(by Anita Fernandez)
From a foggy start to the day arose a beautiful, sunny morning full of bird species and laughter. Almost 75 event attendees joined morning bird walks along the Massabesic All Persons Trail, the Hayfield Loops, and the Manchester Water Works trails. The Green Heron at Milne Pond was the highlight of the activity, but many species of raptors and songbirds were also seen. During the Business Meeting, we heard from Board Chair Doris Jurisson and learned about the continued support members, donors, and foundations provided to keep NH Audubon’s work thriving. President Doug Bechtel also shared details on exciting new projects that began in 2025 as well as important conservation work that continues, coupled with policy and advocacy work to keep New Hampshire’s natural environment protected. Participants met a skunk named Meredith, a porcupine named Canterbury, and a big-brown bat named Dover (named after the NH towns in which they were found). These animals are ambassadors of the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center and provided a heartwarming close-up view of why conservation is needed to protect wildlife.
The Annual Awards honored four individuals committed not just to NH Audubon but to the ongoing preservation of natural spaces and wildlife in the state. Sharon Francis was presented with the Tudor Richards Conservation Award, Andrea and George Robbins were presented with the Goodhue-Elkins Award, and Anne Forsyth was presented with the John Thalheimer Volunteer Award. Please visit our webpage to learn more. Forester and author Ethan Tapper helped to wrap up the day with important messaging about land management and looking deeper into a forest to determine not only what it is now, but what it once was and what it could again be with proper forestry help. Over 100 attendees joined the 111th Annual Member Celebration & Meeting, their positive energy continuing throughout the entire day.