NH Conservation Legacy Award to Picnic Rock Farm

MEREDITH — In honor of the 75th anniversary of NH Conservation Districts, Picnic Rock Farm in Meredith has been selected to receive a Conservation Legacy Award.

This award honors sustained commitment to stewardship of natural resources across the state. For 75 years the County Conservation Districts have worked tirelessly with landowners and communities to promote the conservation and responsible use of natural and agricultural resources. This Legacy Award spotlights on those who embody this mission.

Picnic Rock Farm, farmed since 1801 by the Hodsdon and Bird Family demonstrates a commitment to innovative conservation practices across generations. In 1946, Marshall Hodsdon worked with other farmers state-wide to create County Conservation Districts. Here in Belknap County, 70 farmers met to request formation of a Conservation District and Hodsdon served on the original locally-led Board. Marshall Hodsdon continued to serve as a conservation leader until the end of his life. His son, John Hodsdon followed his example by placing 120 acres of the farm into a conservation easement and promoting conservation locally and statewide. Today, the Picnic Rock tradition continues with nephew Ward Bird and wife Ginny who manage the farm and the first licensed farm stand in New Hampshire.

Awardees will be honored later this year at the NH Association of Conservation Districts annual meeting in November. For further information on 75th anniversary activities such as the Legacy Awards visit: https://nhconservationhistory.com/