Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

New Hampshire forests have had an amazing comeback since the 1800s, when settlers largely cleared the land for farming and sheep grazing. Jack Savage, president of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, spoke at the first Jaffrey Amos Fortune Forum of the season on Friday evening about the state of New Hampshire’s forests, conservation efforts and where he’d like to see the state in the next 15 years.

Project Shakespeare will mark its 32nd season with “Speak the Speech!,” a showcase of short plays, scenes and monologues, on Friday, July 17, at 5 p.m. and Saturday, July 18, at 1 p.m. The free performances will take place at the Jaffrey Civic Center, located at 40 Main St. Donations will be accepted at the door.

Greetings from the Barn! Since my last column, our first production of the season — “Baskerville” — has had a wonderful run. Our second show was exciting in its own way: “A Danger to Yourself and Others” by Colette Mazunik is a brand-new play, and the Players gave it a first full production! Colette is a Colorado-based playwright, and it’s been a joyous and inspiring experience to have her in rehearsal with us (first virtually, and then in person).

Rob Koch, Chris Koch, Claudia Koch and Judy Koch. Chris Koch, Judy Koch and Rob Koch. Rob and Judy Koch. Last month, the Peterborough community bid farewell to well-known resident Rob Koch, who died after an illness at age 81. Rob Koch of Peterborough was an avid volunteer, a longtime board member of local theater stages, and a longtime counselor and professor at Franklin Pierce University, and the kind of man who knew everybody.

The Rindge Conservation Commission will host a free, family-friendly community paddle on the Contoocook River on Sunday, July 19, at 1:30 p.m. Paddlers will launch from the boat ramp on County Road at the edge of the Contoocook Marsh Conservation Complex. The flatwater route is suitable for all skill levels, and participants can bring canoes, kayaks or paddleboards. Life jackets are required, and attendees are advised to bring water, sunscreen and bug spray.

It is the season of deep, forest green crowding toward the center of every open space, encroaching from all directions, even upward from the ground. I weed the garden in the afternoon, and the next morning reinforcements have arrived. Each year at this time, I am reminded of the exuberance of plant life, determined to elbow its way to the front of the line. You should see me with a whip and a chair, at the center of the yard, snapping at the hemlock, beech and birch limbs that taunt me.

Blueberry season is underway, with pick-your-own farms in the Monadnock region reporting an excellent crop this year, after perfect weather conditions. Wayne Colsia, owner of Paradise Farm in Lyndeborough, said that for the past few years, weather conditions haven’t been ideal for blueberries, with either too little or too much rain, but so far, early summer conditions have been perfect to create a large crop. “The berries are fantastic. We’ve already been picking for two weeks,” said Colsia.

Microphone in hand, Elizabeth Goodhue gives commands like, “Square the blade,” or “Arms in,” to the boat navigating Thorndike Pond at Camp Wanocksett. The crew responds slowly, cautiously following orders. The boat eventually makes its way back to land after the first day of the Rowing Clinic on July 6. “People come in and they think, ‘Oh, okay, let’s just go’ … Every time you teach a new person how to row, they come out and they’re discouraged and frustrated. It’s a good lesson.

Alex is in the kitchen this month: Breakfast in this vegan household is very simple but very delicious. We all live under the call of muesli. It’s perfect, packed with fiber and vitamins, and endlessly personalizable. You can add any fruit, and any milk or yogurt that your heart desires.

Snoopy the Rabbit is known by the younger crowd for bringing magic to local libraries across the Granite State. On Thursday, Snoopy visited the Peterborough Town Library to read and plant seeds with the kids. Children plant their new rabbit food while Snoopy visits each table. Snoopy the Rabbit hops around looking for fresh greens while the children pet him. Claudia Derry holds Snoopy so the younger kids can pet him.