LYME — The Upper Valley Land Trust will hold a celebration from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday for volunteers and community members to honor their contribution to the work done at the Lyme Pinnacle.
“We have a really robust group of volunteers just willing to get a lot done in a short period of time,” said Alison Marchione, programs director at the land trust.
More than 200 acres of land on the Pinnacle and surrounding area was conserved by the land trust last December after Manning Rountree and Kendall Hoyt gifted the development rights to the nonprofit, with the condition that $120,000 be raised as an endowment for its upkeep and to maintain public access. The money was raised in about a month.
Since then, volunteers have cut back sumac to clear the 360-degree view from the top of the Pinnacle, and created more than four miles of new trails. Wayne Pike built a 12-car parking lot off Highbridge Road and Phil Harrison built bridges to carry hikers over wet areas.
“There are people with ties to that property that run pretty deep to Lyme,” Marchione said, adding that in addition to volunteers from area employers, a group of about 25 people who live in the neighborhoods surrounding the Pinnacle were very dedicated to the projects. “They do it for the love of Pinnacle.”
At an event at the Pinnacle in December, people shared stories of growing up near Pinnacle and the role it has played in their lives — and that of their children.
“A lot of people who are in their 60s now had stories about going up there as children for sledding and skiing,” Marchione said.
It takes about 30-45 minutes to walk to the top of the Pinnacle in Marchione said.
“It definitely a family friendly hike,” she said. “There’s almost always somebody out there. They go running there, they can mountain bike there.”
Sunday’s celebration includes a walk to the top of the Pinnacle for a picnic (bring your own) and kite flying. Dogs are welcome, but must remain on leashes.
“It’s very beautiful and very accessible,” Marchione said.
Editor’s note: For more information, visit uvlt.org or call 603-643-6626. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
