Joy Wetzel, SCA Interpretive Ranger I had a wonderful day last week! While traveling through Monadnock State Park after a day of delivering Discover the Power of Parks (DPP) educational programs, I caught a flash of orange at the base of a dead tree that made me do a double-take. A second glance confirmed […]
Author: Discover Power of Parks SCA Interpreters
Discover the Power of Parks is presented by New Hampshire State Parks in collaboration with the Student Conservation Association and AmeriCorps and made possible by generous financial support from Eversource. The program offers a look into the natural world through hands-on programming.
Interpretive programs focus on connecting participants with nature and building appreciation for New Hampshire's unmatched natural heritage. Programs include guided hikes, interpretive tours, and imaginative environmental workshops for children and families. Programs are offered free to guests with paid park admission fee. No pre-registration is required.
Recreational Activities in Franconia Notch
Connor Cahill, SCA Interpretive Ranger Franconia Notch State Park offers many fun and family friendly recreational activities during the spring, through the fall, and even during the winter! Whether you enjoy walking through the recreational path alongside the Pemigewasset River, or navigating your way down Cannon Mountain on skis, there is something for anyone. Hiking […]
Diving into Ponding
Olivia Gottlieb, SCA Interpretive Ranger New Hampshire is home to many different types of insects, and New Hampshire State Parks serve as wonderful environments to find them. What you may not realize is that the ponds, rivers, and lakes are great places to find insects that are either solely water dwelling or live out their […]
Blue Jays; Bullies or Buddies?
Rebecca Durnick, SCA Interpretive Ranger One of the most common backyard-bird species is the Blue Jay. These bright and flashy birds are commonly seen throughout the central and eastern United States, and some southern regions of Canada. With their loud and alarming calls, they make their presence known to any human and wildlife around them. […]
All About Pawtuckaway State Park
Casey Devanney, SCA Interpretive Ranger Pawtuckaway State Park is a 5,000-acre preserve in New Hampshire. It is one of the largest state parks in southeastern New Hampshire, named for Pawtuckaway Lake and the Pawtuckaway Mountains. The park extends from the west shore of the lake to the west side of the mountains. Geology The Pawtuckaway Mountains are […]
The Grand Hotels of New Hampshire
David Bailey, SCA Interpretive Ranger When people think of summer vacation, images of campsites, hiking, and going to the beach may come to mind. We also think of these trips as only lasting a few days, maybe a week or sometimes two if we are lucky. However, summer vacation looked much different during the 1850’s […]
Intro to Composting
Joy Wetzel, SCA Interpretive Ranger Does your garbage bin frequently come close to overflowing? Do you hate having to buy expensive fertilizer for your garden? Are you constantly dealing with soil erosion in your backyard? If I told you there was an inexpensive and effective at-home way to resolve these problems, all while reducing your […]
The Wonderful Wildflowers of the Great Northwoods!
Rebecca Durnick, SCA Interpretive Ranger Many of the spring wildflowers that bloom for a short period start wilting by July. Don’t let that get you down, the spring ephemerals (plants that are short-term) are making way for the summer plants. Some summer plants have already bloomed, but many are on their way. This blog will […]
A Hiker’s Guide to Mt. Monadnock
Dan Guider, SCA Interpretive Ranger So, you’re thinking of hiking Mt. Monadnock? That’s awesome! As an SCA Interpretive Ranger, I’m very lucky to be able to hike it almost every day and appreciate the nature and views it has to offer. Mt. Monadnock is one of the most hiked mountains in the world, and there […]
Species Spotlight – Invasive Species in New Hampshire to Watch.
Becca Leone, SCA Interpretive Ranger Each year in late February, National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is celebrated across the United States. The week began as an annual educational campaign coordinated by the North American Invasive Species Management Association. Initiated in 2014, the week-long campaign features numerous events with the goal of bringing attention to […]