By: Haley Lesmerises, Interpretive Ranger at Franconia Notch State Park “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking successive autumns.” — George Eliot Autumn is here! The leaves are losing their chlorophyll, animals are getting fat for winter, and children are […]
Discover the Power of Parks
Discover the Power of Parks is presented by New Hampshire State Parks in collaboration with the Student Conservation Association 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.
The Times They Are a-Changin’
By: Rachel Shoemaker, Interpretive Ranger at White Lake State Park I was ready for fall – in theory at least. Pumpkin spice everything, beautiful assortments of ripe pumpkins, those unbelievable colors, and of course, all of the fun celebrations that await us every year. As much as I anticipated all of these things, I wasn’t […]
Pawtuckaway’s Hidden History
By: Rand Michaels, Interpretive Ranger at Pawtuckaway State Park In early July, while living and working at Pawtuckaway State Park, I received a letter addressed to “Chief Ranger” – making my job sound a bit more grandiose than I feel like it is. This handwritten letter was from Carl Johnson, who now lives in Barnegat […]
Encounters of the Wild Kind
By: Claire Adams, Interpretive Ranger at Greenfield & Monadnock State Parks During my adventures as the Interpretive Ranger at Greenfield State Park, I have spent a lot of time outdoors. And due to that constant exposure to the same patch of nature, I have had the privilege of catching glimpses of the variety of wildlife […]
Come for the Mountains, Stay for the Silence
By: Kate Seader, Interpretive Ranger at Franconia Notch State Park Silence was never something I was particularly fond of. The room goes silent when someone has spoken out of turn. Two friends fighting have a tense silence between them. For me, silence gave my overactive brain a canvas on which to paint everything that could […]
How to Avoid Losing Your Lunch to a Gull
By: Kim Snyder, Interpretive Ranger for Southern Region Parks We’ve all been there: perfect day at the beach, perfect sandwich in hand, taking in the crash of the surf and soaking in the sun. Then… A gull steals your lunch! Just swoops down and plucks it right from your unsuspecting hand. The gulls tear into […]
Hunting in NH: A Conservation Tool
By: Haley Lesmerises, Interpretive Ranger at Franconia Notch State Park It’s that time of year! Well, almost. The leaves on one of the trees outside the Hiker Cabin at Franconia Notch State Park are just beginning to change. Fall is just around the corner, and as a New England local that gets me wicked pumped […]
Sustainable Camping
By: Brianne Bishop, Interpretive Ranger at Umbagog Lake State Park Sustainability. What is it and why should you care? As someone who holds a degree in Environmental Studies, I am no stranger to this term. However, I have found that many people are. Or, many people are exposed, but have no idea what it means. […]
Discover the Power of Interpretation
By: Rachel Shoemaker, Interpretive Ranger for Northern Region Parks “What IS that!?” My friend stopped so abruptly that I nearly bumped into her. “What is what?” I asked, looking around frantically, trying to see what she was seeing. I looked down at the trail where she was pointing and gazed upon a creature that would […]
Home is Where the Heart is
By: Kelly Graner, Interpretive Ranger at Crawford Notch State Park My time living at Bear Brook State Park has taught me many things, some expected and some not so much. I will be honest and share that I was hesitant when accepting this job last September, I thought to myself ‘New Hampshire? There is nothing […]