by Amelia Paine, SCA Interpretive Ranger at Ellacoya, Lake Sunapee, and Pillsbury State Parks Have you ever wished that you could live alone in nature, relying only on yourself and the world around you, observing wildlife and looking out over beautiful landscapes, away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, work, and technology? I […]
Fantastical Fairy Houses
By Ellie Holter SCA Interpretive Ranger The great outdoors is filled with a magic that may only appear to those who seek the whimsical in the everyday, who are not contented with the straightforward view that many of us take, but rather ask the what-ifs and allow their imaginations to run wild. If we are […]
Dark Side of the Loon
by Amelia Paine, SCA Interpretive Ranger at Ellacoya, Lake Sunapee, and Pillsbury State Parks Have you seen a loon yet this summer? How about hearing one call? These birds have a mysterious, almost spooky quality that sticks with people long after they encounter one. Whether it’s because of their striking black-and-white plumage, their bright red […]
Beginner’s Guide to NH Pollinator Gardens
By: Anna Beaudette, SCA Interpretive Ranger What are Pollinators? Pollinators play a crucial role in our environmental and agricultural systems. A pollinator is any insect or animal that carries pollen from one plant to another, allowing that plant to reproduce. Bees, butterflies, moths, birds, bats, beetles, wasps, ants, and flies are considered to be pollinators. […]
Monadnock: The Mountain That Found Me
by SCA Interpretive Ranger Joshua Leary Picture By Joshua Leary “Some mountains we climb for the view. Others, we climb to find ourselves.” –Joshua Leary In New Hampshire, Mount Monadnock stands tall, a familiar silhouette visible from miles away, a point of pride for surrounding communities. Though celebrated in classrooms, literature, and local conversations, its […]
Phoenix Trees at White Lake
By Elise Eisenberg, SCA Interpretive Ranger Fire! Sometimes it is destructive and dangerous. Sometimes it’s warm and energetic. But for pitch pine trees, it’s how they drop seeds and are reborn! White Lake State Park sits upon a 72-acre pitch pine forest that visitors can walk through on the 1.5 mile walk around the lake. […]
Room to Breathe
Ellie Holter, SCA Interpretive Ranger It’s safe to say that we all love wild animals, they are strong beautiful creatures and sometimes it feels like we just can’t get enough, but what is the best way to view these cool dudes? The truth is that when it comes to wildlife, the best type of relationship […]
Starting a Nature Journal
By Ella Selden, SCA Interpretive Ranger Nature journaling is the perfect way to practice your observation and appreciation skills! Nature journaling involves making and recording observations you find outside. Journaling helps the observer slow down and look for details in the world around them. Throughout history, humans have taken time to create art of their […]
Mystery in the Great North Woods! What is The Woods Devil?
By Andrew Kniska, SCA Interpretive Ranger It is now October, and to get into the mood for spooky season, I would love to tell you about a mythical creature from a part of the state that has left an impression on me. Deep in Coös County, New Hampshire, there is said to be a creature […]
Exploring Indigenous Histories and Cultures at New Hampshire’s State Parks
By Mitchell Craig, SCA Interpretive Ranger Columbus Day, also known as Indigenous People’s Day, is observed across the country on the second Monday of October. It is an opportunity to reflect on the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples. While New Hampshire currently observes Columbus Day as a state holiday, many individuals and organizations […]