NH Audubon

Massabesic Gardens Tour
2026-08-06 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | 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 August 5 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. By attending this event, you and anyone you register on behalf of agree to NH Audubon’s Outdoor Education Program Liability Release & Agreement Waiver.
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.

Return to the Wild Exhibit
2026-08-07 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-08 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-12 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-13 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-14 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-15 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-19 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-20 11:00 - 17:00 and 6 more dates | McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
Return to the Wild Exhibit by Jackie Robidoux: July 8-August 29 at the McLane Center in Concord
Art exhibit viewing access may be restricted during private event rentals. Calling ahead to confirm is recommended.

Exhibit Description: These images celebrate the wildlife that has found refuge at the Millstone Wildlife Center. Each animal, cared for with gentle hands, holds a special place in our hearts. Look into their eyes, and you’ll glimpse a connection beyond words. There’s a quiet, bittersweet ache in watching a healed creature return to the wild, relief in its freedom, and hope for its future. These animals remind us of the delicate balance of nature and the importance of coexisting with our wild neighbors, whose homes are often right in our own backyards.
A portion of this exhibit’s proceeds will support the vital conservation efforts of New Hampshire Audubon as well as the Millstone Wildlife Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and orphaned wildlife back into their natural habitats.

Bio: Jackie Robidoux has been a wildlife photographer for over twenty years. She dedicates her time to capturing the beauty and intricacies of wildlife through a camera lens while actively working to protect that wildlife and its habitat. She is also a licensed New Hampshire wildlife rehabilitator and educator. As a rehabber, she has gained hands-on experience, providing unique insights into animal behavior and ecology. She runs programs in Southern New Hampshire on animal tracking, practicing mindfulness in nature, photography, trail cameras, and wildlife conservation. Over the years, she has participated in studies in New England involving the Canada lynx, eastern coyote, bald eagle, and eastern bluebird. Her passion is educating others on the importance of coexisting with wildlife and connecting people to the natural world.

Summer Camp Art Show
2026-08-08 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-15 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-22 11:00 - 17:00 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Campers from NH Audubon’s Nature Day Camp program at the Massabesic Center will be creating nature-based works throughout the summer. These mixed media artworks, using paints, crayons, collage, beadwork, and other materials, will reflect each week’s camp theme. Learn along with our campers as they enjoy outdoor adventures and discover more about habitats, birds, watersheds, invertebrates, conservation science, reptiles and amphibians, and mammals.
Artwork will be on display for visitors in the main conference room at the Massabesic Center on Saturdays during the summer camp season. Artwork will not be available for purchase, but will be exhibited for public enjoyment.

Our artists are youth in grades K-9, primarily from the local New Hampshire region. Some artworks may be created with assistance from our seasonal camp staff, many of whom are former campers themselves!
To learn more about the camp program at NH Audubon, visit our Nature Day Camp page.

The State of the Watershed - Newfound Nature Series
2026-08-11 19:00 - 20:15 | Grey Rocks Conservation Area, 178 N Shore, Hebron, NH, 03241, United States
August 11, 2026
The State of the Watershed
Paul Pellissier (Newfound Lake Region Association)
2025 was an eventful year, with severe drought and the discovery of the invasive spiny water flea, both of which can impact water quality into the future. NLRA Conservation Program Manager Paul Pellissier will explore the results of last year’s lake & tributary monitoring efforts, the role of drought in water quality, and potential impacts and concerns when an invasive zooplankton gets into the food chain.

Held on Tuesdays, 7:00–8:15 pm
Join us for our Newfound Nature Series (the new name for our beloved Red Barn Speaker Series) on Tuesday evenings. The series is now held at Grey Rocks and co-hosted by the Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA). Registration is not necessary – just come and join us for an evening’s entertainment!

Hot Topics in the Garden: UNH Extension Yard and Garden Infoline Live!
2026-08-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Join us at the Massabesic Center for a special Infoline Live event with a panel of UNH Extension Home Horticulture staff and Master Gardener volunteers, with special guest scientist from NH Audubon.
As a participant, you get to take the floor to ask your pressing yard and garden questions! We’ll also talk about this year’s hot topics – remember the lilac blight of 2025? What’s the latest on NH’s beech trees? What will the summer of 2026 bring for our gardens and our pollinators? Join us to find out!
This event will also be promoted as a Facebook Live event from the UNH Extension Yard and Garden page for those who want to join online. Bring your questions!
Panelists:
Sean O’Brien, UNH Extension Home Horticulture Program Manager
Will Lowenthal, UNH Extension Master Gardener (2018), vegetable grower
Stacey Scaccia, UNH Extension Master Gardener (2019), pollinator gardener
Diane De Luca, NH Audubon Senior Biologist
Moderator:
Ruth Smith, UNH Extension Master Gardener Program Manager
Cost:
FREE
RSVP for in-person attendance preferred by August 10th. If you miss the deadline, please email Kimmie Whiteman to inquire about seat availability. Walk-ins will be accepted if space allows, but late registrants may miss some communications. Limit 50 attendees in-person. Online attendance is open to all!
This event will take place indoors, in the main conference room at the Massabesic Center (and virtually). Dress for the weather for the short, easy walk from the dirt parking lot to the building, if you plan to join us in-person. This program will take place rain or shine.
This program 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.

McLane Center Pollinator Garden Tours
2026-08-13 16:00 - 18:00 | McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
Join us for a late afternoon guided tour of the gardens at the McLane Audubon Center. Stroll through the pollinator gardens that surround the Center as we share the story of how these spaces were created, how they continue to evolve, and the vital role they play in supporting bees, butterflies, and other wildlife.
Along the way, you’ll learn how native plants form the foundation of healthy ecosystems and gain practical ideas for creating pollinator-friendly habitat in your own landscape. From early spring blooms to late-season nectar sources, these gardens demonstrate how thoughtful design can provide beauty and ecological value throughout the growing season.
You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the importance of native pollinator gardens, and for the dedicated team of more than 20 volunteers who care for these spaces. We’ll also share information about upcoming workshops and opportunities to get involved, whether you’re interested in learning more or lending a hand in the gardens.
Come be inspired, connect with nature, and see what’s in bloom.
This tour will take place outdoors in the gardens surrounding the buildings at the McLane 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, and a paved concrete pathway that weaves through the gardens. Most of the tour will take place along a walkway 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 Diane De Luca in advance. Bring your camera, sunscreen, bug spray, and questions about creating pollinator habitat at your home.
This event 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.
Please RSVP at least 24 hours in advance to help us get a headcount of how many people to expect. If you miss the RSVP deadline, email Diane De Luca 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. By attending this event, you and anyone you register on behalf of agree to NH Audubon’s Outdoor Education Program Liability Release & Agreement Waiver.

NH Audubon Third Quarter Book Club Meeting - Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian
2026-08-13 18:00 - 19:30 | NH
Join us for the 2026 third quarter NH Audubon book club book discussion via Zoom of Forest Euphoria. In this national bestseller published in 2025, author Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian shows us the making of a scientist and introduces readers to the queerness of all the life around us. A child who frequently felt out of place, too much of one thing or not enough of another, she found acceptance in these settings, among other amphibious beings. In snakes, snails, and, above all, fungi, she saw her own developing identities as a queer, neurodivergent person reflected back at her—and in them, too, she found a personal path to a life of science. 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/forest-euphoria.
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
May 14, 2026 – The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne by Chris Sweeney
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

Please RSVP below and you will receive the Zoom link and a list of discussion questions before the meeting.

Microplastic Accumulation in Rural New England Lakes - Newfound Nature Series
2026-08-18 19:00 - 20:15 | Grey Rocks Conservation Area, 178 N Shore, Hebron, NH, 03241, United States
August 18, 2026
Microplastic Accumulation in Rural New England Lakes
Jim Killarney (Colby-Sawyer College)
Chemical pollution in water, including microplastics, represent a risk to human and wildlife health. This talk will focus on work done to assess microplastic (MP) pollution in New England lakes, including Newfound. Dr. Killarney and other researchers tracked the accumulation of MPs in lake sediment cores over time and correlated this to concentrations in fish tissue.

Held on Tuesdays, 7:00–8:15 pm
Join us for our Newfound Nature Series (the new name for our beloved Red Barn Speaker Series) on Tuesday evenings. The series is now held at Grey Rocks and co-hosted by the Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA). Registration is not necessary – just come and join us for an evening’s entertainment!

Isles of Shoals Birding Trip
2026-08-20 - 2026-08-23 | NH
Experience the magic of the Isles of Shoals in early fall. Spending three nights on Appledore Island will give us the opportunity to explore the diversity of the islands. Over 200 species of songbirds, seabirds, and waterfowl occur on Appledore as migrants – making it a perfect spot to observe fall movements.
The Appledore Island Migration Banding Station will be in operation and we will have the chance to observe songbird migrants up close.
In addition to all the spectacular birding that the islands have to offer, we will take time to explore other aspects of Appledore, Shoals Marine Laboratory, and Celia Thaxter’s garden. Activities may include exploring the intertidal, an island history walk, or learning about SML’s innovative research programs focused on understanding and sustaining the marine environment.
See the sample itinerary here.
Register here.
Past trip photos by Becky Suomala.

The Art of Pressed Flowers and Dried Botanicals
2026-08-23 13:00 - 14:30 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Join us for this exciting new workshop where we will explore the art of flower pressing, drying, and decorative uses as well as botanical growing tips. This class is perfect for both new and experienced crafters, gardeners, decorators, and everyone in between.
The use of recyclable and compostable materials when crafting has ecological benefits for reducing plastic waste and carbon emissions, especially when materials are collected locally and sustainably to help preserve wildlife habitat. We’ll connect with nature while learning a fun new skill!
Learn the basics of flower pressing to preserve treasured botanicals from your garden. Methods of flower pressing will be shared where you will learn which flowers are easy to press and which are not, and how to prepare them for pressing. Example uses of pressed flowers will be displayed, and resources for additional tips on pressing botanicals will be shared. Interested in making your own press? See an example along with a list of materials for an easy DIY project that will get you hooked on botanical pressing in no time!
After we talk about pressing, we will dive into discussing how dried flowers, leaves, seedpods and more can be useful in arrangements and crafts of all kinds. We’ll also discuss how to grow the best native and pollinator-friendly flowers for preservation, wildlife-friendly tips for sustainable harvesting, and eco-friendly methods that will help botanicals last for years. We’ll explore how these materials can be used in everything from spring displays to holiday wreaths.
Note; we will not be crafting during this class. Expect to take home resources to help put your new knowledge into practice.
Presenters:
UNH Extension Advanced Master Gardener Doris Buco
UNH Extension Master Gardener Patti Elwell
Doris and Patti are NH Audubon Massabesic Center garden volunteers and contribute their designs and dried flowers to the annual holiday wreath program. Their wealth of experience, down to earth kindness, and dedication to NH Audubon’s mission are sure to make this class an exceptionally fun and informative event.
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. 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 program 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.
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members
$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 August 20. 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 25 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.
Refund Policy:
All ticket sales are final. All ticket fees support NH Audubon’s mission.

Chromatic Nature Exhibit
2026-09-02 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-03 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-04 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-09-05 11:00 - 17:00 | McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
Chromatic Nature Acrylic Painting Exhibit by Tracy Levesque: September 2-October 24 at the McLane Center in Concord
Art exhibit viewing access may be restricted during private event rentals. Calling ahead to confirm is recommended.

The exhibit will feature a curated collection of Levesque’s vibrant acrylic paintings of New England’s incredible nature, landscape and wildlife.

Tracy Levesque Bio/Process: Tracy Levesque’s chromatic acrylic paintings blur the line between fine art and illustration. Reminiscent of stained glass, each painting is constructed of translucent layers of paint, three dimensionally sculpted and carved palette knife texture and delicate fine line brush detail. Levesque’s stunning visual style creates a dramatic interplay between fantasy and bold realism inviting viewers to engage with the intricacies of the natural world and the profoundly spiritual nature of landscape.
Levesque’s work challenges conventional perceptions of reality transforming her art into a dynamic experience that shifts the viewer’s perspective. Each piece commands the viewer to look at nature as an infinite collection of details, an organic managerie of patterns and shapes that come together to create an awe-inspiring story. Levesque’s paintings are more than just painted representations on canvas, they are love songs to nature and an invitation to the viewer to take a thoughtful journey into how we perceive our surroundings.
Tracy Levesque is a New England based fine artist who was born in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts and is currently working out of her studio at Western Avenue Studios in the Merrimack Valley in Lowell, Massachusetts. Levesque graduated from Brandeis University with honors in Theater Arts and English and American Literature. She is an amateur naturalist and an award winning artist that has been exhibiting her work nationally for over 30 years.
You can see more of her work online at:

Website: www.tracylevesque.net
Instagram: @birchlady
Bluesky: @birchlady
Facebook: @tracylevesquefinearts

Gifts of the Garden: Q&A Sessions
2026-09-03 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 September 2 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. By attending this event, you and anyone you register on behalf of agree to NH Audubon’s Outdoor Education Program Liability Release & Agreement Waiver.
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.
