NO MOW May
A word from your friendly neighborhood conservation commissioners.
Wilton is in spring bloom and you can already hear mowing machines. Resist the temptation to do what you always do and attack that lawn. Think about limiting the May Mow to play areas, BBQ spots, or a pathway to a stream. Leave the rest till June or at least the last week of May.
May is the height of pollinator hatching in the grasses. They are struggling to thrive as it is, so one way we can help them is not to mow them down, as they are emerging from winter burrows.
Lawns support 5X the number of bees if they are left alone and 3x the number of pollinator species.
You’ll notice the difference in anything that blooms in your yard if you don’t kill off your resident pollinators.
No Mow Lawn forms a dense sod that withstands moderate foot traffic and inhibits weed growth. The deep-rooted fescues (up to 9" deep) enhance drought resistance by reducing water loss and reaching deeper water reserves.
And we’re in for a hot, hot summer. So if you want a lawn that doesn’t burn out, DON’T MOW IT IN MAY.
Yes, a bit of a chore come June 1 for the first mow, but after that — no big deal. And the rest of your yard will flourish with more pollinators without the need for harmful and expensive fertilizers, and goodness forbid herbicides or pesticides that are killing us and the pollinators.
You might also rethink your entire lawn. Mow for recreation areas to reduce ticks and mosquitoes and create pathways and let the rest go wild. You can seed it with wildflowers and over time it’s glorious. Less fuel, less air and noise pollution. More time with the family.
Keep Wilton Wild.
Celebrating Wilton Water
This spring we wanted to know when it would stop raining. Now, in August, we want to know when it will start!
New Hampshire isn’t technically in a drought, but 47% of the state is “abnormally dry”. And Wilton is one of those towns.
The record high temperatures haven’t helped. Here are some easy ways to conserve water:
1. Don’t run water while brushing your teeth. It's amazing how many gallons go down the drain during a good brushing.
2. Water those plants with cooking water from corn, blanching veggies, etc. Let it cool off and pour it onto your plants.
3. Toilets: If it's yellow, let it mellow, if it's brown, flush it down.
We waste gallons of water every time we flush.
4. Save rainwater: Put a barrel or bucket under that drain spout, or by the roof runoff. They fill fast even in a short downfall.
5. Fully load that dishwasher and washing machine. Dishwashers save more water than hand washing.
6. Don’t run the water while you’re cleaning up. Use a bin or pot to hold sudsy water instead of leaving the faucet running.
7. If you must water outside, do it in the evening when the sun is down. And think about less lawn and planting drought resistant meadow wildflowers. They’ll attract more butterflies birds, and bees! Look up “re-wilding" as a technique to create more natural, sustainable landscapes.
8. Drink plenty of water - from the tap! It’s better for you and the environment than bottled water that has had most of the nutrients and minerals removed.
Wilton has some of the best quality water in the state. Why?
Because we sit on all of those drift aquifers made of gravel
which naturally clean ground and surface water
… before it even gets into our systems.
The Wilton Conservation Commission presents:
This year's theme: "This is Worth Protecting".
Plus, a new category for cell phone cameras only!
How to Enter and Contest Details
2024 NHACC Photo Contest Press Release
Name the Great Blue Heron
Our Great Blue Heron, who fishes Stony Brook, has once again performed her fly over during the Wilton Gazebo project construction. At the opening ceremonies on Saturday, October 14th, we announced her naming contest. Yes, we’ve decided she’s a female. Although their coloring is the same, females are smaller than males. You can research a number of reliable sites on line to find out more; Audubon.org and NH Fish and Game. As you consider your nominations of a name, maybe research all the folklore and beliefs about this magnificent bird. What name might befit this silent, graceful bird that frequents the shores of Wilton’s protected river? She’s presented herself so often, we’ve come to think of her as a good omen and mascot for Wilton’s Riverwalk project.
"Name the Great Blue Heron Contest" entry form
The Wilton Senior Citizen Science Program
How many times have you told someone about the animal, strange plant, insect or frog that
you saw in your backyard? Maybe it was a hawk or eagle perched in a tree alongside a Wilton road. You got excited and even felt a little privileged to have witnessed one of nature’s miracles.
Well, you just qualified for Wilton’s new Senior Citizen Science Program and you don’t need to hike miles or hang out in a tree to participate.
Wilton’s new Senior Citizen Science (SCS) Program is for adults age 50+ who would like to help track the changes in Wilton’s ecology from birds to bears, woodchucks to wildflowers and even algae to ash trees.
To learn how to become involved, please see the Senior Citizen Science Program flyer.
Wilton Announces Completion and Grand Opening of the Riverwalk Gazebo
WILTON, NH – The town of Wilton is delighted to announce that it has completed construction of the new handicapped-accessible gazebo on the Wilton Riverwalk and will host a grand opening on Saturday, October 14th at 11:00 a.m.
The gazebo was made possible through a generous AARP Community Challenge Grant, with additional contributions by the family of Doctor Raymond Galloway, long-time Wilton physician, and the Wilton Alliance, a new non-profit organization focused on investing in the town of Wilton (www.wiltonalliance.org).
The 16-foot octagon gazebo sits on the bank of Stony Brook and will be a new gathering space in downtown Wilton, and serve as the observation platform for the new Wilton Senior Citizen Science Program. It has a wheel-chair accessible ramp and several interior benches. The copper-roofed cupola design reflects the historic Town Hall and is topped with a Great Blue Heron in flight - the Wilton Riverwalk project mascot.
The construction of the gazebo was made possible by the Town of Wilton road crew and by volunteers -- Jennifer Beck, Michael Dell’Orto, Randy King, Mike McGonegal, Frank Pavlik and Edson Skinner.
Grand opening festivities will include remarks by Wilton Select Board Chair, Matt Fish, and Economic Development Team Chair, Jennifer Beck. Refreshments will be served, and the rain date is Sunday October 15th at 1:00 p.m.
About Wilton
Wilton is a vibrant town nestled in the Monadnock region by the Souhegan and Stony Brook rivers in southern New Hampshire. Known for its natural beauty and community spirit, Wilton offers a rich history, picturesque landscapes, and numerous recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The town is committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging and supporting the well-being of its residents.
For more information contact:
Jennifer Beck, Chair, Wilton Economic Development Team
603 654 5526
[email protected]
Local Groundwater Zoning and Other Source
Protection Actions
Pierce Rigrod, NHDES, presentation to Regional Open Space Team conservation commissioners. The presentation contains excellent information for planning boards, water commissions, zoning boards and conservation commissions.
Open the live stream and adjust the audio to your preference. It will open in a new tab or window. Then come back to this window and open the slides, which will likewise open a new tab or window.
This way you can hear Mr. Rigrod's presentation and view the slides as you choose.
The audio (live stream, "ROST, August 24" - video of the presentation but the slides are not visible. The presentaion begins at 1m 38sec).
The slides (PDF document.)
NH Dept. of Safety Denies Petition to Ban Petroleum-Fueled Watercraft on Sand Hill Reservoir.
On June 28, 2023, the NH Department of Safety held a public hearing in the Town Hall courtroom. The subject was a petition to ban petroleum-fueled watercraft from the Sand Hill Reservoir (SHR). Speakers speaking in favor of the ban cited the inappropriateness of water-ski or pontoon boats on the SHR; the entire shoreline being green-space; it's small size and popular use for swimming and floating.
On August 7, 20023, the town received the department's conclusion: the petition was denied "due to the lack of any existing problems to be remedied" and claimed that the public "will not benefit from establishing a ban on all vessels using gasoline powered motors".
Read the full report of the Department of Safety's hearing and its conclusion.
The Ten Commandments of Hiking
A lighthearted reminder about hiking safely and respecting the land, its creatures, and your fellow hikers; by Nikki Andrews.
Can You Find Both Herons?
Photo credit: Scott Hogan
- with our thanks for his permission to display it.
Your Wilton Conservation Commission (WCC) is responsible
for protecting the farms, forests, wetlands, scenic vistas and historic
resources that are such an important part of the overall character of our community.
Part of our charter is to educate our citizens about conservation issues
and to provide access to public lands for recreation. Placing 
land in
conservation doesn’t mean it’s "off limits". On the contrary, conserved
lands are available to the public for their use and enjoyment. In
Wilton, 69% of our town is in Current Use or designated as conservation
land. That protection keeps us a small rural community with beautiful
open spaces, clean water and abundant wildlife.
NH RSA-36-A:2 outlines what conservation commissions do for their towns and the state. In Wilton, the Conservation Commission (WCC) consists of 7 appointed residents, nominated by the commission, approved by the select board, and after taking a sworn oath, serving for a 3 year term.
In Wilton, your commission’s charter is centered around five activities: Advice, Coordination, Education, Protection and Stewardship.
The Wilton Conservation Commission is a member of the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions (NHACC), "a nonprofit conservation organization that provides education and assistance to New Hampshire's local conservation commissions."
The commissioners are all volunteers. We depend on townspeople to work on projects and expand our capabilities. We need people to work on trails, monitor wildlife habits and native flora 
in the face of climate change. We need people to help raise funds for projects, work events, do presentations, pick up trash on roadways, or count cottontail rabbits and become citizen scientists. Would you consider volunteering with the Conservation Commission? Attending meetings is not required and we'd appreciate as much or as little time as you're willing to offer.
The Wilton Conservation Commission is only seven people; conservation takes a village.
Do you have a suggestion, question, or comment? Contact the Conservation Commission.