Pelham Pathways

Meet Tim Kennedy Guardian of Pelham’s Forests

Our October 10 and October 25 guided hikes will be led by Tim Kennedy, one of Pelham’s most dedicated trail stewards. Tim quietly cares for more than 23 miles of trails throughout Pelham’s town forests. He clears fallen trees, repairs bridges, installs water bars, hauls lumber, and fixes whatever needs attention—often working alone, by hand, and without seeking recognition. His connection to the outdoors runs deep. A Vietnam veteran, Tim began hiking in 1968 and found that the woods gave him a sense of peace. He went on to serve as an Appalachian Mountain Club trip leader for 45 years, leading winter hikes throughout New Hampshire’s mountains.

In 2025, after turning 80, Tim completed all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot peaks—an extraordinary achievement that made him one of only a small number of hikers over age 80 to complete the challenge. Tim believes that hiking belongs to everyone and that movement keeps us connected to life.

His advice is simple: “Get out there. Move. Hike. Make living worthwhile.”

You can do exactly that by joining Tim on one—or both—of his October hikes.

https://pelhampathways.com/guided-hike-gumpus-pond-home-of-natures-master-builders/

https://pelhampathways.com/guided-hike-halloween-walk-at-cutler-spaulding/

BEAVER ECOLOGY FIELD WALK

Gumpus Pond Conservation Area

Explore with Matthew Tarr, Wildlife Habitat Specialist

with UNH Cooperative Extension

Join wildlife habitat specialist Matthew Tarr for an in-depth outdoor exploration of
beaver habitat. Participants will look for dams, freshly cut trees, an active lodge, and
other signs of current beaver activity—and may even glimpse a beaver. Along the way,
Matt will explain beaver ecology, the benefits beavers provide to other wildlife, and
their important role in New Hampshire’s landscape.
PLEASE NOTE: This is an extended outdoor field program—not a traditional
guided hike. Participants should be prepared to spend approximately three hours
in the woods over moderate terrain. No restroom facilities are available.
• Meeting Place: Cul-de-sac at the end of Gowing Road near the Hudson/Pelham
border
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours
• Terrain: Moderate; participants should be comfortable walking and standing in
wooded conditions
• Best Suited For: Adults and experienced walkers who can comfortably complete the
full field program
• What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, water
• Registration Required: pelhampathways.com/communitytrailcoalition/
Weather Notice: The program will be cancelled in the event of bad weather. Check the
Pelham Pathways Events calendar for updates.

What an encouraging beginning! In less than 24 hours, five generous people donated a total of $160 toward the new patio at Celebration Park. Our goal is to raise $10,000, and every $10 gift brings us one step—or one “paver”—closer! The patio will create a welcoming, durable gathering space near the pickleball courts while helping us protect an area where the grass has become badly worn. Whether you give $10, $20, or more, your contribution will help improve this special community park.

BUY A PAVER TODAY

Donate online at PelhamPathways.com

You may also mail a check payable to:

Pelham Pathways, Inc.
103 Dutton Road
Pelham, NH 03076

Please write Celebration Park Patio in the memo line. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed. Only 984 more $10 gifts will bring us to our goal!

THIS SATURDAY!

The Community Trail Coalition (a Division of Pelham Pathways) is pleased to introduce its new Nature and Conservation Education Program. The program will offer educational walks, presentations, and other learning experiences designed to help people better understand Pelham’s wildlife, forests, wetlands, trails, and conservation lands. Leading this effort is Chris Gallaher, the Coalition’s new Volunteer Educational Programs Coordinator. Chris has lived in Pelham for 50 years and brings a lifetime of conservation experience to this role. She has served on the Pelham Conservation Commission and Forestry Committee, helped develop and mark trails, created wildlife habitat, coordinated educational events, and promoted sustainable forest management. A graduate of the Coverts wildlife conservation program, Chris is also an accomplished hiker who has climbed all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot mountains—twice! Her many years as a Girl Scout leader, trainer, and event director have given her a wonderful ability to turn a love of nature into engaging learning experiences for others. The first program in this new educational series will take us into the fascinating world of beavers.

Nature & Conservation Education Bringing Nature, Knowledge, and Community Together The Community Trail Coalition believes that connecting people with nature begins with understanding it. Through our Nature & Conservation Educ…

Pelham Pathways is proud to announce that our very own Lynne Hildreth, Director of Pickleball, has been selected to receive a Volunteer Service Award at Volunteer NH’s 2026 Spirit of NH Awards Ceremony.

Lynne’s impact on our community has been extraordinary. What began as an idea in 2022 has grown into a thriving pickleball community of nearly 500 players, thanks to her vision, leadership, and countless hours of volunteer service.

Before Pelham’s pickleball courts were even built, Lynne helped identify locations, presented the project to the Select Board, organized volunteers, raised funds, and helped turn the vision into reality. Today, she oversees lessons, tournaments, youth programs, winter play opportunities, and a dedicated volunteer team that welcomes players of all ages and skill levels.

More than just building a successful recreation program, Lynne has built a community. She has created opportunities for beginners, encouraged friendships, reduced isolation for many older adults, and made sure every new player feels welcome from day one.

As one volunteer beautifully said:

💚 “Lynne doesn’t just run a program, she builds a community where everyone belongs.”

Pelham Pathways could not be more proud of Lynne and this well-deserved recognition.

📅 2026 Spirit of NH Awards Ceremony
🗓 Monday, October 26, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Chubb Theatre at the Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord, NH
🎟 Free to attend

Please join us in congratulating Lynne and thanking her for the incredible difference she has made in Pelham. Her dedication, kindness, and service have touched hundreds of lives and continue to strengthen our community every day.

👏 Congratulations, Lynne! This honor is truly well deserved.

Who’s Been Busy at Gumpus Pond? Plus September Hikes & News

Discover beaver habitat, join a September hike, and remember our September 8–12 charitable gaming dates.

Who’s Been Busy at Gumpus Pond?
Discover the World of Beavers

Photo by Steve & June Carson- Gumpus Pond

A freshly cut tree. A carefully constructed dam. A lodge rising from the water. Someone has been busy at Gumpus Pond—and we’re heading out to investigate! Join the Community Trail Coalition on Friday, October 2, at 9:00 a.m.for a Beaver Ecology Field Walk with Matthew Tarr, wildlife habitat specialist with UNH Cooperative Extension. Together, we’ll look for dams, freshly cut trees, an active lodge, and other clues to beaver life. Matt will explain how these remarkable animals shape the landscape and create habitat for other wildlife.

Bring your curiosity and questions. We may even glimpse a beaver! Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the evidence they leave behind tells a fascinating story.

Plan your visit

Where: Gumpus Pond Conservation Area.

Meet: The cul-de-sac at the end of Gowing Road, near the Hudson/Pelham border.

When: Friday, October 2, at 9:00 a.m.

Length: Approximately three hours.

Terrain: Moderate; best suited for adults and experienced walkers comfortable walking and standing in wooded conditions throughout the program.

Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, and water.

Registration is required. Register for the Beaver Walk. Questions? Email [email protected]. The program will be cancelled in bad weather; check the Pelham Pathways Events calendar for updates.

What’s upcoming?
Whirlaway Sports is offering a very discounted Joola Paddle with additional perks as a bonus. See promo here. Pickle like the pros do. The offer is good while supply lasts.

Pelham COA-Remember to join or renew your membership checking off that you are a pickleball player.

BSRC Indoor Courts-new times for September and annual club fee due. *

Pelham Pathways Old Home Day booth-Look for us there. We hope to have a small demonstration area.

“Ladder Tournament” -See early details of this happening for October 17. **

* BSRC Indoor Courts- The September days are still Tuesdays and Thursdays, but the hours are changing to 9:30-11:30am. We will be increasing hours as needed.

The Annual Club Fee of $20 and waiver starts in October. The club fee entitles you to lower playing fees to $8 mornings M, T, Th, F, and $5 Wednesdays. Later start times and Saturdays are always $10. If you choose not to pay the club fee, the day fee will be $10 every time.

The October hours expect to change to 7:45-9:45am and if needed, 9:45-11:45am. We will need to be out of the gym by 11:45. Saturday hours will also be added.

We will be looking for volunteers to be Desk Angels beginning in October or when the hours increase to double sessions. Please watch for details.

**Climbing the Ladder” Tournament- Our annual tournament will be held Saturday, October 17th, with a rain date of Sunday, October 18th beginning at 10:00am and 1:00pm at the Hobbs Courts.

Please volunteer to help out if you do not intend to play in the tournament. Many volunteers are needed. Sign up on SUG.

The morning tournament will be Beginner-Intermediate level individual players playing in randomly assigned and changing teams. The afternoon tournament is for Competitive-Advanced level constant teams.

The tournament fee will be $35 from each individual player. We are limiting the tournaments to 16 players in a.m. and 8 teams of 2 players in p.m.

Between the two tournaments we will have a luncheon for both groups. Please let me know if you would be willing to volunteer as a luncheon coordinator. Dessert cookies would be appreciated from our Pelham Picklers.

Players will sign up as individuals for the morning tournament and as teams for the afternoon. To register use: Sign-up Genius (10/17) and then Venmo $35 to venmo.com/PelhamNHP noting ‘AM or PM tournament’ or give cash or check (in an envelope) made out to Pelham NHP to Lynne Hildreth or Gretchen Brunelle. You are not fully signed up until payment is received.

The tournaments will start at the above times. All warmups must be done before starting times.

All players and teams will play 5 games to 11 points (no win by 2) or to a maximum of 12 minutes. There will be no byes.

Just what is a ladder tournament? Click here.

For more details please contact [email protected].

Celebration Park: Three Years of Volunteer-Powered Progress

Three years ago, there was no Celebration Park—only dirt and weeds. Today, the property at 8 Nashua Road is a colorful and welcoming gathering place filled with perennial gardens, trees, shrubs, accessible pathways, artwork and recreational opportunities.

The work continues. Volunteer Mary Sanford recently transplanted a Rose of Sharon to a new location where we hope it will thrive. Student volunteer Scott Trettel, who is earning community service hours, joined Master Gardener Donna Lussier in adding cow manure and compost to the garden beds. Volunteer artist and art teacher Paula Stanvick has also been refurbishing the park kiosks with cheerful paintings of flowers, bees and other nature-inspired scenes. These improvements are possible because community members continue to give their time, energy and talents.

Additional volunteers will be needed on Saturdays, October 17 and October 24 to help install drip irrigation systems in the perennial garden beds. This project will make watering more efficient and help protect the community’s investment in the park’s beautiful plants. To volunteer or request more information, email [email protected].

Harmony Park: Building the Dream Step by Step

In October 2025, the future site of Harmony Park was a wooded property filled with brush, fallen branches and uneven terrain. Volunteers could see its potential, however, and began working to transform the land into an inviting community park. Today, that dream is taking shape. Trails are being cleared, shrubs and native plants—including highbush blueberries—have been planted, and a new wooden bridge has been installed. Plans include a pollinator garden, benches, interpretive signs, beehives and other features that will encourage visitors to explore and appreciate the natural world. Harmony Park is being built step by step through 100% volunteer time. Every trail cleared, plant installed and structure completed reflects the dedication of people who believe in creating welcoming outdoor spaces for the entire community.