They say April showers bring May flowers. For our campground construction contractor, April showers brought the Monadnock region over a foot of snow! Work on campground roadways became impossible as the combination of any early April thaw, a mid-April return of winter in earnest, and a sudden snowmelt combined with rain turned the worksite into a muddy morass. The crew took this as a great opportunity to bring the water system piping and the septic fields to near completion. As we head into the beginning of May, the weather has been more cooperative with serving to dry up the roadways well enough to continue with construction.

With the return of spring, many of the elements which add to the beauty of the Gilson Pond Area have also returned. On a recent walk, the park manager was especially delighted to hear the chorus of spring peepers emanating from wetlands. He also realized the incredible richness of diversity in natural qualities that will be available to future campers. One campsite has the sound of the peepers and the croaking of the bull frog; the next has the sound of a trickling stream and the wind high up in the pines; another is in a sunny area at the edge of a field where the flight of birds and the drifting clouds are easily observed; and not to mention the campsite with a view of the pond through the forest where you can hear the slap of the beaver�s tail against the water.

Please Note: The Gilson Pond Area of Monadnock State Park is closed to all public access until further notice due to construction. Recreational users (including hikers and cross country skiers) are advised to utilize Monadnock State Park Headquarters during this time. Unidentified construction hazards and unsigned relocation of roads and trails may be present which could create difficulties and safety concerns.