I’m back! I thought I was done here, but I just had to share my story of hiking Mount Eisenhower near Crawford Notch State Park. Last Saturday, hearing that it was going to be a balmy 60 degrees, my future apartment-mates Molly, Caroline, Susan, Emily, and I headed up to tackle another 4000 footer. Joining […]
Author: Theresa Conn, New Hampshire State Parks Winter Intern
Hi all! My name is Theresa Conn, and I’m a sophomore Environmental Conservation Studies major at the University of New Hampshire. Growing up in suburban Massachusetts, my family always ventured north to Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains to hike and relax. When it came time to look at colleges, UNH was an easy choice; between its great location, variety of majors, and college-town feel, I was instantly hooked. In the Environmental Conservation program here, I’ve been learning about New Hampshire’s diminishing natural resources. The more time I spend in nature, the more I realize how important it is to conserve the natural spaces we have left. Keeping parts of New Hampshire wild is critical for the health of the planet and ourselves.
What I’m interested in exploring while writing this blog are the people and stories behind the parks. Be it talking to hikers on the trails, going out with animal trackers to learn about wildlife, or meeting with the stewards who protect our lands, I want to know who’s out there and why. People are the force that drives land protection, and I hope that I can share their stories using film, photography, and journalism.
Grand intentions aside, I can’t wait to find new ways to enjoy the long winter months. Staying pent up inside is boring, and I’m excited to find ways to get outside like dog sledding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. I’m ready to explore all that New Hampshire State Parks have to offer, and look forward to sharing my adventures with you!
Looking for Moose in the Great North Woods Region/Visiting the Basin at Franconia Notch State Park
This weekend, my friend Molly and I set off on a quest to complete our sophomore year goal: to see a moose. Molly cheated and accidentally saw one last fall on Mt. Adams (what a jerk). We headed up north to the Great Woods region of Pittsburgh, New Hampshire so I could see one, too. […]
Leave No Trace at Pawtuckaway State Park
On an unseasonably balmy 80 degree day last week, my friends Caroline, Greg, and I headed to Pawtuckaway State Park to do some campfire cooking. Unfortunately, things did not work out as planned. It turns out the campground/campfire area doesn’t open until later in the season. What to do? We had all the fixings for […]
Chocolate Festival Near Mount Washington State Park
This has definitely been the hardest post I’ve ever had to write. It was torture. I have been sitting here drooling for the past hour, reminiscing about my experience at the 23rd Annual Mount Washington Valley Chocolate Festival. Nestled in the shadow of Mount Washington State Park, Intervale, New Hampshire opens its nordic ski trails […]
Dog Sledding up Mount Washington with Muddy Paw Dog Sled Kennel
Last week, I had an experience I’ll never forget: a sunrise dogsled run up on the Mount Washington Auto that leads to Mount Washington State Park. The Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel, based out of Jefferson, New Hampshire, has been training for a historic ascent of Mount Washington. Mt. Washington has only been summited twice […]
NH Fish and Game’s “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” Winter Workshop
On February 18th, I went to the annual Winter “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” program, sponsored by the NH Fish and Game department. Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) gives women an opportunity to learn useful outdoor skills in an exciting and supportive environment. BOW offers workshops throughout the year, notably a weekend-long getaway in the fall […]
A Day at Cannon Mountain
A few days ago, my friend Emily and I had the awesome opportunity to go to Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch State Park. Cannon is a 4100 foot mountain that has 56 open trails this winter. Craving snow? Cannon’s got it- almost 7 feet this winter! Going up there reminded me that it is, indeed, […]
Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in NH State Parks
Franconia Notch State Park Happy Valentine’s Day! Tired of getting chocolates and flowers? Sick of picking out which sappy card to give your sweetheart? This year, give the best Valentine’s Day gift ever- a fun, memorable day in a State Park! There’s plenty of things to do mid-winter in New Hampshire, especially this year. Because […]
New Oceanfront Pavilion at Hampton Beach State Park
Growing up outside of Boston, Hampton Beach State Park was one of my favorite destinations. As a kid, it meant sand castles, arcade games, and boogie-boarding in the surf. When my friends and I were finally old enough to get our licenses, taking a trip up to Hampton Beach became a weekly escape during the […]
Art, Nature, and Photography at Wadleigh State Park
Meet Sasha Wolfe, a New Hampshire artist who specializes in photography and charcoal drawings. This weekend, my friends Molly, Caroline, and I went to Wadleigh State Park in central New Hampshire to talk creativity, art, and nature with Sasha. Sasha has been a life long nature and art lover. As a child, she loved playing […]