One thing that sets this species apart from the more common cultivars is the extended season of blooming. Each cluster of flowers will last 2-3 weeks depending on the weather, but some clusters will come out earlier, and some will wait until early August before they open.
Summer Internship Explores Park System
This summer, an internship is being offered for one lucky student to explore the New Hampshire Park System, take pictures and share the experience on our blog!
Rhododendron Bloom Report: June 10, 2021
No big changes are evident on the Rhododendron front at the grove in Fitzwilliam. They are a native species (Rhododendron maximus) that will not start to bloom for another 2-3 weeks or so. For anybody who follows this blog, this is not anything new. The “peak” bloom normally happens around July 15 or so. So far, it does not look any different this year, but we will wait and see, eh?
Rhododendron Bloom Report: June 3, 2021
A few commonly seen wildflowers are visible in the grove this week, but the Rhododendron maximus blossoms are not due for another 3 or 4 weeks. The leaf buds are beginning to grow out, but the flower buds are still pretty tightly wrapped up.
Rhododendron Bloom Report: May 26, 2021
As dry and cool as it has been lately in the Monadnock region, it does not appear (yet, anyway) that the bloom at Rhododendron State Park will be affected. If, however, we don’t get some rain here soon, that may or may not change.
A Field Trip to Bear Brook State Park
If you’ve ever been to Bear Brook State Park, you know it’s a pretty special place. The SCA Digital Educator Naturalists have been living in Bear Brook since January, and they’ve gotten to know the park pretty well. To help you explore Bear Brook State Park a little more, they’ve created a digital field trip to Bear Brook, with videos visiting the park’s forests, wetlands, and CCC museum. Our field trip guide also includes suggested activities you can do at home, in your own backyard, or on a visit to Bear Brook.
Bird Songs of Spring
Often when we’re waiting for spring, we are looking for warm weather and wildflowers as our first marker that the season has arrived. But there’s another sign of spring in the air: birdsong! While some birds stay in New Hampshire all winter, others are just now returning to us after wintering further south. Here are a few migrants you can expect to see around New Hampshire now! We’ve included recordings of their calls as well as pictures–if you’re interested in birding, learning even just a few bird calls is a great way to get started.
Everyone’s Favorite – The Beaver
As aquatic animals, beavers spend most of their time in the water. They are proficient swimmers, and can remain underwater for up to 15 minutes at a time. Beavers’ skills in the water make up for their relative clumsiness on land, and helps to keep them safe from the threat of predation.
The Civilian Conservation Corps at Bear Brook State Park
Bear Brook is home to one of the only Civilian Conservation Corps camps left standing in the US. Also known as the CCC, the Civilian Conservation Corps was created by President Franklin Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression’s effect on the American economy.
7 Tips for Leaving No Trace at New Hampshire Parks
As we get closer to the summer months, and more outdoor adventurers begin visiting New Hampshire State Parks, it’s a great time to refresh on Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. Here are 7 tips to get the most out of your time at New Hampshire State Parks, while protecting our natural resources!