Muehlke Family Tree Farm to donate to LRCT this holiday season

GILFORD — The Muehlke Family Tree Farm of Gilford has announced that it will donate $10 to the Lakes Region Conservation Trust for every Christmas tree sold to an LRCT member during the 2016 holiday season in support of LRCT's land conservation efforts. This marks the third year that the Muehlke's have donated to the tust in this way.

The Muehlke Family Tree Farm is a certified Tree Farm of the American Tree Farm system and a member of NH-VT Christmas Tree Association. The farm offers many varieties of Christmas trees to choose from, and you can enjoy free hot cider while you walk the beautiful property to choose and cut your own tree.

"It felt like a natural partnership," said Rick Muehlke of the farm. "Both of our organizations are dedicated to the conservation and protection of the land in Gilford and the Lakes Region." Muehlke noted that most of the tree farm, owned by Al Rollins and Jane Muehlke-Rollins, was placed in a conservation easement with the town of Gilford in 1996. This has permanently protected 120 acres on the western slopes of the Belknap Mountains, including the site of the first ski lift in New Hampshire, a 3,000 foot long rope tow.

The Muehlkes donated a portion of their proceeds last year and wanted to continue the tradition in a new way this year. LRCT President Don Berry said "LRCT is very grateful for the Muehlke Family's generosity in making these donations and also for their commitment to land conservation in Gilford and the Belknap Mountain Range."

The Muehlke Family Tree Farm is located at 320 Belknap Mountain Road ] and is open weekends for early tagging from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: