Hebron, NH Bensonwood celebrated the grand opening of the Grey Rocks Conservation Center — home of the Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA) — a new facility designed as a hub for environmental education, community engagement, and long-term watershed stewardship.

The Grey Rocks Center launch adds to Bensonwood’s history of supporting mission-driven conservation and education centers across New England – including the Bosarge Family Education Center, Coastal Maine Botanical Garden’s first LEED Platinum and Net Zero public building completed in 2011. Bensonwood is in the design phase for The Beaver Brook Conservation and Education Center in Hollis, and is manufacturing panels for the new headquarters of The Monadnock Conservancy in Keene which they will raise this fall.

Located at 178 North Shore Rd., the Grey Rocks Conservation Center was built in collaboration with Bensonwood and Sippican Partners, a construction management firm.

Their regional experience paired seamlessly with Bensonwood’s role as the project’s timber frame and offsite construction partner.  The collective sustainable building practices, precision craftsmanship, and high-performance design helped realize NLRA’s mission-driven vision.

The project represents a significant milestone for both the NLRA and the broader Newfound Lake community. “This project exemplifies what’s possible when conservation values and sustainable construction align,” said Seth Clarke, director of business development at Bensonwood. “From responsibly sourced timber to our offsite fabrication methods that reduce waste and environmental impact, the Grey Rocks Conservation Center is a community asset created for generations to come.”

The center will serve as NLRA’s new headquarters and a year-round community resource for conservation initiatives and educational programming. The design prioritizes durability, energy efficiency, and environmental sensitivity - principles that are core to Bensonwood’s approach to regenerative building.

The grand opening celebration ran from July 24 to July 26, featuring free community events including building tours, nature walks, children’s activities, and ecotour boat rides on Newfound Lake.

The Grey Rocks project is a testament to the power of collaboration between mission-driven organizations, skilled craftspeople, and a community dedicated to environmental stewardship.  Bensonwood is honored to be part of this important step forward for conservation in the Newfound region.