By: Matt Pyster, Interpretive Ranger at White Lake State Park & Ellacoya State Park. On a recent hike up Mount Chocorua, I took the Brook Trail up, and the Liberty Trail down. The following is a journal entry that I made when reaching my first breathtaking sight of the lands around me… “I see mountains […]
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.
At the Heart of the Notch: Lafayette Place
By: Eilís Donohue, Interpretive Ranger at Franconia Notch State Park A few weeks ago, I drove up I-93 to Franconia Notch State Park (FNSP), and pulled into my new home and workplace: the Lafayette Place Campground. I am one of two Interpretive Rangers stationed here at FNSP for the 2019 season. For the rest of […]
Pawtuckaway’s Mountain Trail: A trail worker’s perspective
By Kyle Krupa, Interpretive Ranger at Pawtuckaway State Park Buckle in, folks. Today’s post is a long one. For outdoor enthusiasts living on the southern side of the state, the caldera mountains of Pawtuckaway are some of the most accessible and rewarding summit’s for a casual weekend day hike. From the top of South Mountain […]
Hiking Home(s): Monadnock and Bear Brook State Parks
By Nell Davis, Interpretive Ranger at Monadnock State Park Oliver Wendell Holmes said “Where we love is home. Home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.” For me, this rings true: home is encapsulated in places I love, specifically natural areas. Working seasonally, my coworkers are constantly rotating in and out of my […]
Queen of the Woods: a Closer Look at New Hampshire’s State Tree
By Simone Maule, Interpretive Ranger at Crawford Notch State Park and Ellacoya State Park The white birch (Betula papyrifera) was designated as the state tree by the New Hampshire legislature in 1947. That same year Evelyn W. Cortez wrote about the decision in an article titled “Queen of the Woods” in the New Hampshire Troubadour, […]
The Corps of Our State Parks
By Molly Ryan, SCA Interpretative Ranger for Bear Brook State Park, Wallis Sands State Park, and Odiorne Point State Park. If you have ever visited Bear Brook State Park, you may have used the bathhouse at Catamount Pond, hiked one of the over 40 miles of trails, or rented a restored cabin at Bear Hill […]
From Tourist to Tour Guide
By Sarah Sherwood, SCA Franconia Notch State Park Interpretive Ranger and NH Corps Member June 12, 2019 was arguably the most exciting day of service for the Interpretive Rangers of the SCA New Hampshire Corps. On this sunny Wednesday we departed Bear Brook State Park, our home of five months, and went our separate ways […]
Animal of Interest: Eastern Red-Spotted Newt
By Eilís Donohue, SCA Interpretive Ranger for Franconia Notch State Park Prime salamander spotting season has come and gone—but wait, there’s still a chance to catch a glimpse! Among enthusiasts of these lovely and delicate amphibians, the nocturnal spring migration from their hibernation spots to breeding pools is known as the Big Night. Often it […]
Wildflower Watch: Spring Blooms
By: Simone Maule, 2019 SCA Interpretive Ranger Now that the warmer spring weather is here we have had a number of new neighbors pushing their way into the forest understory: wildflowers! Here is a closer look and some more information about a few of the common species you can find growing in Bear Brook State […]
7 Ways to Leave No Trace While Exploring State Parks
By: Thomas Cummings, SCA Interpretative Ranger for Umbagog Lake State Park Exploring New Hampshire’s State Parks is a great way to spend a summer. From lounging on the beach to hiking up mountains, there is bound to be something to do for everyone. With more people going outside and recreating in the parks it is […]