CHAPMAN SANCTUARY and VISNY WOODS
  • HOME
  • WHAT'S HAPPENING
  • EVENTS
  • TRAILS
  • WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT
  • MEMBERSHIP
  • VOLUNTEER
  • CONTRIBUTIONS
  • SPONSOR A BIRDHOUSE
  • BIRDHOUSES
  • PEOPLE PROFILES
    • The Story of Leonard Boyd Chapman
    • John Visny
  • CHAPPIE'S HOUSE
  • CONNECT WITH CSVW
  • eNEWSLETTER ARCHIVES
  • CSVW ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
  • CSVW CAREERS


70th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!
Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods is proud to be celebrating our 70th Anniversary and we would like to share our history & love of nature with all of you.  
We invite you to join us for an open house celebration:

THE CHAPMAN HOUSE
740 Mt Israel Road
Center Sandwich, New Hampshire
3:00pm - 5:00pm 
Sunday • October 12, 2025
Step inside “Chappie’s House” and enter a long-ago world of traditional New England architecture and craftsmanship.  The centuries old house has retained its granite foundation, hand-hewn beams, wide-pine floors and fireplaces.  Leonard Boyd Chapman’s life and presence is still apparent throughout the home.
​

The sanctuary's land is graced by nature with stunning New Hampshire forests, landscapes, and water elements that have been carefully protected for its bird and wildlife inhabitants.

CSVW WELCOMED GUESTS FOR AN OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATION.  
Visitors learned more about the history of the sanctuary and our mission including:
  • Leonard Boyd Chapman
  • John Visny
  • Future plans for the forest, trails, birds & wildlife
  • CSVW Trustees past & present
  • Resident Caretaker opportunity
  • Events 
  • Birdhouse Sponsorship Program
  • Membership
  • Trails for hiking, birdwatching, snowshoeing, x-country skiing 
​
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE NEXT CSVW OPEN HOUSE!

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EYES ON OWLS PROGRAM
Join us for this CSVW favorite annual event!

SATURDAY • AUGUST 16, 2025 • 11:00am
Sandwich Fairgrounds • Route 109
Center Sandwich, New Hampshire

Come one and all to this fantastic annual event arranged for you by Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods and sponsored by
​The Sandwich Animal Hospital.  
​
This educational program is a masterpiece of science, nature, owls, entertainment, and photography that you don’t want to miss.  There is so much to learn at the Wilson’s live owl presentation, including ways we can help owls and other raptors thrive in the wild or co-exist with humans where necessary. 

Mark & Marcia Wilson are well-known for their owl rescue and expertise.  This skilled team of professionals has travelled far and wide researching owls in their natural environment.  They are coming to Sandwich, NH in August with their beautiful rescued owls to share their experiences with all of us owl enthusiasts and nature lovers.

This is a wonderful opportunity to see these incredible birds LIVE and UP CLOSE!

The Wilson’s bring decades of knowledge and insights to the EYES ON OWLS program which they present in schools, environmental conferences, nature centers, land trusts and museums all over New England.  We are very fortunate to have EYES ON OWLS coming back to Sandwich, NH and with their gorgeous LIVE OWLS.

We know you will want to be part of this experience and we look forward to seeing you at the show!  
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO  MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS....
UNITED WAY DAY OF CARING • CSVW SPRING WORKDAY

DATE: May 16, 2025
TIME:  9:00am - 3:00pm • Come any time and stay all day or for an hour or two.

LOCATION:
Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods

740 Mt Israel Road
Sandwich, New Hampshire
CONTACT:  For more information contact Louisa Bryant at  (603)491-3425.

Granite United Way is sending volunteers to the CSVW and we are so grateful!

​
LEND A HELPING HAND TO THE SANCTUARY.

ALL ARE WELCOME  to join us on and help with trail maintenance (cutting back the trails, cleaning up fallen limbs, remarking trails), and cleaning up the sanctuary gardens.
Dress comfortably, wear sturdy shoes/boots, bring bug repellent, gloves, and tools.
Some tools will also be available.

CSVW will provide water, snacks, and lunch. 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU ALL!

THE 2025 CSVW ANNUAL BIRD WALK
Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods is happy to announce that our Annual Bird Walk will be held again this year and led by Wildlife Biologist, Christine Costello.​

RAIN DATE:  SUNDAY • MAY 18, 2025 
TIME:  7:30am
LOCATION:  Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods • 740 Mt Israel Road • Center Sandwich, NH 

Our members, neighbors and visitors have enjoyed this easy-going and educational bird walk so much that we offer it every year free of charge.  Sandwich, NH is gorgeous in the springtime and we are sure to enjoy some beautiful scenery as we make our way on sanctuary acreage.
This year the CSVW Annual Bird Walk will take place Mother’s Day weekend.  What a terrific way to spend the morning with the person in your life who is both a mother figure and a bird or nature enthusiast. 
Is there a better weekend to learn about nesting and observe the incredible diligence and fortitude of mother birds?!  Come with Mom or come with your kids or bring yourself - all are welcome to enjoy the morning outside in nature.

Christine Costello will lead the way as we learn about the birds who make their home at the sanctuary and some ways we can help them to thrive. Conversation is casual and informative as we discuss local birds, neotropical migrators, raptors and more.  Together we will learn about some habitat and food source requirements that can be found right here at CSVW to help ensure successful broods.
We’ll keep track of the birds we have spotted on our nature journey, and learn ways to identify different species by their calls or by evidence of their presence.

CSVW has a new owl box put in place in the area beside Teacup Lake.  We will be watching closely in the hope that an owl or a pair will move in and grace us with their presence.  

Meet in the upper parking area and come ready to go for light morning hike on the beautiful sanctuary trails.  We will begin in the pristine forest and hike to the  field, then make our way down to Teacup Lake.  From there we will head up the road past some 100+ year-old homes and the historic Mason Cemetery, then back to the Chapman House for light refreshments.   Guests will have an opportunity to compare notes and tally the species we’ve encountered.  We will take time to share observations about the birds at our own favorite birding locations.  Often the discussion turns to conservation efforts and ways we can help maintain the environment for local birds & migrators.

Additional information and what to bring:
  • Bring binoculars and/or camera if you have them
  • Birding notebook or journal
  • Bug repellent & sunscreen
  • Water
  • May mornings can be hot or chilly so dress in layers
  • Appropriate footwear for walking/hiking trails
  • Meet in the Upper Parking Area and be ready to hit the trail at 7:30am
  • Event is FREE! and open to the public

WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US AT THE CSVW ANNUAL BIRD WALK!
THE 2025 CSVW ANNUAL BIRD WALK
Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods is happy to announce that our Annual Bird Walk will be held again this year and led by Wildlife Biologist, Christine Costello.

DATE:  SATURDAY • MAY 10, 2025 am
TIME:  7:30am
LOCATION:  Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods • 740 Mt Israel Road • Center Sandwich, NH 

Our members, neighbors and visitors have enjoyed this easy-going and educational bird walk so much that we offer it every year free of charge.  Sandwich, NH is gorgeous in the springtime and we are sure to enjoy some beautiful scenery as we make our way on sanctuary acreage.

This year the CSVW Annual Bird Walk will take place Mother’s Day weekend.  What a terrific way to spend the morning with the person in your life who is both a mother figure and a bird or nature enthusiast. 
Is there a better weekend to learn about nesting and observe the incredible diligence and fortitude of mother birds?!  Come with Mom or come with your kids or bring yourself - all are welcome to enjoy the morning outside in nature.

Christine Costello will lead the way as we learn about the birds who make their home at the sanctuary and some ways we can help them to thrive. Conversation is casual and informative as we discuss local birds, neotropical migrators, raptors and more.  Together we will learn about some habitat and food source requirements that can be found right here at CSVW to help ensure successful broods.
We’ll keep track of the birds we have spotted on our nature journey, and learn ways to identify different species by their calls or by evidence of their presence.

CSVW has a new owl box put in place in the area beside Teacup Lake.  We will be watching closely in the hope that an owl or a pair will move in and grace us with their presence.  

Meet in the upper parking area and come ready to go for light morning hike on the beautiful sanctuary trails.  We will begin in the pristine forest and hike to the  field, then make our way down to Teacup Lake.  From there we will head up the road past some 100+ year-old homes and the historic Mason Cemetery, then back to the Chapman House for light refreshments.   Guests will have an opportunity to compare notes and tally the species we’ve encountered.  Here we will take time to share observations about the birds at our own favorite birding locations.  We may discuss conservation efforts and ways we can help maintain the environment for local birds & migrators.

Additional information and what to bring:
  • Bring binoculars and/or camera if you have them
  • Birding notebook or journal
  • Bug repellent & sunscreen
  • Water
  • May mornings can be hot or chilly so dress in layers
  • Appropriate footwear for walking/hiking trails
  • Meet in the Upper Parking Area and be ready to hit the trail at 7:30am
  • Event is FREE! and open to the public

WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US AT THE CSVW ANNUAL BIRD WALK!

THE 2024 CSVW ANNUAL BIRD WALK
Led by Biologist, Christine Costello of
U.S. Forest Service

DATE:  SATURDAY • MAY 25, 2024 a
TIME:  7:30am
LOCATION:  Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods • 740 Mt Israel Road • Center Sandwich, NH 
​
SAVE THE DATE and join us for this annual favorite birding event at Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods!

Springtime is a perfect opportunity to discover migratory birds and year-round species that are nesting and breeding at the sanctuary.   Christine Costello will lead the way again this year through the lush and lovely CSVW acreage.  
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Come along and enjoy a morning looking and listening for the returning warblers, and countless varieties of birds that make the sanctuary their home.    Chris will share her extensive knowledge as we learn to identify birds by sight, sound and evidence of nesting.

Together we will explore some of the habitats available for birds right here at Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods.  This meandering walk will include woodland trails, Teacup Lake and some of the bird boxes made possible by our 2024 Birdhouse Sponsors.   

We hope that some birding experts and enthusiasts will join us and bring their knowledge.  We can all learn from each other and share birding tips, favorite stories and ideas.  Discussions often involve some ways we can help our feathered friends thrive by paying attention to the environment that birds and other wildlife depend on for their survival.  

Birdwatching is a wonderful pastime that can be enjoyed by just about anyone.  Bring children and grandparents and make it a family outing. Whether you are an experienced birder or just curious, you can spend the morning outside in nature at the CSVW Annual Bird Walk.  

Additional information and what to bring:
  • Bring binoculars and/or camera if you have them
  • Birding notebook or journal
  • Bug repellent & sunscreen
  • Water
  • May mornings can be hot or chilly so dress in layers
  • Appropriate footwear for walking/hiking trails
  • Meet in the Upper Parking Area and be ready to hit the trail at 7:30am
  • Event is FREE! and open to the public
  • RAIN DATE:  Sunday • May 26 • 7:30 am

JOIN US RIGHT HERE AT CHAPMAN SANCTUARY AND VISNY WOODS
FOR THIS FUN AND EDUCATIONAL DAY IN NATURE!

WE WOULD LOVE IT if you could help us during a CSVW WORK DAY this coming weekend.
Join members of the CSVW Board of Trustees as we get outside to care for the forest, trails and gardens and give back to nature.  Bring your work gloves, trail gear, garden tools or home repair tools.

GARDENING 
Help prepare the beautiful garden beds that surround Chappie’s House.
Bring your favorite outdoor tools:
  • Rakes
  • Spades
  • Hoes
  • Tarps
  • Whatever else you use for your springtime gardening or landscaping
​
HEAVY TRAIL WORK
We will be doing some heavy trail work to clear the way for a busy spring and summer season.  Our network of trails are open year round at no cost to the public.  Large branches and dead trees will be cut and moved off the trail.  We would really appreciate your help and expertise in this effort.

LIGHT TRAIL WORK
If you are not up for heavy lifting, we certainly can still use your help.
Small blow-downs from the winter can be tossed off the trail into the woods.   Smaller birds and animals use this type of brush as homes, food storage or hideouts from predators. Go at your own pace on your favorite CSVW trail and enjoy the forest, field or Teacup Lake while you take pride in helping to maintain its beauty.

A LOT OR  A LITTLE 
Any amount of help, care or shared knowledge is important and directly benefits the birds, wildlife and the natural environment that CSVW strives to maintain and improve.

THANK YOU!
CSVW is so thankful for the wonderful community that we are part of here at the foothills of the White Mountains and just up the road from Squam Lake.  The diverse natural beauty of this area and the people we can count on as friends and neighbors is a special thing.  We appreciate you and we thank you!
CSVW MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT
April 2024

A Quarterly Meeting  of The Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods Board of Trustees will be held:

DATE:        April 13, 2024
TIME:         9:00 am
LOCATION:  BENZ CENTER • Heard Road • Center Sandwich, NH 03227

CSVW Members and public are welcome to attend.
PROJECT FEEDERWATCH WORKSHOP
DATE:  Saturday • February 17, 2024
TIME:   9:30 - 11:00am
LOCATION:   Benz Center • Heard Road • Center Sandwich, NH
CSVW Trustee, and enthusiastic FeederWatch observer, Shaw Smith presented.


The Project Feederwatch Workshop was a well-attended,  well-received and wonderfully informative!
About a dozen folks from the community came to learn about PFW and how they could participate
​as "citizen scientists" by observing and collecting data right in their own backyard or other favorite birdwatching location.

We learned that inProject FeederWatch, people observe and record the birds that visit their feeder and yard,
over a 2 day period.   You can also record what bird behaviors you notice, what mammals (like squirrels, cats, bear, and mice) you see, and other details.
The data that you enter into FeederWatch, along with the data from many thousands of other FeederWatch observers, is used to determine bird distribution and abundance, as well as tracking changes in populations size, and many other details.  


The eager crowd enjoyed lots of comparisons in what types of birds have been seen either in declining number or on the rise.   Shaw Smith provided the links below for anyone interested in 
PROJECT FEEDER WATCH or birdwatching in general.

PROJECT FEEDERWATCH WEBSITE:  great links for bird resources and for participating in the program.

MERLIN BIRD IDENTIFICATION APP:  A link to downloading this free app for your phone that allows the user to identify birds by their songs.

NATURE’S NOTEBOOK:  A different citizen science program where observers track seasonal changes in selected species. Numerous NH birds, amphibians, flowers, shrubs, trees, mammals, and insects are tracked. Excellent instructions for how to accurately observe phenological changes for each different species.

Thanks to all you who joined together with CSVW for this fun workshop and a huge thank you to Shaw Smith!

PROJECT FEEDERWATCH WORKSHOP
DATE:  Saturday • February 17, 2024
TIME:   9:30 - 11:00am
LOCATION:   Benz Center • Heard Road • Center Sandwich, NH
CSVW Trustee, and enthusiastic FeederWatch observer, Shaw Smith will be the presenter.


Do you have a bird feeder and enjoy watching the feathered neighbors in your yard?  Are you starting to get to know the kinds of birds you are seeing?  Would you like to share your observations with scientists to help their research?  If you enjoy feeding and watching birds, come to a presentation on an excellent citizen science program that you can join, called Project Feederwatch.

In Project FeederWatch, people observe and record the birds that visit their feeder and yard,
over a 2 day period.  Brief, or more extended, observation times are welcomed.  You can also record what bird behaviors you notice, what mammals (like squirrels, cats, bear, and mice) you see, and other details.
The FeederWatch season runs from November to April.

The data that you enter into FeederWatch, along with the data from many thousands of other FeederWatch observers, is used to determine bird distribution and abundance, as well as tracking changes in populations size, and many other details.  Because FeederWatchers count the number of individuals of each species they see several times throughout the winter, FeederWatch data are powerful for detecting and explaining gradual changes in the wintering ranges of many species.  In short, FeederWatch data are important because they provide information about bird population biology that cannot be detected by any other available method.  Your citizen science data is extraordinarily helpful.
If you decide to participate in the Project, becoming a FeederWatch observer costs $18 per year. FeederWatch is run jointly by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada.  
​Your data is always available to you on the FeederWatch web page, along with numerous resources to learn more about birds, and their habitats, along with other program research and information.


Come and see how you, and our community, can contribute helpful data to this important research resource, while getting more out of your bird feeding experiences.

Join us for this excellent 
program offered to you FREE of charge by CSVW.

IT'S ON!

THE 2023 CSVW ANNUAL BIRD WALK
Led by Christine Costello of U.S. Forest Service
SATURDAY • MAY 20, 2023 • 7:30am


SAVE THE DATE because this event is one of the highlights of our year here at
​Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods!
We are so fortunate to have Christine Costello of the U. S. Forest Service back with us again this year to lead the way through the beautiful CSVW acreage.  Come along and enjoy a spring morning looking and listening for the returning migrators, and countless varieties of birds that make the sanctuary their home.
Our group will explore some of the habitats available for birds right here at the sanctuary, from woodlands to open fields and the waters at Teacup Lake.  CSVW Birdhouses offer terrific nesting opportunities for the local wild birds and are usually bustling with activity this time of year. 
The birdhouses also create some fine birdwatching.

Birdwatching is a wonderful pastime that can be enjoyed by just about anyone!   
Whether you are an expert or just curious about birding, you can have a great experience at the CSVW Annual Bird Walk.   Beginners will learn to identify birds by both sight and sound as we look to the skies and trees along the trails. 

Experts and enthusiasts, please join us and bring your knowledge.  We can all learn from each other and share birding tips, stories and ideas.  Bird Walk participants will discuss some ways to help our feathered friends thrive by paying attention to the environment that birds and other wildlife depend on
​for their survival.


Additional information and what to bring:
  • Bring binoculars and/or camera if you have them
  • Birding notebook or journal
  • Bug repellent & sunscreen
  • Water
  • The month of May can be hot or chilly so dress in layers
  • Trail appropriate footwear is always recommended 
  • Meet in the Upper Parking Area and be ready to hit the trail at 7:30am
  • Event is FREE! and open to the public
  • RAIN DATE:  Sunday • May 21st • 7:30 am

JOIN US HERE AT CSVW ON MAY 20th FOR THIS FUN, EDUCATIONAL AND VERY SPECIAL DAY IN NATURE!
AUTUMN GUIDED TRAIL WALK
Led by Shaw Smith of Center Sandwich, New Hampshire ​
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2022 at 9:00am 

We are excited to offer this Guided Trail Walk free of charge to the public and our CSVW Members!  Come along and enjoy the natural beauty at Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods on land that has been conserved and protected for over 50 years.

This trail walk is a fun way to experience our beautiful acreage and get to know the
​CSVW Trails with friends and neighbors!
Shaw Smith has served on the CSVW Board of Trustees and has lived in the former John Visny homestead for many years.  Bringing a unique familiarity of the lovely sanctuary trails, Shaw will lead the way on the River Trail & East Loop.  Our band of walkers will make their way on the trails and down to the pristine Cold River.  This is a wonderful opportunity to explore CSVW in a group setting with people who have an appreciation of our natural surroundings. 

MEET A CHAMPION
There are countless gorgeous species of flora and fauna that thrive throughout the CSVW trails including a County Champion Aspen!  
We just might spot this big old beauty together as we enjoy the autumn scenery along the way. 

Additional information and what to bring:
  • TRAIL appropriate footwear, clothing and/or trekking poles recommended as some folks may find these 2 trails a little bit challenging.
  • Bug repellent / sunscreen
  • Water
  • Meet in the upper parking area 740 Mt Israel Road • Center Sandwich, New Hampshire
​
WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US FOR A FINE MORNING ON THE TRAILS!


UNITED WAY
​DAY OF CARING


​9:00am Monday, September 12, 2022 
Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods
740 Mt Israel Road • Center Sandwich, NH 03227


The United Way is sending a team of volunteers to CSVW as part of the United Way's Day of Caring
annual event.  


​The group will perform some very important maintenance on the trails, in the gardens and all over the sanctuary grounds.  CSVW Wildlife depends on the protected environment provided by Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods and it is imperative to keep trails open, clear of brush and passable for both the wildlife and the public.  The gardens need weeding and edging in order to continue to flourish, especially for the many critically important pollinators at the sanctuary.
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A BIG THANK YOU to the volunteers who have participated in past.
A BIG WELCOME to this year’s United Way Day of Caring volunteers.

​CAN YOU HELP ON SEPTEMBER 12th?
CSVW appreciates any and all the volunteers that can give an hour, a morning or a day.  

Please come ready to work with your hands and get physical in the gardens and on the trails. 
WHAT YOU MIGHT NEED
  • garden or work gloves, 
  • dress in layers with both short & long sleeves
  • bug spray and sunscreen, 
  • water
  • your own gardening or trail maintenance tools

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE 
If you have questions or need more information please call 603-284-6807​.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU FOR THE ANNUAL UNITED WAY DAY OF CARING!


CHAPMAN SANCTUARY AND VISNY WOODS
740 Mt israel road         p.o. box 96         center sandwich, nh 03227       603-284-6428

Copyright ©2025 Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods  All rights reserved
photography  provided  by  Trish Bushmich  Copyright ©2025  all  rights  reserved
​CHAPMAN SANCTUARY and VISNY WOODS IS A 501(C)(3) TAX EXEMPT ORGANIZATION
Federal Tax ID EIN #04-2210786

  • HOME
  • WHAT'S HAPPENING
  • EVENTS
  • TRAILS
  • WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT
  • MEMBERSHIP
  • VOLUNTEER
  • CONTRIBUTIONS
  • SPONSOR A BIRDHOUSE
  • BIRDHOUSES
  • PEOPLE PROFILES
    • The Story of Leonard Boyd Chapman
    • John Visny
  • CHAPPIE'S HOUSE
  • CONNECT WITH CSVW
  • eNEWSLETTER ARCHIVES
  • CSVW ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
  • CSVW CAREERS