So far, the off-beat gift guide has taken you to an antique store and winery. This week, we're going to the Forest Society gift shop at the Conservation Center on Portsmouth Street. It feels a million miles away from the city with its wooded driveway, paths and rustic building, but it's actually just minutes from Loudon Road. Who'd have thought?
The Forest Society is a statewide land conservation organization. According to its website, the society has helped protect more than one million acres of open space in the state though assistance to land trusts, municipalities, state and federal agencies and other conservation organizations, and it boasts more than 150,000 acres of society-protected land. (That breaks down to 164 reservations, 654 society-held conservation easements and 96 land transfers with deed restrictions.)
The Conservation Center is the headquarters for the society, which has won awards for its environmentally friendly design, and it's also where you'll find the gift shop. There's no plastic here, says Anne McCullough, the center's receptionist. She adds that she likes to stock merchandise from New Hampshire artists, but just about everything is made in New England. There's maple syrup, photo prints, books for kids and adults, baskets from the Peterboro Basket Co. in Peterborough, pottery from Rock Garden Pottery in Rochester and a whole lot more. In fact, it's impressive the amount of merchandise Anne squeezes into the gift shop space, which was recently downsized, she said. (You'd never know!)
We found plenty of items that won't break the bank for the littlest people on your list to the grandparents. Plus, purchases not only help you cross some folks off your list, but they help the Forest Society, too.
After you're done shopping, take a self-guide tour of the center or explore the society's walking trails along the Merrimack River – there's 100 acres worth fro your walking (or jogging) pleasure.
The gift shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
