Pickering Ponds beginner bird walk with the Seacoast Chapter
2026-05-20 07:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Butterfly ID Field Training #1
2026-06-09 11:00 - 13:00 | NH
Butterflies are one of the most beautiful elements of the natural world, and scientists recognize that they can also serve as an important indicator of ecosystem health. NH Audubon is partnering with NH Fish and Game and the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) to collect long-term data on butterflies in the Concord region and beyond. We welcome public participation, and while knowledge of butterflies is a plus, it is not necessary. Join us for these amazing opportunities to learn and participate in butterfly conservation.
Trainings (Tuesday 6/9 from 11am-1pm and Saturday 6/13 from 11am–1pm): Steve Mirick, avid birder and expert butterfly enthusiast who has guided both the birding and butterfly communities through his passion, skill and commitment will lead this exploration of the butterfly species in Concord, NH at Karner Blue Butterfly Easement (west end, just past 25 Chenell Drive, Concord). This is an optional (but highly recommended) training to prepare participants for the Capital Area Butterfly Survey in July. (Rain dates 6/10 and 6/14, respectively, from 11am-1pm.)
Following your training be sure to join the Capital Area Butterfly Survey on Saturday 7/25 from 9am–3pm!
Participation in both training and survey events is free of charge. By attending this event, you and anyone you register on behalf of agree to NH Audubon’s Outdoor Education Program Liability Release & Agreement Waiver. For more information, please contact Lindsay Herlihy at LHerlihy@nhaudubon.org.
The North American Butterfly Association (NABA) organizes the counts and publishes their annual reports. For more information on NABA and the Count Program, please send a self-addressed, stamped business envelope to: NABA, 4 Delaware Road, Morristown, NJ 07960. Or check out their website at www.naba.org.

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.

Butterfly ID Field Training #2
2026-06-13 11:00 - 13:00 | NH

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.

Birds & Butterflies of Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge field trip with the Seacoast Chapter
2026-06-20 08:00 - 10:00 | NH
Birds & Butterflies of Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge – Saturday, June 20th 8:00 am
Join Steve Mirick and explore the birds and butterflies (weather permitting!) of the refuge and adjacent areas. Be prepared for a long, but level walk and the possibility of biting insects. Meet at 8:00 AM at the trailhead for the Cherry Pond Trail at 289 Airport Road, Whitefield. Contact: Steve Mirick at smirick@comcast.net or 603-661- 7703. This trip will be limited to 20 participants.
As the trip nears, please visit this website to sign up.

The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet program with the Seacoast Chapter
2026-07-08 19:00 - 20:30 | NH
The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet – Wednesday, July 8
At a time when the news for birds (for the planet!) has rarely seemed more grim, there is reason for hope. Despite the odds today, all around the world people are actually reviving bird populations, providing a roadmap for wider recovery. In his newest book, The Return of the Oystercatcher, best-selling author and researcher Scott Weidensaul shows why creating a world that works for birds will work for everything, including us. He’ll trace this inspiring arc from a tiny island off the Maine coast to the bird-rich Danube Delta on the Ukrainian border, and vulture restoration in the mountains of Bulgaria to across the world’s largest and most intact forest in Canada where Indigenous communities are permanently protecting hundreds of millions of acres of some of the most important migratory bird habitat on Earth. This is a dose of optimism we all need.
Bio: Scott Weidensaul is the author of nearly 30 books on natural history, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist Living on the Wind and his New York Times bestseller A World on the Wing. His latest book, Return of the Oystercatcher coming in April 2026, showcases what’s working for bird conservation around the world. Weidensaul is a contributing editor for Audubon magazine, a columnist for Bird Watcher’s Digest, and writes for a variety of other publications including the Cornell Ornithology Laboratory’s Living Bird publication. He is a Fellow of the American Ornithological Society and an active field researcher, studying Saw-whet Owl migration for 30 years, as well as winter hummingbirds in the East, bird migration in Alaska, and the winter movements of Snowy Owls through Project SNOWstorm, which he co-founded.
Contact: Dan Hubbard, 603 978-0218, danielhubbard@peoplepc.com

Gifts of the Garden: Q&A Sessions
2026-07-09 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 July 8 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.

Summer Camp Art Show
2026-07-11 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-18 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-25 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-01 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-08 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-15 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 Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne
2026-07-16 18:30 - 20:00 | McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
Chris Sweeney, an award-winning journalist, details the biography of Roxie Laybourne. Roxie was a pioneering forensic ornithologist at the Smithsonian who used feather analysis to solve crimes and investigate plane crashes, creating the field of forensic ornithology. Join us in learning more about Roxie’s remarkable life, including her work on major incidents like the Eastern Air Lines Flight 375 crash, work that helped her change aviation safety and criminal justice.
Photos of The Feather Detective cover; author Chris Sweeney; Roxie Laybourne (from the Smithsonian Institution Archives).
Cover photo of Roxie Laybourne from the Smithsonian Institution Archives.

Garden Pest Control
2026-07-21 17:30 - 19:00 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
This workshop will cover garden insect pest control, including what symptoms/signs to look for, insect identification tips, and how to distinguish between pest insects and beneficial insects. We will also cover integrated pest management (IPM) concepts for the home gardener and strategies to control pest insects in your backyard and garden.
Presenter:
Amber Vinchesi-Vahl, UNH Extension State Specialist, Entomology and Integrated Pest Management
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. See our own integrated pest management practices in action and how we co-exist with beneficial insects in a pesticide-free environment. 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. 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 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 July 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 50 attendees.
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.
Refund Policy:
All ticket sales are final. All ticket fees support NH Audubon’s mission.

Capital Area Butterfly Survey
2026-07-25 09:00 - 15:00 | McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
Butterflies are one of the most beautiful elements of the natural world, and scientists recognize that they can also serve as an important indicator of ecosystem health. NH Audubon is partnering with NH Fish and Game and the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) to collect long-term data on butterflies in the Concord region and beyond. We welcome public participation, and while knowledge of butterflies is a plus, it is not necessary. Join us for these amazing opportunities to learn and participate in butterfly conservation.
Capital Area Butterfly Survey: Join NH Audubon and fellow butterfly enthusiasts at the McLane Center in Concord to help survey butterflies in the capital area! Whether you’re an expert or just curious, there’s a role for everyone (and each team will be paired with an expert). Helping navigate different observation spots, assisting with species identification, snapping photos for post-event verification, or recording data for your team are all valuable contributions to this project. This butterfly count has been held since 2021. (Rain date 7/26 from 9am-3pm.)
Participation in both training and survey events is free of charge. By attending this event, you and anyone you register on behalf of agree to NH Audubon’s Outdoor Education Program Liability Release & Agreement Waiver. For more information, please contact Lindsay Herlihy at LHerlihy@nhaudubon.org.
The North American Butterfly Association (NABA) organizes the counts and publishes their annual reports. For more information on NABA and the Count Program, please send a self-addressed, stamped business envelope to: NABA, 4 Delaware Road, Morristown, NJ 07960. Or check out their website at www.naba.org.

Gifts of the Garden: Q&A Sessions
2026-08-06 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 August 5 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.

Massabesic Gardens Tour
2026-08-06 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 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.
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.

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.

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.
