A Lifetime in the Woods
In the High Peaks, where forest trails wind through generations of history, Cathy Haines has spent the last 50 years cultivating a profound relationship with the land she calls home. What began as a simple five-acre purchase with a small cabin has grown into a 100+ acre woodland sanctuary filled with handcrafted shelters, carefully maintained trails, and countless memories.
Cathy’s journey from landowner to land steward represents a beautiful evolution in how we can connect with the natural world. Through decades of cross-country skiing her groomed winter trails, building shelters with family members, camping in all seasons, and witnessing the changing landscape through windstorms and floods, she has developed an intimate understanding of these woods.
Now, Cathy has made the extraordinary decision to leave her land to the High Peaks Alliance in her will-ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to experience the same joy and connection she has found in these woods. At a time when more and more land in the region is being posted and closed to public access, Cathy’s generous legacy gift stands as a powerful testament to conservation and community.
A Journey to Salem, the Cabin, and a Life in the Woods
Will you tell me a little bit about how you came to be in Salem and on this property?
I’m originally from New Hampshire and spent the winter of 1972 skiing Sugarloaf. I went back to NH, lived in a city, wasn’t happy, and after three years I can back here and bought my original 5 acres which had a little cabin on it. After a couple of years, I built my house here.
Does the little cabin that you originally bought still exist?
I had it moved to the fish hatchery road on the original five acres, fixed it up, and rented it for quite a few years. I finally sold the cabin, and somebody else took it, and it’s now up on the side of Mount Abram somewhere.
Will you tell me how you went from five acres to all of this acreage?
I bought the adjoining 15 acres from a neighbor who had promised me first refusal if he ever decided to sell. Years later, he called and said he was ready to sell. As the years progressed, I was able to buy more adjoining acreage.
What first drew you to spending time in the woods as a child?
I’ve loved being in the woods ever since I was a kid. There were no girls in my neighborhood my age, just my brothers and neighboring boys.
We were in the woods all the time, building pine needle forts, climbing trees, and that type of thing. I loved being in the woods, but as I got older, I started to realize and appreciate what the woods offer so much more than just childhood playtime. I’m thankful that God gave me the ability to appreciate his creation.
Reflections in the Forest
How has your appreciation for the woods changed as you’ve gotten older?
As I got older, it’s even more than being in the woods, observing nature, and the wildlife. It also allows for me. it’s been a way to experience my emotions. I don’t know if that makes sense. I love being in the woods in times of happiness or sadness. It’s just something about being in the woods.
Do you have a favorite trail out here or a favorite campsite?
My different sites have different meanings for me, and all are special to me.
Can you share a story about building one of your favorite shelters?
Three years ago, my sister’s granddaughter wanted to build something with logs. I thought I was through building. Anyway, she and her 9-year-old cousin came up. We camped on the stream for 5 days while we built the South Ridge Shelter. It was a great time. Not just the building of the shelter, but the whole camping experience was quite special. Sitting around the campfire telling stories, cooking on the campfire, playing in the stream, doing bushcraft. For me, seeing their enjoyment in being in the woods and experiencing that joy with them was memorable, and Mae and Henrick will be coming up for their 3rd camping outing with me this August.
What’s the most significant change you’ve observed in the local ecosystem?
The flooding and windstorms we’ve had in recent years have changed my landscape significantly. I have a lot of soft wood that was devastated by windstorms. If those areas had been harvested years ago, perhaps it wouldn’t have been so devastating. Perhaps timber harvesting to maintain the woods properly will be something HPA will oversee.
Passing the Land to Future Generations
How has your relationship with the land evolved since you first acquired it?
I don’t think my relationship with the land has evolved, but what I plan to do with it certainly has. I plan on leaving my 120 acres to High Peaks Alliance.
What role has the Alliance played in your plans for the land?
I really love the fact that we have a local nonprofit that’s working at trying to keep land available for the public.
When I first started buying this land, I never even thought of donating it, but I love it so and enjoy it. I want other people to enjoy it, and HPA seems like the right fit. I’m convinced that HPA is going to do a wonderful job with all donated land because you’re about letting people continue to recreate in the woods. I’m excited to leave my land to HPA.
How has public access to land changed since you moved to the area?
When I first moved up here, I did a lot of wilderness camping, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, and I never ran into posted land.
Seven or eight years ago, I took up metal detecting. I love going into the woods, finding the old cellar holes. A lot of these areas that I’ve gone looking for cellar holes, I’ve hiked or biked through years ago, and I go back and the land is posted.
What are your hopes for the future of the land you are donating to the Alliance?
I hope it will be enjoyed, and I have full confidence in leaving it to HPA for management and stewardship.
Crafting Your Legacy
We hope Cathy’s story encourages you to reflect on your connection to the land and consider how you might leave a lasting legacy for the High Peaks region. Whether through planned gifts, conservation partnerships, or simply sharing your love of the outdoors, every effort helps keep this special place wild and welcoming.
Stay tuned for next month’s Voices of the High Peaks, where we’ll share more stories from those who live, love, and protect this remarkable landscape.
