A conservation story from the heart of Effingham
by Nancy Ritger
GMCG Executive Director
The story of the Ol’ Hens is one of thoughtful generosity and a tangible commitment to conservation stewardship that lives on. In the late fall of 2024, GMCG acquired the Effingham property that had belonged to Patricia “Pat” Parker and Janet Normandeau — affectionately known as the Ol’ Hens.
Janet Normandeau and Pat Parker at their home in Effingham in 2021.
In 1986, Patricia “Pat” Parker and Janet Normandeau left the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and purchased Snow Farm in Effingham. In the ensuing years they immersed themselves in the life of their farm and the Effingham community.
They restored the farm, gardened, and raised ducks, geese and sheep. They entertained, made countless friends, and brought the community closer together by starting up the “Coffee Break,” a weekly social gathering held at either the Effingham Historical Society or the old Town Hall. They also co-wrote a weekly column for the Northern Light newspaper called “Scratchin’ ‘Round Effingham” by “A Couple of Ol’ Hens.” The column ran for many years, providing town news and whimsical commentary and ensuring that the two would always be remembered in town as the “Ol’ Hens.”
Community service was important to their lives as well. Janet served on the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission. Together, they delivered Meals on Wheels. When Snow Farm became more than they could manage, they relocated in 2003 to Province Lake Road where they enjoyed life together and their beautiful view of Green Mountain until Pat passed away in March 2023 at age 96. Janet stayed on caring for the property. She was out and about on her rider mower just a few days before she passed away on August 3, 2024 at age 91.
Three of Janet and Pat’s friends, Kate Hartnett, Rachael Stuart and Maria Crockett, have been serving as Trustees of their estate. Knowing how much the land and Effingham’s natural environment meant to both Pat and Janet, the Trustees mapped out a plan for a permanent legacy to the “Ol’ Hens” and to ensure the protection of the 16-acre property. They had the idea to place a conservation easement on the property to add to the wildlife corridor established by the Forest Society’s 2,336-acre High Watch Preserve around the summit of Green Mountain. They contacted GMCG, a land trust and watershed protection organization headquartered just four miles away in Effingham.
View of Green Mountain from the Normandeau property in Effingham. (Courtesy photo)
“When Kate called our office and shared their idea to work with GMCG, it was immediately apparent we had a win-win opportunity for the community, for land conservation, and for GMCG,” said former GMCG Executive Director Matt Howe. “On November 14 we closed on the acquisition of Pat and Janet’s 16.5-acre property with their two-bedroom home.” The next step was to place a conservation easement on the land.
Because the Trustees made a private bargain sale and worked with a conservation-friendly realtor who provided pro-bono services, GMCC was able to purchase the property for below market value. Once the conservation easement was in place, GMCG and the trustees worked with NH Saves to complete an energy audit. Weatherization work was completed to increase the energy efficiency of the house to both reduce oil consumption and save money for the buyers in the long run. The property was placed on the open market in January and under contract within days. Proceeds from the sale will support GMCG’s year-round research, education, advocacy and land conservation programs to protect the Ossipee Aquifer and Ossipee Watershed.
“We are thrilled there will be a permanent legacy for Janet and Pat, the land will be conserved, and GMCG will have additional resources for our important work in the watershed. We extend a warm welcome to our new neighbors and partners in conservation, Leah and Andrew,” says Nancy Ritger, new Executive Director at GMCG.
“As Trustees of the Normandeau-Parker Estate, we are so grateful to be able to honor Pat and Janet in this way,” stated Kate Hartnett. “A precious piece of Effingham with its stunning view of Green Mountain, has been protected while keeping the remainder of the property and house on the Effingham tax rolls.”
Added GMCG Board Chair Peter Zack of Porter, Maine, “We want to extend our deep appreciation to the Normandeau-Parker Trustees for their generosity, their creativity, and their commitment to land conservation. GMCG will memorialize this gift, both at the site and at our headquarters, being sure to note Pat and Janet’s decades of service to the Effingham community they so loved.”
If you are interested in learning more about legacy giving with GMCG contact Nancy Ritger at director@gmcg.org or call (603) 539-1859.
