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Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests

The Rocks NewsNews & Events

VOLUNTEER SALUTE

Linnea Manley has volunteered at the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forest’s North Country Rocks Estate since she was eight years old. The daughter of Rocks Estate Director Nigel Manley, Linnea just graduated from high school and will be off to Mount Holyoke College this fall.

Nigel feels that his daughter’s exposure to the Forest Society's work and volunteer opportunities have played a key role her development.  “I think that growing up on The Rocks Estate has helped Linnea grow into an environmentally aware young lady who cares about other people and about her surroundings,” he said.

Linnea has helped extensively at three Forest Society North Country properties. Her first volunteer assignment was clearing paths and weeding the Lost River flower garden, and later putting out the nature garden signs each spring. At Bretzfelder Park in Bethlehem, she helped clear trails, remove brush and rake lawns.  At the Rocks Estate, she has planted and sold Christmas trees, split wood, conducted maple sugaring and Halloween tours, and staffed the gift shop.

Forest Society Volunteer Coordinator Trish Churchill remembers one of Linnea’s early volunteer experiences at a Volunteer Appreciation Day. “Linnea sprang into action as soon as she arrived, helping the caterers set the tables while the rest of us stood around visiting,” said Churchill.  “She was about 10 years old, but she moved about like a veteran events planner.

“I'm sure Linnea will go on to make many volunteer contributions in her lifetime,” said Churchill. “That's Linnea, and she's got her father's work genes."

Over the past 10 years, Linnea has volunteered more than 350 hours – a number that amazes even her.  "I never knew how the time would add up,” she said. “I enjoy volunteering and working with other volunteers. My favorite job has always been helping lead tours in The Rocks Estate, where I grew up."

Now 18, Linnea is embarking on a new path to study English at Mount Holyoke College. Her goal is to teach English in foreign lands.  Nigel believes that the family’s trips to England, France and to the West Coast have motivated his daughter see more of the world.

“Volunteers are an integral part of the Forest Society, providing hundreds of hours of valuable work every year,” said Nigel. “We are lucky to have multiple generations working together with a common goal. Crossing this age divide brings the generations closer, and helps us all to learn from each other."

Editor's Note: Linnea is a friendly, capable and confident young lady. Forest Society staff has been witness to her growth in years and in maturity. She has been a wonderful asset as a volunteer at The Rocks, Lost River and Bretzfelder Park properties. Forest Society staff wishes her well in her college days and beyond, and we look forward to hearing about her new adventures.