MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank) recently purchased $20,000 in tax credits through the New Hampshire Community Development Authority (CDFA) to support the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests’(Forest Society) fundraising campaign. The Forest Society is in the process of renovating the 1884 Carriage Barn as a new program and event center, which will be known as the Forest Society North at The Rocks. The Rocks is a 1,400-acre property that serves as the organization’s northern New Hampshire campus and is an economic driver for the region.

“A fire in 2019 destroyed several buildings at The Rocks and we saw it as an opportunity to rebuild and renovate the space,” said Jack Savage, Forest Society President. “The Carriage Barn will retain the historic exterior but convert the interior into a net-zero energy efficient building and feature event space, classrooms, offices, and Christmas tree sales. We are thrilled with the show of support for this project from community partners like MVSB.”

“Serving on the Forest Society’s Board, I have seen firsthand the vital impact the organization makes to protect the more than one million acres of open space and promote land stewardship,” said Jason Hicks, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Risk Officer for New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp, the shared services organization for MVSB. “We are proud to support this project and we are excited to see the completed renovations this summer.”

The Forest Society’s investment at The Rocks will also allow professional conservation staff serving the North Country to be based at The Rocks. The Forest Society owns 17 forest reservations in the North Country and is in the process of purchasing 3,750 acres in Shelburne, known as the Mahoosuc Highlands.

The Forest Society is a nonprofit membership statewide land conservation organization dedicated to protecting the state's most important landscapes while promoting the wise use of its renewable natural resources. Go to forestsociety.org for more information.

Unlike a stock bank, MVSB is a mutual savings bank that operates for the benefit of its depositors, borrowers and surrounding communities. As a result, MVSB has remained steadfast in fostering the economic health and well-being of the community since it was founded in 1869. For over 150 years, Meredith Village Savings Bank (MVSB), has been serving the people, businesses, nonprofits and municipalities of New Hampshire. MVSB and its employees are guided by the values of accountability, mutuality, excellence, respect, integrity, teamwork and stewardship. To learn more, visit any of the local branch offices located in Alton, Ashland, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Melvin Village, Meredith, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Rochester or Wolfeboro, call 800.922.6872 or visit mvsb.com.

Caption: From left, Jason Hicks, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Risk Officer for New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp, and Marcus Weeks, MVSB President present a check to Jack Savage, Forest Society President and Anne Truslow, Forest Society Vice President for Development.