilience to weather extremes. These improvements will also allow for greater ease for school trips and programs as well as those who may be a bit unsteady on their feet.

The preservation of these precious habitats was made possible by the care, generosity, and vision of our community. To ensure that the forest remains protected for future generations, we partnered with the Town of Madison Conservation Commission, which now holds a conservation easement on the land. Together we’ve created a forest and a legacy, a living space that will continue to reflect our community’s values, hopes, and dreams.

This project was made possible by hundreds of people in our community, the support of the Drinking Water Groundwater Trust Fund, LCHIP, the United States Forest Service, the Anonymous Foundation, anonymous foundations, the Town of Madison, and the Davis Foundation. Thank you for believing in this project.

Because of you ─ your commitment, generosity, and love for this land ─ Chain of Ponds Community Forest will forever remain a place to explore, to learn, and to find peace in nature.

Thank you for helping make this dream a reality.