Party Animals Exhibit
2026-05-01 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-02 11:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
Party Animals by Bethany Clarke
This exhibit runs at the McLane Center in Concord from March 11-May 2, 2026.
Description: Handprinted linocuts featuring an array of native New Hampshire plants and animals. The images are all initially sketched by hand and then transferred onto linoleum blocks. They are then carved with a blade. For printing, the blocks are rolled with ink, and paper is pressed onto them with a barren and body weight. When pulled up, the paper includes a reverse image of the block. All prints have natural variances in tone due to human touch, which is what makes them special.

Art exhibit viewing access may be restricted during private event rentals. Calling ahead to confirm is recommended.
Bio: Bethany is a public school teacher and linocut printmaker living in Concord. Her prints feature a whimsical array of plants and animals native to New Hampshire. In addition to printing on paper, she upcycles thrifted clothing with hand-printed patches and scrap quilted appliqué pieces. Her studio is in her basement, where her two cats like to assist in the creative process.

Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area beginner bird walk with the Seacoast Chapter
2026-05-03 07:00 - 09:00 | NH
Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area – Sunday, May 3rd 7 am
With fields, woodlands, tidal creeks, wetlands, and shoreline along the river, the 400-acre Bellamy River WMA has been home to over 140 species of birds in May alone. Join trip leader James Smith to seek out some of those permanent residents, migrants, and summer visitor breeding birds. Meet in the parking lot at the end of the dirt entrance road off of Old Garrison Road in Dover. Contact James Smith at jamesdanielsmith04@gmail.com with questions. The trip will be limited to 15 participants.
As the trip nears, please visit this website to sign up.

Monarch Waystations Session One: Practical Conservation for an At-risk Native Pollinator
2026-05-03 14:00 - 15:00 | McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
The Monarch is a formerly abundant butterfly species that has experienced dramatic and widespread declines since the early 1990’s. Conservation efforts are underway across the US to understand and take action to stop this decline. In this three-part program series, participants will learn about Monarch natural history, conservation concerns, and how to create valuable habitat for Monarchs and other native pollinators in their own backyard. With the support of NH Audubon staff, each participant will be coached through designing a Monarch Waystation that they can plant in their own yard, neighborhood, or workplace.
The three sessions of this program will cover the following topics and activities:
Session 1: Overview of Monarch natural history and conservation, including:

Life cycle
Habitat requirements
Seasonal migration
Threats to Monarch populations
Conservation strategies

Session 2: Monarch Waystation tour

Review life cycle and habitat requirements for each life stage
Identify host plant species for larva
Identify nectar plant species for adults
Discuss nontarget benefits to native pollinators
Explore garden design to maximize benefit to Monarchs
Learn about garden maintenance schedule

Session 3: Designing and planning the planting of your Monarch Waystation

Review/reflect on garden visit experience, with a focus on main design elements:
Identify Monarch Waystation candidate site(s) in participant yards or in greater community
Create a Waystation design
Share resources for plant/seed sourcing, labor, maintenance
Discuss how to register your Monarch Waystation with Monarch Watch

Participants should plan to be available to attend all three sessions.
The Monarch Waystation program series is free to attend. If you feel inspired to support NH Audubon’s work, please consider a gift to our Annual Fund at nhaudubon.org/donate. Your contribution supports priorities like monarch conservation and pollinator habitat creation across New Hampshire.

Wiggly Worms
2026-05-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Brockway Nature Preserve, Farrington Corner Road, Hopkinton, NH, United States
Have you ever wondered why worms wriggle around in the dirt. Find out what they’re doing and then go look for some!
Join New Hampshire Audubon at the John Brockway Nature Preserve in Hopkinton to explore nature with your 3-5 year old! Programs will begin at 10 a.m. and last about 45 minutes each. This is an outdoor location with no bathroom facilities. Please dress children for the weather and be ready to walk on the trail, sit on logs and the ground, and dig in the dirt!
Programs will be cancelled if poor weather is predicted during the program; participants will be notified by email or phone of cancellations.
For detailed directions to the preserve, search for Brockway Pond on Google Maps, or visit here. Please plan to arrive about 5 minutes prior to the program so that sessions can start on time.
This program is free, with a suggested $5 donation to support NH Audubon’s Annual Fund. Thanks to an endowment from Dorothy Brockway Osborne, there is no cost for Hopkinton residents. If you feel inspired to give, your donation supports priorities like environmental education for people of all ages across New Hampshire.
By attending this event, you and anyone you register on behalf of agree to NH Audubon’s Outdoor Education Program Liability Release & Agreement Waiver.

Piscassic Greenway beginner bird walk with the Seacoast Chapter
2026-05-09 06:30 - 09:30 | NH
Piscassic Greenway, Bald Hill Rd, Newfields May 9th 6:30 am
The Southeast Land Trust’s Piscassic Greenway provides an important link between 4,000 acres of protected land between Newmarket and Exeter. There are approximately 3.5 miles of trails on the property that pass through open fields, ponds, wetlands, and mature forests. Join trip leader Roger Stephenson to look for migrants and breeding birds. Meet at 6:30 am at the parking lot and kiosk on Bald Hill Road. Contact: Roger Stephenson at rstephenson@gmail.com. The trip is limited to 15 participants.
As the trip nears, please visit this website to sign up.

Burley Farms beginner bird walk with the Seacoast Chapter
2026-05-09 07:00 - 09:00 | NH
Burley Farms – Saturday, May 9th 7 am
With fields, forests, a beaver pond, and a heron rookery Burley Farms is a great spot to look for early spring migrants and breeding water birds. Join trip leader David Blezard to explore some of the property’s varied habitats. Meet at the parking area at 245 North River Rd in Epping at 7:00 am. Contact: David Blezard dblezard@mac.com or call 603-343-1223. The trip will be limited to 20 participants.
As the trip nears, please visit this website to sign up.

Pickering Ponds beginner bird walk with the Seacoast Chapter
2026-05-10 07:00 - 12:00 | NH
Pickering Ponds – Sunday, May 10th 7 am–12 pm
One of the top 10 birding spots in New Hampshire, this walk will traverse Rochester city park trails along the Cocheco River and around the former wastewater treatment settling ponds. Meet at the Pickering Ponds parking area at 7:00 AM. The entrance is about a mile south of the Rochester Wastewater Treatment Plant on Pickering Road (opposite mailbox #452). Contact: Dan Hubbard at danielhubbard@peoplepc.com or 603-978-0218.This field trip will be limited to 25 participants.
As the trip nears, please visit this website to sign up.

Monarch Waystations Session Two: Practical Conservation for an At-risk Native Pollinator
2026-05-10 14:00 - 15:00 | McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH, 03301, United States

Belize, a Perfect Winter Birding Getaway program with the Seacoast Chapter
2026-05-13 19:00 - 20:30 | NH
Belize, a Perfect Winter Birding Getaway – Wednesday, May 13
Join Becky Suomala on a (virtual) birding trip to tropical Belize in Central America. This English-speaking country has great birding, but also unique archeological sites, and snorkeling from its islands in the Caribbean. From birds to butterflies, fish and scenery, Becky will share highlights from these special places. Her photos are from a recent February trip with several friends that was a perfect winter birding getaway.
Bio: Rebecca Suomala is a Biologist Emerita with NH Audubon. She worked for NH Audubon from 1988 until 2024 in a variety of positions. In 2005, she completed her Master’s in Wildlife Ecology from the University of New Hampshire, conducting research into songbird migration stopover for her thesis. She studied Common Nighthawks for almost 20 years and has banded birds on Appledore Island since 1994. As an avid birder, she has explored much of New Hampshire and has traveled to many national and international birding destinations.
Contact: Dan Hubbard, 603 978-0218, danielhubbard@peoplepc.com

NH Audubon Second Quarter Book Club Meeting - The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne by Chris Sweeney
2026-05-14 18:00 - 19:30 | NH
Join us for the 2026 second quarter NH Audubon book club book discussion via Zoom of The Feather Detective. This book, written by award-winning journalist Chris Sweeney, who charts the astonishing life and work of Roxie Laybourne, a diminutive but singular woman with thick glasses, a heavy Carolina drawl, and a passion for birds. Roxie shattered stereotypes and pushed boundaries. Her story is one of persistence and grit, obsession, and ingenuity. The meeting, facilitated by Community Outreach Coordinator Anita Fernandez, will focus on themes, reactions, and takeaways from this book.
Purchase this title through NH Audubon’s Nature Stores (at the Massabesic or McLane Center) and mention the book club to receive a 10% discount. If you purchase all four 2026 book club books, you will receive an even larger discount. You can also purchase this title online at https://nh-audubon-nature-store.myshopify.com/products/the-feather-detective-mystery-mayhem-and-the-magnificent-life-of-roxie-laybourne-by-chris-sweeney.
The other book club books and their meeting dates are as follows:

March 12, 2026 – Everyone’s Trash: One Man Against 1.6 Billion Pounds by Duncan Watson
August 13, 2026 – Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian
November 12, 2026 – Rebugging the Planet: The Remarkable Things that Insects (and Other Invertebrates) Do And Why We Need to Love Them More by Vicki Hird

Also, mark your calendars for Thursday, July 16, when Chris Sweeney will join us at the McLane Center for a live presentation and book signing!
Please RSVP below and you will receive the Zoom link and a list of discussion questions before the meeting.

Deerfield beginner bird walk with the Seacoast Chapter
2026-05-15 08:00 - 11:00 | NH
Deerfield NH – Friday, May 15th 8:00 AM
Explore a 56-acre property in Deerfield and discover some of the resident and migrating birds along a one-mile wooded trail, with two ponds and a creek. This walk will offer a chance to explore some private woods and will be limited to 10 participants. Meet at 278 North Road, Deerfield. Contact Juli Tyson with questions jstyson17@gmail.com.
As the trip nears, please visit this website to sign up.

Scales, Scutes, and Skins
2026-05-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Brockway Nature Preserve, Farrington Corner Road, Hopkinton, NH, United States
Not all animals have fur or feathers. Learn about some animals with scales or slimy skin!
Join New Hampshire Audubon at the John Brockway Nature Preserve in Hopkinton to explore nature with your 3-5 year old! Programs will begin at 10 a.m. and last about 45 minutes each. This is an outdoor location with no bathroom facilities. Please dress children for the weather and be ready to walk on the trail, sit on logs and the ground, and dig in the dirt!
Programs will be cancelled if poor weather is predicted during the program; participants will be notified by email or phone of cancellations.
For detailed directions to the preserve, search for Brockway Pond on Google Maps, or visit here. Please plan to arrive about 5 minutes prior to the program so that sessions can start on time.
This program is free, with a suggested $5 donation to support NH Audubon’s Annual Fund. Thanks to an endowment from Dorothy Brockway Osborne, there is no cost for Hopkinton residents. If you feel inspired to give, your donation supports priorities like environmental education for people of all ages across New Hampshire.
By attending this event, you and anyone you register on behalf of agree to NH Audubon’s Outdoor Education Program Liability Release & Agreement Waiver.

Pawtuckaway State Park field trip with the Seacoast Chapter
2026-05-16 07:00 - 10:00 | NH
Pawtuckaway State Park – Saturday, May 16th 7 am
Occupying over 5,000 acres, Pawtuckaway State Park is the largest state park in Rockingham County. Join trip leader Ben Griffith to explore this unique natural area which is home to a diverse group of birds including such typically northern nesting species as Dark-eyed Junco, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Evening Grosbeaks. At the same time, more southerly species such as Yellow-throated Vireo, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Prairie Warbler are common breeders in the park as well. We’ll hope to find these species and more, along with any migrants that may just be passing through. Be prepared for moderate hiking with limited access to bathrooms or other facilities. We’ll meet at the Dunkin Donuts in Raymond at 7 am to carpool. The trip is expected to last until about noon with the possibility of extending the visit to a few other nearby areas. Contact Ben Griffith at bgriffith@gmail.com. Limited to 10 participants.
As the trip nears, please visit this website to sign up.

Seabrook Town Forest beginner bird walk with the Seacoast Chapter
2026-05-16 08:00 - 10:00 | NH
Seabrook Town Forest – Saturday, May 16th 8:00 am
With diverse habitats of a large pond, mixed deciduous and coniferous woods, open fields, and shrubby thickets, the Seabrook Town Forest and Wellfield supports a wide variety of resident and migrating birds. Join trip leader Ashton Almeida to explore this under-birded area. Meet by the gate at the end of Old New Boston Road. Contact Ashton Almeida ashtonipod@gmail.com with any questions. The trip is limited to 15 participants.
As the trip nears, please visit this website to sign up.

Strafford County Farm beginner bird walk with the Seacoast Chapter
2026-05-17 07:00 - 12:00 | NH
Strafford County Farm – Sunday, May 17th 7 am – 12 pm
With habitat for water birds, raptors and song birds, this walk will include the Don Black Trail and the hedgerows around the fields of the conserved property. The walk will last as long as participants choose, but not beyond noon. Meet across from the Strafford County Work Program at 266 County Farm Road; follow County Farm Road and take a left at the stop sign and then an immediate left to continue along behind the jail to the parking lot across from the entrance to the Strafford County Work Program. Contact: Dan Hubbard at danielhubbard@peoplepc.com or 603-978-0218. This field trip will be limited to 25 participants.
As the trip nears, please visit this website to sign up.

Annual Surry Birds and Blooms Walk
2026-05-17 07:00 - 12:00 | NH
Join birder-wildflower enthusiast Wendy Ward and local birder Dave Hoitt on this moderate walk looking for birds and wildflowers in open field, wetland, and woodland habitats. Meet at the Surry Town Hall parking lot at 7:00 am. The trip should end by noon. Bring field guides, binoculars, drink, snack, and bug/tick repellent. Cost: free.

For more info contact weward0@yahoo.com or 603-352-0987 (Dave).

Photo: Clay-colored Sparrow, by Steve Mirick.

Monarch Waystations Session Three: Practical Conservation for an At-risk Native Pollinator
2026-05-17 14:00 - 15:00 | McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH, 03301, United States

Pickering Ponds beginner bird walk with the Seacoast Chapter
2026-05-20 07:00 - 12:00 | NH
Pickering Ponds – Wednesday, May 20th 7 am – 12 pm
An encore of the very popular Pickering Ponds trip on May 10th (see description above). Meet at the Pickering Ponds parking area at 7:00 AM. Contact: Dan Hubbard at danielhubbard@peoplepc.com or 603-978-0218. This field trip will be limited to 25 participants.
As the trip nears, please visit this website to sign up.

NH Audubon Nature Day Camp Open House & Reunion
2026-05-20 17:00 - 18:30 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Are you a family that is new to New Hampshire and looking for a safe, fun, and ecologically meaningful way to get your kids outdoors? Have you already had the chance to enjoy our camp programs? If you answered “yes” to either of those questions, then join us for an evening of family fun and a chance to learn more about our Nature Day Camp offerings at NH Audubon’s Camp Open House and Reunion! This free event is open to families that have never heard of our camp programs, those who have new campers attending this year, and folks who have been attending our camps for many years. The frequently used spaces for camp at the Massabesic Center will be open to visit on a self-guided tour with your camper between 4:40-5:10 PM. NH Audubon Education Department staff can assist you with directions.
General Event Timeline:
5:00-5:10 PM: Welcome/sign-in; explore the building/grounds
5:10-5:30 PM: Example “Morning Circle” and group name game; overview of evening
5:30-6:00 PM: Pizza Party, mingle, and photo slideshow/video presentation
6:00-6:30 PM: Kids go to the Nature Lab for an Ambassador Animal Presentation; adults stay in the Meeting Room for a Q&A session
Parking: Please park along the stone wall on the edge of the field and use the white door next to the brick chimney across from the parking lot to enter the McLane Center. Lauren Betz or another member of the NH Audubon Education Department will greet you at the sign-in table.
Please RSVP for everyone in your party/family if you are planning to attend. If you have any questions about this event or camp registration, please contact Lauren Betz. We hope to see you there!

Herb Gardening
2026-05-21 17:30 - 18:30 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
This presentation by Advanced Master Gardener Doris Buco is for gardeners at any level interested in adding herbs to a new or existing garden space or containers. Attendees will learn about the propagation and growth habits of readily available herbs and some that are more difficult to find. An overview of the environmental conditions needed to grow herbs will also be included. The use of culinary herbs is included in the presentation; the medicinal usage of herbs will not be addressed.
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members and UNH Ext. Master Gardeners
$15 for non-members
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.
Registration is required by May 19th. If you miss the registration deadline, please email Kimmie Whiteman to inquire about availability. Walk-ins will be accepted if space allows, but late registrants may miss pre-workshop or cancellation communications. Limit 30 attendees.
Logistics:
This presentation will take place primarily indoors at the Massabesic Center. An optional self-guided visit to the raised bed herb garden in the Demonstration Gardens behind the main building is encouraged after we conclude (weather-permitting).
Dress for the weather for the short, easy walk from the dirt parking lot to the building, and from the building to the gardens. The trail through the gardens is flat packed gravel, suitable for most mobility devices including walkers and wheelchairs. Muddy conditions may be present, especially if you choose to walk into the grassy areas surrounding some garden spaces. An email will be sent out the day before the program with weather expectations.
This presentation is intended for adults. Children are welcome, however in the event of disruptions, we ask that children are accompanied by a guardian to enjoy the Nature Lab or gardens until the presentation concludes. Accommodations for persons with limited mobility, sensory concerns, or other accessibility needs can be provided if you contact Massabesic Center Director Kimmie Whiteman in advance.
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, which enhance human health and well-being and wildlife habitat.
PayPal Disclaimer:
NH Audubon’s ticket system utilizes PayPal to process payments. Users are not required to use PayPal to check out; a guest option is provided. PayPal is a trusted way to pay online.

Deer Hill Wildlife Management Area beginner bird walk with the Seacoast Chapter
2026-05-23 07:00 - 10:00 | NH
Deer Hill Wildlife Management Area – Saturday, May 23rd 7 am
Bird the varied habitats of the Deer Hill Wildlife Management Area with trip leader Scott Heron. With 190 species seen on the property, in the spring Deer Hill can be full of migrating passerines and breeding water birds. Meet at the entrance gate on Pine Road in Brentwood. Contact: Scott Heron at smheron@gmail.com.This field trip will be limited to 20 participants.
As the trip nears, please visit this website to sign up.

Senior Garden Tour & Planting Activity
2026-05-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Seniors are invited to NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center to experience a private tour of the Demonstration Gardens. Join us for this special guided meander on our All Persons Trail through native pollinator gardens, including a monarch waystation, bird-friendly gardens, vegetable and herb gardens, and a rain garden. You will also enjoy our luscious Wedding Garden and experience a Garden for the Senses. We will stroll the gardens in small groups with UNH Extension Master Gardener volunteers leading the way on a level, hard packed, mobility friendly path, geared to visitors with a wide array of physical abilities.
In addition to the beautiful gardens and pollinator habitat, keep an eye on the sky as we enjoy the wildlife that NH Audubon is protecting at this beautiful and accessible sanctuary. Our pace will be slow with plenty of opportunities for photos should you be inspired. Finish your visit with a free potting activity where you may choose flower seeds to plant in a take-home pot. Watch your flowers grow and bloom all summer as you reminisce about your experience here at the Massabesic Center.
This in-person workshop will take place primarily outdoors. Dress for the weather for the short, easy walk from the dirt parking lot to the building, and for outdoor exploration of the gardens. The garden trail is a short distance meander over flat-packed gravel suitable for most mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs. Tables will be set up outdoors with chairs for the potting activity, along with plenty of benches for resting.
This program is intended for seniors (ages 65 and up), but all ages are welcome. Accommodations for persons with limited mobility, sensory concerns, or other accessibility needs can be provided if you contact Massabesic Center Director Kimmie Whiteman in advance.
An RSVP is required by May 25th to help ensure adequate supplies. Please RSVP for each individual in your group. If you miss the registration deadline, or if you have questions about groups sharing supplies, please email Kimmie Whiteman to inquire about availability. Limit 35 attendees.
Inclement weather date: Friday, May 29th, 2026. Confirmation of program date and time will be sent to all registrants on May 26th.
This program is made possible thanks to grant funding from the NH Master Gardeners Alumni Association (NHMGAA).
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.

Pickering Ponds Nest Walk field trip with the Seacoast Chapter
2026-05-30 07:00 - 12:00 | NH
Pickering Ponds Nest Walk – Saturday, May 30th 7 am–12 pm
Join us as we look for nests and other evidence of breeding birds on the trails around the ponds and along the Cocheco River. Meet at the Pickering Ponds parking area at 7:00 AM. The entrance is about a mile south of the Rochester Wastewater Treatment Plant on Pickering Road (opposite mailbox #452). Contact: Dan Hubbard at danielhubbard@peoplepc.com or 603-978-0218. This field trip will be limited to 25 participants.
As the trip nears, please visit this website to sign up.

Massabesic Gardens Tour
2026-06-02 17:30 - 19:00 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
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 learn about our community partnership with the Massabesic Garden Club and their efforts to rehabilitate the space lovingly called the Barn Garden. 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 gardens and grounds. We’ll provide information for upcoming educational workshops and ways you can get involved with volunteering in our gardens.
This tour will take place outdoors in the gardens surrounding the buildings at the Massabesic Center. We will meet in front of the entrance to the main building. Bathrooms and drinking fountains will be available at the beginning and end of the tour.
Dress for the weather. There is a short, easy walk from the dirt parking lot, across paved asphalt to the building. Most of the tour will take place on flat packed gravel that is suitable for most mobility devices including walkers and wheelchairs. Some portions of the tour will cross nearby grassy areas.
This program is intended for adults, but children are very welcome! Special accommodations for persons with limited mobility, sensory concerns, or other accessibility needs can be provided if you contact Massabesic Center Director Kimmie Whiteman in advance.
Bring your camera, sunscreen, bug spray, and questions about creating pollinator habitat at your home.
This event is free to attend. Please RSVP by May 31 to help us get a headcount of how many people to expect. If you miss the RSVP deadline, email Kimmie Whiteman to inquire about availability. Walk-ins will be accepted if space allows, but late registrants may miss pre-workshop or cancellation communications. The tour will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Limit 25 attendees.
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.

Gifts of the Garden: Q&A Sessions
2026-06-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Visit the Massabesic Center to meet the people 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 University of New Hampshire Extension Master Gardeners enjoy connecting with our visitors and sharing what it takes to create and maintain the luscious, wildlife-friendly gardens at Massabesic. The gardens on site include pollinator and bird-friendly plants, a rain garden space, vegetable and herb gardens, raised beds, wheelchair-accessible 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.
This informal drop-in style event during a volunteer workday is the perfect opportunity to learn how you can create similar garden spaces in your own backyard, whether you have an acre or a patio pot. Curious about what plants might work well in full sun or full shade? What plants attract birds and pollinators? How can you grow vegetables for yourself, while being friendly to the local wildlife who might want to share your crops?
This event is also the perfect time to learn about getting involved in volunteer gardening opportunities at the Massabesic Center.
Logistics:
You can arrive any time between 9am and 11am. As you approach the front entrance of the main building, follow the All-Persons Trail to the right, around the back of the building. The trail will lead you into the gardens, where you’ll find UNH Extension Master Gardeners wearing nametags while working. They’ll be expecting you, so please strike up a conversation and let the plants be your guide!
Dress for the weather. The All-Persons Trail pathway is flat packed gravel suitable for wheelchairs and most mobility devices. Some portions of the gardens are grassy or mulched. The parking lot is primarily dirt and some areas may be muddy or puddled after rains. Sunscreen and personal insect repellant are recommended. Don’t forget your camera!
Building hours (and bathroom access) are 11am to 5pm. Visit the gift shop and meet our animal ambassadors after you spend your morning exploring the gardens.
This event is free to attend. Please RSVP before June 3 to help us get a headcount of how many people to expect. Walk-ins are welcome but may miss cancellation communications. Gardeners will not be on site during inclement weather.
Children are welcome! Special accommodations for persons with limited mobility, sensory concerns, or other accessibility needs can be provided if you contact Massabesic Center Director Kimmie Whiteman in advance.
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.

Pollinator Gardens
2026-06-04 17:30 - 19:00 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
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 presentation will include an overview of gardening for pollinators whether you’re a new or seasoned gardener.
Presenter:
Stacey Scaccia, UNH Extension Master Gardener
Logistics:
This lecture-style presentation will take place indoors, in the main conference room at the Massabesic Center. Dress for the weather for the short, easy walk from the dirt parking lot to the building, and for optional outdoor exploration of the gardens.
We encourage participants to enjoy the gardens after the program concludes. The garden trail is a short distance walk over flat-packed gravel suitable for most mobility devices including walkers and wheelchairs. Muddy conditions may be present, especially if you choose to walk into the grassy areas surrounding some garden spaces. An email will be sent out the day before the program with weather expectations and other details. This program will take place rain or shine.
This presentation is intended for adults. Children are welcome, however in the event of disruptions, we ask that children are accompanied by a guardian to enjoy the Nature Lab or gardens until the presentation concludes. Accommodations for persons with limited mobility, sensory concerns, or other accessibility needs can be provided if you contact Massabesic Center Director Kimmie Whiteman in advance.
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.
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members and UNH Ext. Master Gardeners
$15 for non-members
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.
Registration required by June 2nd. If you miss the registration deadline, please email Kimmie Whiteman to inquire about availability. Walk-ins will be accepted if space allows, but late registrants may miss pre-workshop or cancellation communications. Limit 50 attendees.
PayPal Disclaimer:
NH Audubon’s ticket system utilizes PayPal to process payments. Users are not required to use PayPal to check out; a guest option is provided. PayPal is a trusted way to pay online.

Behind the Scenes Habitat Management At Odiorne Point State Park program with the Seacoast Chapter
2026-06-10 19:00 - 20:30 | NH
Behind the Scenes Habitat Management At Odiorne Point State Park – Wednesday, June 10
Odiorne Point State Park is not only a favorite birding Hot Spot, it is also where one of the largest and most successful invasive plant control projects in NH has been improving habitat for birds and other wildlife. During this program, we will look for birds and learn from the Rockingham County Conservation District about all of the incredible habitat work that has been completed and still planned at Odiorne.
Bio: Arianna Spear, Tracy Degnan and Lenny Lord of the Rockingham County Conservation District and Matt Tarr of the UNH Cooperative Extension.
Contact: Dan Hubbard, 603 978-0218, danielhubbard@peoplepc.com

Restoration of the American Chestnut
2026-06-13 11:00 - 13:00 | McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
Join NH Audubon Lands Director Colby Fong and long-time volunteer Jack Swatt on a journey through the history of the American Chestnut, once called the “Redwood of the East.” These trees, a dominant staple of New England forests, fell to an imported blight fungus, and efforts are underway to restore them to the forests of the Appalachian Range. Register below to learn more about this fascinating tree’s history, lifecycle, and struggle. After the indoor presentation, attendees can join a hike on the trails around the McLane Center to visit surviving American Chestnut sprouts and a demonstration planting of grafted trees to test for blight resistance.
By attending this event, you and anyone you register on behalf of agree to NH Audubon’s Outdoor Education Program Liability Release & Agreement Waiver.
Cover photo by Zoe Dawson of the McLane Center American Chestnut demonstration planting.

Piscassic Greenway field trip with the Seacoast Chapter
2026-06-19 08:00 - 10:00 | NH
Piscassic Greenway, Neal Mill Rd, Newmarket, June 19th 8:00 am
Join trip leader Juli Tyson to revisit the trail between Newfields and Newmarket and see what changes June has brought to the area. Please see the April 17th trip for a full description. The trip is limited to 20 participants.
As the trip nears, please visit this website to sign up.
