By: Rand Michaels, Interpretive Ranger at Pawtuckaway State Park Each Saturday afternoon since early June I have led a group of Pawtuckaway State Park’s campers and beach-goers on a walk where we have talked about some of the wild edible and medicinal plants that grow just alongside the path to the beach and around a […]
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.
Crawford Notch Bridge Now Complete!
By: Renee Rosenbaum, New Hampshire SCA/Americorps; Conservation Steward New Hampshire boasts some impressive trail hiking statistics. For example, Mount Monadnock is said to be the most hiked mountain in the U.S. – amazing! This state has 48 mountains climbing 4,000 feet or higher, including Mt. Washington, the highest peak in New England with a summit […]
Edge of the (New Hampshire) Sea
By: Kim Snyder, Interpretive Ranger for Southern Region Parks At the coast, sea life exists in a constant ebb and flow of water. The changing tides create dynamic habitats and specialized conditions that make living there a challenge for those not adapted to the area. In her guide to the seashore; The Edge of the […]
Sights of Shoals
By: Bethany Bryant, Interpretive Ranger at Bear Brook and Seacoast Parks Looking off of New Hampshire’s beautiful coast, a keen eye may notice a few rocky out-croppings in the distance. Those mysterious islands are none other than the legendary Isles of Shoals. You may be able to spy one or more of the nine islands […]
Trail Stewardship: The Ultimate Balancing Act
By: Kate Seader, Interpretive Ranger at Franconia Notch State Park One Saturday in July, I was wrapping up my morning shift in the Hiker Information Cabin at Franconia Notch State Park. When I looked down at my clicker, I was surprised to see that I had talked to more than 200 hikers that morning. From […]
Cannon Mountain in Summer
By: Haley Lesmerises, Interpretive Ranger at Franconia Notch State Park Cannon Mountain is known for its winter fun. The 4080′ mountain offers nearly 100 ski trails and glades covering 25 miles and the highest ski area summit in NH! But Cannon offers plenty of summer attractions as well. I decided to take a trip up […]
Technology: Helping or Hurting our Connection to the Natural World?
By: Brianne Bishop, Interpretive Ranger at Umbagog Lake State Park Does technology deepen our connection to the outdoors or remove us from it? This is a question I contemplate often. While technology may help us connect to one another, does it separate us from the natural world around us? I believe technology has the capacity […]
Catharsis at Crawford Notch
By: Kelly Graner, Interpretive Ranger at Crawford Notch State Park 6:00 AM– Beep Beep Beep sounds the alarm as you roll over in your sleeping bag, cramped inside the car. You sit up and immediately your stomach growls. Munching on some trail mix and a few spoonfuls of peanut butter, you try to find the […]
Happy Hiking: A “Peak” into a Ranger’s Weekend Whereabouts
By: Rachel Shoemaker, Interpretive Ranger at White Lake State Park With eyes closed, you feel the sand between your toes and the soft caress of the breeze on your skin. From across the lake, you hear the mysterious sounds of the loons as they call back and forth to one another. Upon opening your eyes, […]
Pawtuckaway Rocks!
By: Rand Michaels, Interpretive Ranger at Pawtuckaway State Park By the time you’re reading this post I will have been living in a tent on the shore of Pawtuckaway Lake for at least a month. I’m lucky to be paid (albeit not much) to do this, when many others pay no small fee for the […]