Longtime Rindge residents Laurel and Jim Cameron were honored recently as the 2025 Rindge Conservationists of the Year for their work in clearing existing trails and establishing new ones with the town’s Conservation Corps.
The Camerons were honored in a ceremony at the Rindge Recreation Center on Jan. 17.
Conservation Commission member Al Lefebvre said the couple has been involved with the town’s Conservation Corps since its inception.
“Ten years ago a call went out for people to join our newly established Conservation Corps. Jim and Laurel Cameron were among the first to offer their support. In those 10 years they never stopped helping, whether cutting brush, sawing apart trees blocking trails, or cheerfully sharing an extensive knowledge of the plants and animals,” Lafebvre said.
Laurel has also helped to promote the Conservation Commission by designing the logo the commission uses for its hats and t-shirts, sales of which support its conservation work.
The couple said they are avid users of the town’s conservation properties and trails, often taking their dog Kaya out for walks to explore. They said a favorite spot of theirs in the Converse Meadow property and trail.
Laurel said that when the Conservation Commission was in the midst of raising funds to buy the property, she submitted the logo design to help sell merchandise and raise funds. She said she was already familiar with the property.
“When I first moved here I had a horse, and I would go out and find trails. I found it before it was cleared, and that area, it was really neat, but quite overgrown,” Laurel recalled.
Jim said the couple enjoys looking for wildlife as they hike the trail, having spotted otters in the pond, had their dog tree a fisher cat, watched osprey diving for fish, and stopped at the outlook for McGregor Pond, where you can see a beaver lodge.
Jim said that contributing to workdays to help make the trails he and Laurel enjoy has been rewarding.
“The more hands the merrier,” he said. “You help out where you can, and it’s fun.”
Laurel said having an active Conservation Commission and helping to preserve open space and wildlife corridors are of the “utmost importance.” She said receiving the award was an honor, and thanked the commission and Conservation Corps for their work in conserving land and helping to make trails accessible.
Established in 2024, the Conservationist of the Year Award recognizes a person, business or organization that has inspired others with their dedication to land, water or wildlife habitat protection, and shown outstanding conservation volunteerism in Rindge.
The recipient is selected from nominations submitted by Rindge residents, and chosen by a team of three judges, including a member of the Rindge Conservation Commission and two others who live or work in Rindge and have knowledge of conservation and the community.
Hikes, workdays and events are held regularly to involve and educate Rindge and Monadnock area residents about conservation areas, local flora and fauna, and the benefits of preserving land. These efforts are made possible by the Rindge Conservation Fund.
If you would like more information about the Rindge Conservation Commission and ways to join its activities, email rindgeconcom@rindgenh.gov.