Bisson Preserve

Preserve

Public Access
Trails

December 16, 2024

Thanks to two very special people, another 124 acres of beautiful woodlands have been conserved in Conway, New Hampshire.

Karyl and Ed Bisson recently donated this special property, ensuring the protection of a diverse landscape, including hemlock, white pine, maple, and oak woodlands. Its wetlands play a vital role in safeguarding the water quality of Conway Lake and the Saco River watershed by filtering water and reducing erosion.

For generations, the Bisson family cherished this land, watching grandchildren climb rocks and race through the woods. Now, they have chosen to share its beauty with the broader community, ensuring future generations can create their own memories here. As Karyl and Ed like to say, "Giving back to our community is a fundamental value for us. The words of Winston Churchill ring true: 'We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.'“

The Bissons have left a lasting legacy, creating a space where the community can connect with nature.

Winding trails weave through a regrowing birch forest, where echoes of past logging contrast with the renewal of life. Glacial boulders stand as silent witnesses to time, while seasonal vernal pools provide essential habitat for amphibians in the spring and fall, offering glimpses of nature’s delicate cycles.

Beyond the land itself, the Bissons’ generosity extends further. Understanding the importance of long-term stewardship, they also donated a tractor to assist with trail maintenance—not only for this preserve but for other lands entrusted to the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust.

Year after year, we are inspired by families like the Bissons—those who choose to give back to the land and our community, ensuring its beauty and benefits endure for years to come.

State(s): NH
Town(s): conway
Acres: 124
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