Greta Ketchner – SCA NH Corps – Discover the Power of Parks Interpretive Ranger
Are you looking to explore beautiful spots in New Hampshire this summer? Do you want to learn more about nature and the animals native to New Hampshire? Do you enjoy hiking to places with a bird’s eye view? Are you fond of spending time paddling on a lake taking in gorgeous mountain views? If you answered YES to any of these questions, then consider completing the challenge of the following “Quests” New Hampshire has to offer: Discover the Power of Parks Program, NH Fire Tower Quest, and Lake Explorer Quest. Visit NH State Parks to find a park and more helpful links!
New Hampshire has beauty and wonder to offer if you spend a day out exploring natural spaces around you. This summer, The Discover the Power of Parks Program is back! In a partnership with the Student Conservation Association (SCA), AmeriCorps, NH State Parks, and Eversource Energy, the Interpretive Rangers (to meet us click here) will be around offering programming in various parks. Look for us wearing the blue shirts. If you attend 5 of the Discover the Power of the Parks Programs, you are eligible to receive a patch to show off your passion for learning about the parks!
Fire Towers
Do you want to see New Hampshire’s forests in a way you never have before? Did you know, New Hampshire is the second most forested state in the country? There are vast numbers of forests in New Hampshire which cover over 83 percent of the state. Therefore, it is critical to protect the forest and keep a watch for possible signs of forest fires. There are 15 Fire Lookout Towers maintained by the N.H. Division of Forests & Lands. Challenge yourself this summer to visit at least 5 of the 15 Fire Towers to complete the NH Fire Tower Quest to earn yourself a wicked patch as a badge of honor!
Here are some photos of the inside of a fire tower located at the summit of Kearsarge Mountain, accessible from Rollins State Park and Winslow State Park.
Lake Explorer
If you prefer to explore nature while on water, there is a quest for you as well! New Hampshire Lakes sponsors a Lake Explorer Quest which you can complete to earn a patch. To earn the patch, you must implement the Clean, Drain, Dry method before entering a body of water, and then explore three different lakes or ponds in New Hampshire. There are a lot of NH State Park lakes you can visit on this quest as well! To see an official list of the lakes included click here.
Pawtuckaway State Park is a great spot to visit because you can complete one requirement for each Quest. Visit the Fire Tower in the morning, paddle on the lake in the afternoon, and visit Interpretive Ranger Matt for one of his programs.
Wishing you a safe and fun summer as you explore NH State Parks and work towards completing your Quests for adventure should you chose to do so. See YOU at the NH State Parks!
