NH Audubon

Extending the Gardening Season Workshop
2023-09-10 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Are you sad to see the summer end with the last of your vegetable garden bounty? Fear not! Fall can also be a great time to keep your gardens in production by extending the growing season. Whether you have already planted for this fall or want to plan for the next, this workshop will cover what vegetables grow best in the fall, how to protect your crops from frosts and freezes, and how overwintering certain crops can take your growing season even further.
This workshop will include indoor and outdoor components and some hands-on planting and use of various row cover, weather permitting. Dress for a short walk over grassy, flat, but uneven terrain. Bring garden gloves if you have them.
As a bonus, check out our Annual Fall Plant Sale before or after the workshop!
Presenter: Steph Sosinski is a Home Horticulture Program Manager with UNH Extension.
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon Members and UNH Extension Master Gardeners.
$15 for non-members (Join or renew your membership today! Not sure of your membership status? Email our member services department or call (603) 224-9909 x310.)
Register here.
Registration required by September 7.
For accessibility requests, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman via email.
This program is brought to you through an ongoing partnership between New Hampshire Audubon and University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program. The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, to benefit human health and well-being, and wildlife habitat.
Photo: Massabesic Center Gardens, NH Audubon

Composting for Home Gardeners Workshop
2023-09-28 17:00 - 18:30
Composting is the process of recycling organic debris into material that both reduces items in the waste stream and creates a useful garden product. Participants will gain information about the science of composting, how to compost successfully and how to create and use their own compost system.
This workshop will include indoor and outdoor presentations and display the compost station at the Demonstration Garden. Dress for a short walk over grassy, flat, but uneven terrain. Bring garden gloves if you have them.
Presenters: UNH Extension Advanced Master Gardener Ron Trexler and Master Gardener Tabor Browder will co-lead this workshop.
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members and UNH Extension Master Gardeners
$15 for non-members (Join or renew your membership today! Not sure of your membership status? Email our member services department or call (603) 224-9909 x310.)
Register here. Registration required by September 26, 2023
For accessibility requests, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman via email.
This program is brought to you through an ongoing partnership between New Hampshire Audubon and University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program. The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, to benefit human health and well-being, and wildlife habitat.

Putting the Garden to Bed
2023-10-04 17:30 - 19:00
During this presentation attendees will learn the steps necessary to properly prepare their gardens for winter, including: finishing off annuals and vegetable beds, preparing perennial beds to reduce pests and disease, overwintering non-hardy plants, readying ornamental shrubs and evergreens to survive various winter conditions, and tending to tools and supplies.
Presenter: Ron Trexler, Advanced UNH Extension Master Gardener.
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members and UNH Extension Master Gardeners
$15 for non-members (Join or renew your membership today! Not sure of your membership status? Email our member services department or call (603) 224-9909 x310.)
Register here. Registration required by October 2, 2023.
For accessibility requests, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman via email.
This program is brought to you through an ongoing partnership between New Hampshire Audubon and University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program. The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, to benefit human health and well-being, and wildlife habitat.

Winter Sowing of Native Plants
2024-01-20 09:30 - 11:00
Winter is a great time to sow native seeds. Many native seeds need to be exposed to prolonged cold and moist conditions to break their dormancy and germinate. Join us as we introduce you to native plants and guide you through this hands-on, 6-step process. You’ll leave with a pot of native perennial seeds that will grow all year and be ready to plant in your garden next fall.
Presenter:
Donna Miller, UNH Extension Advanced Master Gardener
Stacey Scaccia, UNH Ext Master Gardener
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members and UNH Extension Master Gardeners
$15 for non-members (Join or renew your membership today! Not sure of your membership status? Email our member services department or call (603) 224-9909 x310.)
Register here. Registration required by January 16, 2023.
For accessibility requests, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman via email.
This program is brought to you through an ongoing partnership between New Hampshire Audubon and University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program. The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, to benefit human health and well-being, and wildlife habitat.

Garden Strong – How to Stay Healthy as a Gardener
2024-02-17 09:30 - 11:00
Are you a gardener who spends so much time digging, weeding, watering, and hauling mulch that you are sore and tired at the end of the day? Learn some simple and important techniques for reducing stress on your body so you can garden without pain or injury. You’ll also be introduced to some adaptive tools that will make gardening easier for anyone. Gardening strong and smart is the key to being able to continue to grow plants for many years.
Presenter:
Patti Buck, retired Physical Therapist and UNH Extension Master Gardener and Doris Buco, certified Therapeutic Horticulturalist and UNH Extension Master Gardener
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members and UNH Extension Master Gardeners
$15 for non-members (Join or renew your membership today! Not sure of your membership status? Email our member services department or call (603) 224-9909 x310.)
Register here. Registration required by February 15, 2023.
For accessibility requests, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman via email.
This program is brought to you through an ongoing partnership between New Hampshire Audubon and University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program. The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, to benefit human health and well-being, and wildlife habitat.

Encouraging Wildlife Diversity in Designed Landscapes
2024-03-14 16:30 - 18:00
An abundance and diversity of wildlife are some of the best indicators of an ecologically well-designed landscape. By understanding how pollinators, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians select their habitats during each season of the year, we can design landscapes that effectively attract and support a diversity of wildlife. This presentation will provide practical methods for how to design your landscaping to attract and benefit a diversity of wildlife species.
This program will include a 35-40 min. video sent in advance to registered participants which will introduce you to the elements of wildlife habitat and needs. During the in-person portion, Matt will dive a bit deeper into those concepts and then lead a walk around the Audubon property. Examples of established and potential wildlife habitats enhancements will be viewed to illustrate what can be done at home.
This in-person workshop will take place both indoors and outdoors. Dress for the weather and an easy walk around the Massabesic Center sanctuary. Terrain is primarily flat but uneven ground covered in short grass, but be prepared for the possibility of muddy or wet conditions in March. Registration required by March 13.
Presenter: Matt Tarr, UNH Extension Wildlife Specialist
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners
$15 for non-members
For mobility, sensory, behavioral, or other accessibility accommodations, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
This program is brought to you through an ongoing partnership between the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program and New Hampshire Audubon. “The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center” provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, to benefit human health and well-being, and wildlife habitat.

Climate-Resilient Gardens: Gardening for Extreme Weather Conditions
2024-04-10 18:00 - 19:30
As home and community gardeners, how do we prepare and adapt our practices to make our gardens more climate-resilient? From seasonal temperature shifts and extreme temperature swings to excess moisture or drought, we’ll talk about some practical strategies to address these challenges, and what it means to grow a climate-resilient garden that can not only “weather” these changes, but also reduce your environmental footprint.
Presenter:
Steph Sosinski, Home Horticulture Program Manager for UNH Extension.
Sean O’Brien, Home Horticulture Program Manager for UNH Extension.
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners
$15 for non-members
Register here. Registration required by April 8.
For mobility, sensory, behavioral, or other accessibility accommodations, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
This program is brought to you through an ongoing partnership between the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program and New Hampshire Audubon. “The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center” provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, to benefit human health and well-being, and wildlife habitat.

Kids & Cucumbers: Family Gardening Ideas & Activities
2024-05-11 09:30 - 10:30
Gardening appeals to all ages and stages and can be used as a tool to spark curiosity, improve focus, boost self-esteem, and establish lifelong relationships with food, nutrition, wildlife, and the environment. In this hands-on, outdoor program, we will focus on engaging children in the home garden with activities geared towards growing not only food and flowers but cultivating confidence as well. This program is best suited for families with children ages 5-14.
Presenter:
Willa Coroka, Project Implementation Specialist with NH Audubon.
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners
$15 for non-members
Registration required by May 9.
For mobility, sensory, behavioral, or other accessibility accommodations, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
This program is brought to you through an ongoing partnership between the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program and New Hampshire Audubon. “The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center” provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, to benefit human health and well-being, and wildlife habitat.

Ask a Master Gardener Days
2024-06-06 09:00 - 11:00, 2024-08-01 09:00 - 11:00, 2024-09-05 09:00 - 11:00
UNH Extension Master Gardeners will be waiting for you to visit the Massabesic Center on select mornings this growing season! Bring all of your pressing questions about plants, discover inspiration for adapting spaces at home, or just enjoy the blooms! These events are also the perfect time to learn about getting involved in volunteer gardening opportunities at the Massabesic Center.
The luscious gardens on site include pollinator and bird-friendly plants, a rain garden space, vegetable gardens, raised beds, and more. As an ongoing partnership between New Hampshire Audubon and University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program, Massabesic’s Demonstration Gardens provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, which enhance human health and well-being and wildlife habitat.
Dress for walking in short grass on flat but uneven terrain. Sunscreen and personal insect repellant are recommended. Building hours (and bathroom access) are 11am to 5pm, so plan accordingly. Visit the gift shop and meet our animal ambassadors after you spend your morning exploring the gardens. Consider packing a lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic tables surrounding the gardens. Children are welcomed and encouraged!
Gardeners will not be on site during inclement weather, but visitors are still welcomed.
This event is free to attend. No registration required.
Support our programs and join or renew your membership today! Not sure of your membership status? Email our member services department or call (603) 224-9909 x310.
For mobility, sensory, behavioral, or other accessibility accommodations, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
Photo by Kimmie Whiteman, Massabesic’s gardens in bloom.

Cuckoo for Cucurbits—All About Growing Squash, Cucumbers, and Melons
2024-06-12 18:00 - 20:00
You may not know the generic term for these crops (“cucurbits”), but you’ve no doubt enjoyed eating and maybe even growing them. In this presentation you will learn all about how to grow for the best possible success.
Featuring information on:

“Summer” squash/zucchini
“Winter” squash
Pumpkins
Cucumbers
Melons
As a bonus, gourds

We’ll discuss types, growing needs, planting techniques, maintenance, harvesting, and managing pests and problems, all from a research-based and practical standpoint. Weather permitting, we’ll take a short walk to the lovely Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center, where we’ll see some techniques in practice. Appropriate footwear is helpful.
Presenter:
Will Lowenthal
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners
$15 for non-members
Register by June 10, here.
For mobility, sensory, behavioral, or other accessibility accommodations, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
This program is brought to you through an ongoing partnership between the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program and New Hampshire Audubon. “The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center” provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, to benefit human health and well-being, and wildlife habitat.

Bee Our Guest: Gardening for Pollinators
2024-07-24 18:00 - 19:30
Let’s transform our yards and gardens into bountiful, beautiful habitats that not only appeal to our aesthetics, but to our pollinator pals as well. We’ll start by highlighting some of our lesser-known native pollinators before exploring a variety of tips and tricks to both invite them and support them in our own yards and gardens. Participants will also learn about the role NH Audubon plays in pollinator conservation across the state when we conclude our program with a garden walk highlighting the native plants at the Massabesic Center.
Presenter:
Willa Coroka, Project Implementation Specialist with NH Audubon.
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners
$15 for non-members
Register by July 22, here.
For mobility, sensory, behavioral, or other accessibility accommodations, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
This program is brought to you through an ongoing partnership between the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program and New Hampshire Audubon. “The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center” provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, to benefit human health and well-being, and wildlife habitat.

The Magic of Monarchs Children’s Program
2024-09-07 09:30 - 10:30
How can one, with paper wings, withstand the challenges of a cross-continental journey? At this time of year, it’s not just our feathered friends preparing to migrate south! Let’s pretend that we are monarch butterflies as we discover some of the challenges a 3,000-mile adventure presents when you weigh less than a tic-tac, can’t get wet, and use the sun as your GPS to get safely from the flowered fields of New Hampshire to the fir forests in Mexico!
Presenter:
Willa Coroka, Project Implementation Specialist with NH Audubon.
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners
$15 for non-members
Visit the UNH Extension website for more information and to sign up by September 4.
For mobility, sensory, behavioral, or other accessibility accommodations, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
This program is brought to you through an ongoing partnership between the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program and New Hampshire Audubon. “The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center” provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, to benefit human health and well-being, and wildlife habitat.

The Mystery of Monarchs Adult Program
2024-09-17 18:00 - 19:30
Monarchs have fascinated us for decades and for good reason. How can a creature as lightweight as a dollar bill navigate a journey spanning the length of our continent? Let’s discuss this miraculous butterfly in detail and learn about the steps NH Audubon is taking to ensure their continued survival. If you’re not yet enthralled by the mystery of the monarch, you will be after this presentation!
Presenter:
Willa Coroka, Project Implementation Specialist with NH Audubon.
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners
$15 for non-members
Visit the UNH Extension website for more information and to sign up by September 14.
For mobility, sensory, behavioral, or other accessibility accommodations, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
This program is brought to you through an ongoing partnership between the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program and New Hampshire Audubon. “The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center” provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, to benefit human health and well-being, and wildlife habitat.

Garden Tools: Upkeep and Maintenance Fall 2024 (Rescheduled)
2024-10-16 18:00 - 20:00
*Rescheduled from October 7* Keeping tools sharp and in good working order will make gardening easier and tools last longer. Sharp tools also make cleaner cuts and promote plant health. Join AJ Dupere to learn how to properly and safely sharpen and maintain garden tools. Please bring one of the following tools to sharpen: pruners, loppers, spades, edging tools, garden shears, and a file if you have one. This is a hands-on workshop. You will be sharpening the tool(s) that you bring. Bring gloves and be prepared to get dirty.
Presenters: A.J. Dupere is an Urban Forester with the NH Division of Forest and Lands. He has been teaching people about took maintenance for many years and attendees always go home with skills and sharp tools.
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners
$15 for non-members
Visit the UNH Extension website for more information and to sign up.
For mobility, sensory, behavioral, or other accessibility accommodations, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
This program is brought to you through an ongoing partnership between the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program and New Hampshire Audubon. “The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center” provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, to benefit human health and well-being, and wildlife habitat.

All About Seeds: Navigating Catalogues and Purchasing Seeds
2025-01-18 10:00 - 11:30
Description: Are you ready to “grow beyond” buying plants for your garden, and move to the next level? This workshop will discuss why, how, and when to purchase seeds, and what you’ll need to be successful. We’ll look at how to decide which seeds to buy, from which vendors, how to read a seed packet, and how to navigate seed catalogs. This workshop is focused on vegetable gardening, but the information will apply equally to flowers. We will learn the important concept of seed “shelf-life.” Money-saving tips will also be discussed.
Presenter: UNH Extension Master Gardener Will Lowenthal
Cost: $10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners; $15 for non-members
Registration Required by: January 15. Register here.
For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
This program is brought to you through an on-going partnership between the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program and New Hampshire Audubon. The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, which enhance human health and well-being and wildlife habitat.

Garden Strong – How to Stay Healthy as a Gardener
2025-02-01 10:00 - 11:30
Description: Are you a gardener who spends so much time digging, weeding, watering, and hauling mulch that you are sore and tired at the end of the day? Learn some simple and important techniques for reducing stress on your body so you can garden without pain or injury. You’ll also be introduced to some adaptive tools that will make gardening easier for anyone. Gardening strong and smart is the key to being able to continue to grow plants for many years.
Presenters: Patti Buck, retired Physical Therapist and UNH Extension Master Gardener and Doris Buco, certified Therapeutic Horticulturalist and UNH Extension Master Gardener
Cost: $10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners; $15 for non-members.
Registration Required by: January 29. Register here.
Should snow cancellation be necessary, notifications will be determined and sent on January 31. Refunds or credit for a cancelled class may be requested.
Logistics (inside/outside, what to bring): This presentation will be indoors. Dress in comfortable clothing and be prepared to move and stretch.
For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
This program is brought to you through an on-going partnership between the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program and New Hampshire Audubon. The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, which enhance human health and well-being and wildlife habitat.

Beginning Gardener Series: Site Assessment, Plant Selection, and Record Keeping for your Garden
2025-03-18 18:00 - 19:30
Description: Good gardens start with good planning! This workshop will cover the important topics of site considerations (light availability, drainage, and more,) soil assessment, plant selection, and the value of record keeping for maintaining a healthy garden.
This is the first workshop in our 2025 Beginning Gardener Series. If you are just starting as a gardener or need some tips to improve your basic gardening skills, you’re sure to gain some great information. Watch for other topics in this series in April, May, and October.
Presenter: Steph Sosinski, UNH Extension Home Horticulture Program Manager
Cost: $10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners; $15 for non-members.
Registration Required by: March 15. Register here.
Should snow cancellation be necessary, notifications will be determined and sent on March 17. Refunds or credit for a cancelled class may be requested.
Logistics (inside/outside, what to bring): This presentation will be indoors.
For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
This program is brought to you through an on-going partnership between the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program and New Hampshire Audubon. The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, which enhance human health and well-being and wildlife habitat.

Gifts of the Garden: Engaging with the Experts
2025-05-01 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-06-05 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-10 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-07 09:00 - 11:00
Visit the Massabesic Center to meet the team who are outstanding in their fields and know all the dirt. No need to herb your enthusiasm! Bring your pressing questions about plants, find your inner peas, discover inspiration for laying down roots at home, or just dig the blooms!
Our volunteer team of UNH Extension Master Gardeners like to have fun and teach others about what it takes to create and maintain the luscious, wildlife-friendly gardens on the grounds. These informal meet and greet events are the perfect way to learn about getting involved in volunteer gardening opportunities with NH Audubon, and about ways you can duplicate our gardens in your own backyard, whether you have an acre or a patio pot.
The beautiful gardens on site include pollinator and bird-friendly plants, a rain garden space, vegetable gardens, raised beds, and more. As an ongoing partnership between New Hampshire Audubon and University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program, Massabesic’s Demonstration Gardens provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, which enhance human health and well-being and wildlife habitat.
Dress for walking in short grass on flat but uneven terrain. Sunscreen and personal insect repellant are recommended. Building hours (and bathroom access) are 11am to 5pm, but come early before the heat of the day chases the gardeners away. Visit the gift shop and meet our animal ambassadors after you spend your morning exploring the gardens. Consider packing a lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic tables surrounding the gardens. Children are welcomed and encouraged!
Gardeners will not be on site during inclement weather, but visitors are still welcomed.
This event is free to attend. RSVP is recommended to let us know how many visitors to expect
Support our programs and join or renew your membership today! Not sure of your membership status? Email our member services department or call (603) 224-9909 x310.
For mobility, sensory, behavioral, or other accessibility accommodations, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.

Beginning Gardener Series: Growing Pollinator Plants
2025-05-13 18:00 - 19:30
Description: The importance of native pollinators has gained a lot of attention lately. Learn about who they are, why they’re important and how you can attract and support them all year long in your own backyard. This workshop will include an overview of gardening for pollinators whether you’re a new or seasoned gardener.
Presenter: Stacey Scaccia, UNH Extension Master Gardener
Cost: $10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners; $15 for non-members.
Registration Required by: May 11. Register here.
Should snow cancellation be necessary, notifications will be determined and sent on March 17. Refunds or credit for a cancelled class may be requested.
Logistics (inside/outside, what to bring): A portion of this workshop will be held outside in the gardens. Please dress in appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear.
For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
This program is brought to you through an on-going partnership between the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program and New Hampshire Audubon. The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, which enhance human health and well-being and wildlife habitat.
Cover photo by Steve Mirick.

Massabesic Gardens Tour
2025-05-21 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-06-03 17:30 - 19:00, 2025-06-14 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-07-12 13:00 - 14:30
Join us for an intimate guided tour of the gardens at the Massabesic Center in Auburn. We will lead you on a fun ramble of the grounds, and dig into the history, upkeep, and future of each of our unique garden spaces.
You’ll learn about NH Audubon’s partnership with the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program to create Demonstration Gardens that provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, for human health and well-being and wildlife habitat. These gardens include spaces for pollinators, birds, butterflies, veggies, rainwater, and an ornamental space that serves as the backdrop for wedding ceremonies.
You’ll also learn about our community partnership with the Massabesic Garden Club and their efforts to rehabilitate the space lovingly called the Barn Garden.
Last but not least, discover our plan for expanding the Garden for the Senses, and take a peaceful pause in the Cathy Small Memorial Garden.
You’ll leave with an appreciation for the hard work that goes into our spaces by the team of over 40 volunteers who maintain our grounds. We’ll provide information for upcoming educational workshops and ways you can get involved with volunteering in our gardens.
Dress for walking in short grass on flat but uneven terrain. Bring your camera, sunscreen, bug spray, and questions about creating pollinator habitat at your home.
This event is free to attend. Please RSVP to help us get a headcount of how many people to expect. This event will be cancelled if severe inclement weather is forecasted.
Support our programs and join or renew your membership today! Not sure of your membership status? Email our member services department or call (603) 224-9909 x310.
For mobility, sensory, behavioral, or other accessibility accommodations, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
Photo: Garden Room with a View by Walt Swist

Tips for Growing Tomatoes: Trellising, Pruning, and More
2025-06-14 09:30 - 11:00
Description: Fresh tomatoes from the garden are the BEST but growing them can present some challenges. In this workshop, we’ll explore some ways to overcome challenges of disease and pests and support the plants for better production. We’ll discuss and demonstrate different support methods: staking, caging, overhead trellising, and the “Florida Weave.” We’ll show how to prune tomatoes to control growth and improve disease prevention and more. The workshop will take place primarily outdoors, so dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear.
Presenter: Will Lowenthal, UNH Extension Master Gardener
Cost: $10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners; $15 for non-members.
Registration Required by: June 11. Register here.
Logistics (inside/outside, what to bring): The workshop will take place primarily outdoors, so dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear.
For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
This program is brought to you through an on-going partnership between the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program and New Hampshire Audubon. The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, which enhance human health and well-being and wildlife habitat.

Preserving the Bounty: How to Can and Preserve Surplus Produce
2025-07-09 18:00 - 19:30
Description: This workshop will introduce food preservation techniques. We discuss proper and safe ways to preserve food at home through freezing, drying, lacto-fermentation, refrigerator pickling, water-bath canning, and pressure canning. You will learn where and how to find trustworthy recipes, the equipment needed for different methods of home preservation, and how to gain confidence in your skills to make your harvest last.
Presenter: Sean O’Brien, UNH Extension Home Horticulture Program Manager
Cost: $10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners; $15 for non-members.
Registration suggested by: July 6. Register here.
For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
This program is brought to you through an on-going partnership between the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program and New Hampshire Audubon. The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, which enhance human health and well-being and wildlife habitat.
