“Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal.” -Elbert Hubbard It’s sunset at Wellington State Park, and I couldn’t imagine a more peaceful venue to reflect upon the last few months, my summer of […]
Author: Jackie Raiford, New Hampshire State Parks Intern
I'm a graduate student working towards my Masters in Conservation Biology at Antioch University New England. My research interests include the conservation of urban green spaces for the physical and psychological health of communities. I lived for the first 24 years of my life in Rockville, Maryland just north of Washington D.C. I have traveled a little both domestically and abroad, and lived for six months in Australia. I also work as a dance and fitness instructor, and am certified by the American Council on Exercise.
Sunset Picnic at Wellington State Park
Two weeks ago I asked YOU to suggest a park for me to visit. There were a lot of great ideas, which made for a hard decision, but in the end I decided to check out Wellington State Park. Thank you, Priscilla, for the recommendation you gave on Facebook: “Wellington State Park in Bristol…has everything. […]
Kayaking at My New Favorite State Park
……………. This park has already made an appearance here on the blog, but I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to visit what many have told me is their favorite spot in the Granite State. I was pleased to find that the 7,200+ acres of wilderness was as wet and wild as promised. I’m […]
Star Trails Over Mt. Monadnock
There’s something about an evening in late August that’s particularly enchanting. After a long, hot day the night is cool reminder that a change in the seasons is quickly approaching. And on a clear night when there are plenty of stars, it’s also a good time for reflection. I spent an evening near Jaffrey by […]
Foraging for Fungi on the Forest Floor
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you got stranded in the wilderness? Do you have the knowledge, skills, and courage to survive? Where would you sleep? What would you eat? I got a taste for what it would take on a foray with the Monadnock Mushroomers Unlimited. This club of fungus […]
Walking on Water: Part 2
“The miracle is not to fly in the air, or to walk on the water; but to walk on the earth.” – Chinese Proverb You may remember last week’s account of a very fun (but also very wet!) tour of Hampton Beach State Park from the vantage of a stand-up paddleboard. After an hour on […]
Walking on Water: Part 1
I’m at Hampton Beach State Park this week to show you something you might be surprised to find in New Hampshire. It’s one of the fastest growing and most popular water sports on the planet- stand up paddleboarding – and it’s right here in Hampton at the Cinnamon Rainbows surf shop. This ancient Hawaiian practice […]
Summer Rain Hiking at Odiorne Point State Park
It was my first real visit to the New Hampshire seacoast and I couldn’t wait to get out on the beach. I was ready with sunglasses and sunscreen. But mother nature had something else in mind. The forecast? Rain, rain, rain… Although it wouldn’t be the lazy beach towel and a book weekend I had […]
The View from Pack Monadnock: Part 2
When we arrived at the summit of Pack Monadnock, the surrounding mountainscape was already tinged with the first hues of sunset. The wall of an impending storm was crossing distant peaks on its way towards us. At the end of a hot, hazy day it was an eerily beautiful scene. I’m in Miller State Park […]
The View from Pack Monadnock: Part 1
If there’s one thing I hope to have accomplished by the end of summer writing for this blog, it’s that I’ve connected to the natural world in a way I haven’t expected. Many of the most valuable experiences I’ve had exploring the outdoors happened by changing my perspective. Sometimes just by reassigning myself a new […]