Merrimack Conservation Commission

2025 Conservation Property Challenge

Merrimack Conservation Property Challenge Rules:

This summer, we challenge you to hike all five major conservation properties in town! For an extra, fun challenge, complete the photo scavenger hunt too!

Follow the instructions below, and, once you’ve completed at least one of the challenges:

  1. Send your pictures to kwelsh@merrimacknh.gov
  2. With the subject line: Conservation Commission Challenge
  3. With your name/names of participants
  4. If you would be so kind, please include a statement in your email, giving the conservation commission permission to use your photographs for our website, and on social media to promote the properties, and give you a shout out for completing the challenge!

OR

  • Post your pictures on Facebook, and tag @merrimackconservationcommission

Properties:

  1. Horse Hill Nature Preserve
  2. Grater Woods
  3. Wildcat Conservation Area
  4. Sklar Riverfront Park
  5. Wasserman Conservation Area

There are two challenges:

1. Take a photo of yourself at a major landmark at each property, such as a bridge, a pond, the top of a hill, or any other landmark that would prove you hiked part of the property.

2. Complete the scavenger hunt list as you hike. Take photos of each item.

Resources:

Most of our properties have maps at kiosks, located at main entrances. However, when absent or if they’ve run out, our website (http://www.merrimackoutdoors.org) has copies of maps, as well as information on each property. (please note, if the link does not work, try changing it to https://www.merrimackoutdoors.org )

Scavenger Hunt List

  • A tree stump chewed by a beaver
  • A stone wall
  • A dead tree still standing (AKA a snag)
  • A duck box, in a pond
  • A turtle
  • A bird (with correct ID)
  • Animal poop
  • A flowering vine (bonus point for a correct plant ID!)
  • Something that will give you a rash (with correct ID!)
  • Yellow Birch
  • Shagbark Hickory
  • 3 types of oak
  • A hand-dug well (Horse Hill)
  • The Spaulding home foundation (Horse Hill)
  • The outdoor classroom (Grater Woods)
  • Wildcat falls (Wildcat Conservation Area)
  • The Merrimack River