01.20.15 “I am losing precious days. I am degenerating into a machine for making money. I am learning nothing in this trivial world of men. I must break away and get out into the mountains to learn the news.”- John Muir For the fourth consecutive year, New Hampshire State Parks hosted “First Day […]
Category: The NH State Park Experience
“Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn.”
When you commit yourself to ten months of service, something with a definitive end, it is easy to get wrapped up in the world of countdowns. I can tell you that there’s only one weekend left of interpretive programming left at Bear Brook, Pawtuckaway, Umbagog, and Franconia Notch State Parks, but that’s not what we’re […]
Trailing Autumn: A Monadnock Tradition
The White Dot trail may be quickest and the most hiked route at Monadnock State Park; however my favorite hike, by far, is a combination of multiple trails which wind up the side of the mountain to the summit. Like most visitors my journey begins on the White Dot trail. First stop is at Falcon […]
Fall in Franconia Notch
Back in May, before I had moved to Franconia Notch State Park to be an Interpretive Ranger with Monica Casey (my fellow interpreter), the two of us rented a movie from the local library about the park. We were excited to learn more about where we would be spending the upcoming months. This video, similar […]
Ponding Adventures
Earlier this spring, all of your Discover the Power of Parks interpreters were introduced (or re-introduced) to an activity that would become the ‘bread-and-butter’ program of some of our summers. We were handed nets that smelled vaguely of pond water, three white plastic bins, and a dicotomous key with some strange and slightly frightening creatures […]
Hike Safe This Autumn
Autumn is upon us! As we head into my favorite season, it is important to remember that wherever you are headed, you should be thinking about your safety. Working at Monadnock State Park, we see hundreds of people set out for hikes every day. The vast majority make it through their day with no issue. […]
Here’s to another 20 Years!
Every year is a great year to be an AmeriCorps member. However in 2014 we all get to celebrate a special occassion together as a nation. This year marks the 20th anniversary of ongoing service through AmeriCorps. Through AmeriCorps, thousands of individuals per year are able to provide service to help better communities across the […]
Tucked Away in Pawtuckaway
While to the modern eye Pawtuckaway may be primarily a mecca of outdoor recreation, the land has seen many users, many eras, and many natural phenomena that have shaped it into such. The park has a long history, from prehuman to Native influence, and if you take the time you can see for yourself some […]
Four Favorite NH Bike Rides
There are lots of great places to go biking in New Hampshire, in and out of the State Parks. Here are just a few of my favorites! The Northern Rail Trail near Lebanon, NH is a 48 mile long trail – but you don’t need to do all of it. I rode from the Icehouse […]
Into the Night & Out of Sight
Today marks a triumph! Exactly 3 months ago, I arrived at White Lake State Park eager to explore the environment and meet visitors. Since then, I have familiarized myself with the trails around the lake, and shared my programming with the public. This past week I led a very large and excited group around the […]