Help the Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT) cross the finish line!  LRCT is excited to announce that the Samuel P. Pardoe Foundation and another anonymous donor have each approved $5,000 challenge grants to help LRCT raise the remaining funds needed to permanently protect a key 65-acre parcel of land located on the western slopes of Gunstock Mountain in Gilford, NH, adjacent to the Muehlke Family Christmas Tree Farm. “We are heartened to know that, even during these uncertain times, support for conserving key natural places around us remains strong,” stated LRCT President, Don Berry. 

LRCT and the Gilford Conservation Commission are working together to conserve the John M. and Eileen R. Weeks property, which has long been a conservation priority in Gilford. $104,415 is still needed to complete this project by early this fall. 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?   

• Donate securely online now by visiting the LRCT website at www.LRCT.org
• Donate by check, payable to “LRCT” with “Weeks” in the memo field and mail to LRCT, PO Box 766 Center Harbor, NH 03226.
• Donate by phone: Call LRCT at (603) 253-3301 to leave your name and a phone number.   Staff are working remotely but they will do their best to call you back in less than 48 hours to process your credit card over the phone.
• Email us at [email protected] and include your name and phone number and someone will call you back to process your gift over the phone.
• Spread the word! Please share this message with your family and friends!
• Click here to learn more about the Weeks Conservation Project
• LRCT.org for more information about this project.

LRCT sends a big THANK YOU to everyone who has already contributed to this outstanding project! No gift is too small as each and every donation will help LRCT reach their matching funds challenge and help to conserve this land.

Anyone who has hiked in the Belknaps, or who enjoys the views of the Belknaps from Gilford or other places in the region, can attest to the beauty of this landscape.  LRCT and the Town of Gilford have already raised approximately 65% of the funds needed to complete the project. The anonymous donor and the Pardoe Foundation challenge grants will each match—dollar for dollar—up to $5,000 of additional project donations received by LRCT, so now is the time to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity.

The Lakes Region Conservation Trust, founded in 1979, has conserved over 27,500 acres of land throughout the Lakes Region of NH, including 33 miles of shoreline, 21 summits, and more than 95 miles of trails.  LRCT’s land conservation work preserves community character, conserves critical wildlife habitat and diverse ecosystems, protects water resources, natural landmarks and scenic landscapes, and provides a variety of recreational opportunities for people of all ages.  To learn more about LRCT, please visit the LRCT website at lrct.org or call (603) 253-3301.

Courtesy Photo: Dramatic 180-degree views to Gilford and the nearby lakes and mountains.