As I write this, we are preparing for the busy holiday season. While it can be a very hectic time of year - family coming home, parties to attend, gifts to make ready, I also find it is a wonderful time to reflect on the past year as well as look forward to what the New Year will bring.

Here at the Bog, it has been a great year to re-live. We launched our new logo and tag line - Conserving Land, Connecting People with Nature. Our trails got some much needed attention, more schools are using our Junior Naturalist program as part of their curriculum, the Pemi Baker Land Trust met with landowners to discuss conserving their lands, and our programs and workshops were well attended. In July, we celebrated our 40th anniversary by officially dedicating the Joe Kent Trail and honoring those that came before us to protect this special piece of ground. It was a beautiful day, blue sky, sunshine (no bugs!), lots of old friends and some new ones too. Al Ports gave us a great presentation on our history; we had a beaver walk and an activity table for the kids. No party is complete without refreshments and the Common Man donated great food.

This is the time of year we conduct our annual monitoring of all the properties we hold easements on. It is a great opportunity to reflect on the conservation values that will be protected. And finally, our Facebook friends each week eagerly anticipate Watershed Wednesday.

As important as it is to reflect on the past, I think it just as important to look forward to the New Year. So, what does 2015 hold in store for us? Our program committee has worked hard to bring back some old favorite programs as well as introduce as few new ones. We will continue with the repairs on the trail and maintenance of the Nature Center. We will continue to work with landowners regarding easements. And, stay tuned as we launch our new website.

Also the New Year brings a few new Board members. We welcome Lisa Doner, Ryan Harvey, Dave Peeler, and Shaughn Bolton and look forward to the new energy, ideas, and experiences they bring. I would be remiss if I didn't thank Board members that are leaving us - Gunner Baldwin and Michelle Wright, thanks for all you have done for Quincy Bog. Also, thanks to all of you for your generous support! Whether it is financial or as a volunteer the bog is a better place because of you.

I hope your New Year brings all good things. See you at the Bog!

Janice Mulherin
President