By: Charles Ferens, 2019 Student Conservation Association New Hampshire AmeriCorps Member As a member of the SCA New Hampshire Corps we have the great opportunity of living in one of New Hampshire’s largest State Parks: Bear Brook. With this great opportunity comes the ability to explore the park and all of its natural wonders. When […]
hiking
Hiking in Bear Brook: Always an Adventure!
By: Angela Spain, 2019 Student Conservation Association’s New Hampshire AmeriCorps Member Since arriving at Bear Brook State Park, I have noticed that the park is full of all sorts of interesting things that are either natural or man-made. Hiking in Bear Brook allows you to discover some cool things you wouldn’t expect! Two weekends ago, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
Scooby Dooby Don’t Bring Your Dog to Monandock State Park!
Dogs are a big part of the family. You want them to be involved in the outdoor adventures your family embarks on. Get it, Bark! However some outdoor adventures are not appropriate for dogs or there could be a restriction on dogs all together. Hiking to the summit of Mount Monadnock is one of those […]
Interpreter Exclusive
At exactly 6:30AM the second floor of the Hiker Cabin is filled with the sound of Notre Dame like church bells. It is my phone alarm, and it means that it is officially time to start my day and get out of bed. I get dressed and head downstairs because soon there will be curious […]
Hiker Safety 101: Franconia Notch
There are many amazing ways to discover the outdoors. Today, hiking is perhaps one of the most popular ways to enjoy the natural world. For many people, myself included, hiking is an amazing way to decompress, find spiritual renewal, and reset my mind from the everyday hustle and bustle. However, if not taken seriously, hiking […]