EAST KINGSTON — The East Kingston Conservation Commission led two major projects and hosted three educational programs in 2024 to support the management of the town’s natural resources.
OPEN SPACE
The commission finalized a master list of conservation priorities and shared it with the East Kingston Planning Board, which agreed to incorporate it as a technical resource in the town’s Master Plan, with the Select Board, and with our conservation easement partners.
Working with SELT, it made progress on a conservation easement on the 156-acre Edelweiss II Trust (formerly known as the Rider or Mueggler Agricultural Trust) property, of which 62 acres are in the northeast corner of the town. Closing is expected in March. We are collaborating with landowners in hopes of creating additional conservation easements.
POWWOW BANK RESTORATION
To restore and prevent further erosion of the town beach, the commission revised the previous 2023 plan/site design for greater affordability and aesthetics. Members also drafted and sponsored a warrant article for a Powwow Bank Capital Reserve Fund of $25,000, for voters’ approval at Town Meeting on March 11.
PROGRAMS
• In 2024 the East Kingston Conservation Commission hosted three educational programs:
• A “Bird Walk” program with Kirk Elwell on April 13, 2024.
• A “Paddle on the Powwow” program on May 25, 2024.
• “Conservation Easements Panel & Q&A” on June 12, 2024.
In 2025, the commission plans to repeat the Paddle on the Powwow program and add two new programs – Brake for Turtles on May 14 and Invasive Plant ID and Management (date TBD).
For additional information, visit eknh.org/conservation-commission or email EKconservation@gmail.com.