The Beech Hill ridgeline forms the watershed beween the Connecticut River and the Merrimack. It is part of the Monadnock Highlands, defined as the largest remaining area of intact contiguous forest in central New England.
Beech Hill occupies an important place among the natural and recreational resources of Dublin. It is largely undeveloped because previous generations protected it from clear-cutting. The forests and granite ledges provide habitat for a wide variety of mammals, birds, insects, and plants. Its trail system, accessible from several points in Dublin and Harrisville, includes a wide carriage trail that was constructed in the early part of the 20th century. Beech Hill has beautiful vistas to the east, west and south. It also forms a significant part of the watershed surrounding Dublin Lake.
In 2005 , a group of Dublin citizens developed a strategy to purchase Beech Hill Hospital (which the State had closed in 2001) and its land. First, they wanted to restore the property to its natural condition. This required removal of the hospital buildings, sewage treatment lagoon and paved surfaces that had been constructed over decades. Second, they planned to place a conservation easement on approximately 40 acres and sell a 12-acre lot that included the original house. Finally, they wanted to form a 501(c)(3) organization that would support the Town’s efforts to keep Dublin Lake clean and clear, make Beech Hill itself a resource for local citizens, and contribute to peoples’ better understanding of the watershed. All of these objectives have been met.
The Beech Hill- Dublin Lake Watershed Association was formed in 2006 to protect Dublin Lake.
Beech Hill-Dublin Lake Watershed 