Location 

History

 In 1990, a Forest Stewardship Management Plan was developed and the Forest was harvested.

In 2025, the Forest was re-inventoried and the Forest Stewardship Management Plan was updated. 

In 2024 a major salvage cut was done in the pine plantations to manage the timber that blew down in a series of wind storms.

Timber and Wildlife

Threatened, Endangered Species, and Exemplary Natural Communities

The NH Fish and Game Department’s deer wintering yard map for Bath indicates that a recognized “core” deer wintering area covers the entire property. These areas of thick coniferous cover are critical for deer survival through the winter months providing shelter from the wind, thermal cover and manageable snow depths. Signs of active use by deer were observed throughout.

Invasive Species

Geology and Mining 

Hundreds of millions of years ago Bath Village was part of a volcanic chain that was crashing into the edge of North America. The place that volcanoes met the continent is marked by the Ammonoosuc Thrust Fault that runs just to the east of the Bath Town Forest and along the eastern edge of the Gardner Mountain range. 

Along the Ammonoosuc Fault gold was mined off and on from the 1870s until the 1920s. Copper and zinc deposits were found in the Silurian rocks, and pyrite cubes ranging from sugar grain size to the size of quarters can be found in various places around Bath. The Bath Town Forest is surrounded by faults, so it is a good place to explore for copper ores and pyrite, maybe even gold.

Bath Town Forest Soils

Recreation 

Hiking, nature viewing, picnicking, fishing, and hunting are allowed on the property. Thanks to skid trails created from previous logging operations, people have access to many sections of the property.

Bedell Brook is a very healthy brook trout stream available for fishing. The BVS 5th and 6th graders learned how to tie flies and cast thanks to volunteers and members of the Ammonoosuc Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

Our kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders journeyed into the world of wildlife in the Bath Town Forest.

They learned about the animals that call the forest home, discovering what makes each species unique and how they live in their natural habitat. Whether learning about birds, mammals, or woodland creatures, students explored the forest ecosystem, fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the wildlife around them. This hands-on learning experience introduced our youngest learners to the beauty of nature right in their own backyard!

K - 2 Field Work

Our 3rd and 4th grade students embarked on an exciting exploration of New Hampshire wildlife habitats

In the Bath Town Forest, students chose a species to study in depth, learning about its habitat, behavior, and role in the ecosystem. Animals included the barred owl, beaver, deer, bobcat, moose, red and gray squirrels, hairy woodpecker, porcupine, raccoon, and turkey. Through hands-on learning and field observations, students deepened their understanding of local wildlife and the diverse habitats that make up our natural surroundings. It’s a fun and educational adventure into the world of New Hampshire's native species!

3rd and 4th Grade Field Work

Supporting Investigations

Final Products

Our 5th and 6th graders “dove” into an exciting hands-on study of New Hampshire wildlife through

the Trout in the Classroom program, with a special focus on the brook trout, a species of concern in our

state. 

This year, students raised brook trout from eggs to fingerling stage while learning about their life cycle,

habitat, and the importance of conservation. Their fieldwork centered on Bedell Brook and its

watershed within the Bath Town Forest, where they explored local ecosystems and investigated the

health of this critical habitat. It provided a unique opportunity for our students to connect with nature

and contribute to preserving our state's and town’s natural resources by contributing data to the Bath

Natural Resources Inventory.

Click on the photo below to share their adventure!

Let’s explore the food and shelter choices of the species that the Bath Village School students studied in the Town Forest!

Shelter in the Forest

Food in the Forest

In the stream and riparian buffer

Wetlands