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 […]
Tag: wildlife
Roving the Southern NH Parks
By: Kim Snyder, Interpretive Ranger (Southern Region Parks) As the Discover Power of Parks Southern Rover, I have the pleasure of traversing the width of Southern New Hampshire weekly, seeing all kinds of environments and learning all about this diverse state. From the Seacoast to the Vermont boarder, New Hampshire abounds with wildlife and awe-inspiring […]
Birding Throughout the Notch
Franconia Notch State Park is home to a wide variety of hawks, owls, and other birds. Walking along Profile Lake you will usually notice a Great Blue Heron hanging out with the fly-fishers waiting for the opportune moment to steal a fish. While hiking on Franconia Ridge you might be able to hear some Peregrine […]
The Tracks of New Hampshire: Find Tracks or Try!
A huge part of being an Interpretive Ranger is putting on programs for park visitors. One of my programs is about the ways wildlife moves and their tracks. If you really look around yourself while you hike you’ll notice the signs of wildlife all around you. You can see vegetation pushed down, scat, and track […]
Nightlife of the Notch
After my night programs, it is usually dark. As I walk home to our humble abode (the hiker cabin), I can’t help but notice the starry sky on a clear night. The constellations are so visible, it is unreal. Franconia Notch is just over 1,000ft above sea level. You don’t even have to climb a […]
Wildlife Caught on Camera
The first thing I noticed about Pawtuckaway State Park was its lush landscape and abundant wildlife. Everywhere I turned, I noticed new fauna and interesting flora. One of the coolest parts about being an Interpretive Ranger is that park visitors love to come up and tell me about their wildlife encounters! I wanted to make this […]
Soundscapes of Bear Brook
More recently in my time here at Bear Brook, I’ve found myself listening intently to all of the sounds that can be heard in the different environments around the park. I’ve recently had some hearing troubles and the whole experience has given me a new appreciation for the different instruments in Bear Brook’s symphony. So […]
Hiking Near Umbagog
First here is a video for those who either have never seen or are simply missing Lake Umbagog: I have spoken of many of the reasons why people come back to Umbagog year after year (some going on 20 years). Though the lake is incredible some people need more, some people need to hike. There […]
Pawtuckaway is for Paddlers
It has been said that no animal better symbolizes northern wilderness than the common loon, who has lived in this area longer than any other bird–an estimated 60 million years. However, like our enduring environment, this magnificent bird is in considerable danger. So, before the loon is completely pushed out of its natural habitat, Amanda […]
Pure Tranquility at White Lake State Park
While driving down White Mountain Highway (Route 16) on a brisk Thanksgiving eve, I proceeded to take a left onto State Park Road in Ossipee, New Hampshire. As the road narrows, pine trees thicken on either side, suggesting that I had arrived at a peaceful place. At road’s end I discovered the glacial depression known as White Lake. Looking […]