Shieling Forest
Shieling Forest is operated by the Division of Forests & Lands for the purpose of helping to stimulate public interest and knowledge on properly managing small private forests and related natural resources.
Shieling Forest was a gift to the State of New Hampshire by the late Mrs. Elizabeth Yates McGreal. Mrs. McGreal was a longtime resident of Peterborough and a nationally known writer whose concerns ranged from books, libraries and work for the blind, to forests and their proper use. In addition to her gift of 47 acres of land with buildings to the State of New Hampshire in 1980, Mrs. McGreal established a trust fund to help defray the costs of maintenance and operation of the Shieling Forest. This trust is managed by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.
Facilities
Forestry Learning Center
This building serves as the focal point for all activities at the Shieling Forest. There is a meeting room, library, and exhibit areas. This facility is available to groups and organizations for meetings with a conservation purpose. This building is handicap accessible.
McGreal House
For those who like to experience the outdoors firsthand, the Shieling Forest offers a self-guided forestry trail. This trail is used for walking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Trails
For those who like to experience the outdoors firsthand, the Shieling Forest offers a self-guided forestry trail. This trail is used for walking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Educational Programs
Whether you are interested in identifying animal tracks in the snow, learning which shrubs and trees to plant to attract more birds to your backyard, or just interested in becoming a better steward of your land, the Shieling Forest has something for you.
Throughout the year, Shieling Forest conducts seminars led by expert speakers; slide shows; historical programs; field trips; and hands-on demonstrations, where you can learn about any topic connected with forestry and natural resources. These sessions are informative, educational, and entertaining. They also provide a great opportunity to meet other people who share your interests.
Programs at the Shieling Forest are presented in cooperation with the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association and the U.S. Forest Service - State and Private Forestry.
Directions/Hours
Shieling Forest is located on Old Street Road, one-quarter mile south of Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, New Hampshire.
Hours
Shieling Forest buildings are open during program events.
Trails are open daily from 7:00 AM to dusk.
For more information: Contact the Community Forestry and Stewardship Bureau – Urban Forestry Center at 45 Elwyn Road, Portsmouth, NH 03801-5701, telephone (603) 431-6774.