With more than 80,000 annual visitors, Mt. Major is one of New Hampshire’s most beloved hiking destinations. However, its popularity brings significant challenges, including trash, vegetation damage, and trail erosion. To honor Earth Day and protect this iconic landscape on Route 11, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (Forest Society) is launching a month-long series of events to support the mountain's long-term sustainability.

Supported by the Alton Centennial Rotary Club, the Belknap Range Conservation Coalition, Aroma Joe’s, Hannford, and Athletic Brewing Co., this year’s Earth Day celebration features four distinct ways for the public to get involved:

1. Volunteer Trailhead Outreach Program (VTOP) Online Info Session
Tuesday, April 14 | 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The Forest Society is seeking volunteers for its summer and fall outreach program. VTOP volunteers stationed at the Mt. Major pavilion interact with hikers to share safety tips and conservation information. Training is provided, and schedules are flexible.
• Register: Sign Up Genius Link

2. Trail Trash Challenge (DIY Cleanup)
Wednesday, April 22 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Join a community-wide effort to clean the trails, woods, and summit. Forest Society staff will be at the trailhead to provide gloves and bags. Hikers can pick up litter during their trek and return it to the base for proper disposal. No registration is required.
• More Info: Forest Society Event Page

3. Trail Stewardship Workday
Wednesday, April 22 | 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Roll up your sleeves for hands-on maintenance. Projects include removing sand from the parking lot to protect Lake Winnipesaukee from runoff, cleaning drainages on the Main Trail, and removing graffiti on the Boulder Trail.

• Sign Up: Sign Up Genius Link
4. Remote Support: Give Back "Above & Beyond"
Those unable to attend in person can support the ongoing sustainability of Mt. Major’s most popular routes by making a financial contribution.
• Donate: Mt. Major Stewardship Fund

“With so many annual visitors, litter remains a constant challenge,” says Carrie Deegan, Vice President for Recreation Management and Public Engagement. “Even small things, like a forgotten dog waste bag or a food wrapper blowing away, add up. We are incredibly grateful to the volunteers who help us care for this mountain and encourage everyone to do their part every time they hike.”

ABOUT THE FOREST SOCIETY
Established in 1901, the Forest Society is a private, nonprofit land trust and forestry organization that owns more than 200 forest conservation properties—nearly 67,000 acres in 105 New Hampshire communities—and holds conservation easements that permanently protect an additional 140,000 acres statewide. Forest Society properties are open to the public and draw more than 500,000 visitors annually. To learn more or become a member, please visit forestsociety.org.