The Rindge Conservation Commission invites the public to explore the wooded trails and habitat at Mattabeseck Wildlife Corridor on Sunday, July 21, at 1:30 p.m.

Four new educational nature signs along the trail will be featured. The 1 1/2-hour hike is free and open to everyone. The hike will begin at the parking area on Old New Ipswich Road. To get there, take NH-119 about 2.8 miles east of the intersection with U.S.-202, turn onto and follow Old New Ipswich Road about 2.3 miles. the parking lot is on the right. 

Participants will travel over newly marked trails with terrain that varies from easy to moderate difficulty. July can be hot and humid. When participating in summer outdoor activities, people should wear sunscreen and bug spray, and bring a bottle of water.

The educational signs were developed with funding from the Merrimack Conservation Partnership and Rindge Conservation Fund. They provide Rindge-specific information on the Contoocook watershed, vernal pools, aquifers and types of wetlands, as well as how people can protect water resources.

The July hike continues the Conservation Commission’s annual hike and paddle series that brings attention to the town’s trails, forests, and wetlands.  Each outing is led by a Conservation Commission member with specific knowledge of the history and natural features present on the conservation land.

The next three hikes in the series are the Aug. 18 Dog Days of Summer Hike and Paddle at Converse Meadow, the Sept. 22 Honeybee Month Hike at Tetreault Park and the Oct. 20 National Raptor Month Hike at Miriam Hunt Memorial Forest.  All events are free and held rain or shine.

The Rindge Conservation Commission monitors and protects wetlands, lakeshores, watersheds and other natural resources within Rindge.  Hikes, workdays and educational events are held regularly to involve and educate the public about conservation areas and benefits of preserving land for the future.

For information about this hike or others in the hike and paddle series, send email to the Rindge Conservation Commission at rindgeconcom@rindgenh.gov.