The Wildlife and Landscape of New England Exhibit
2026-04-23 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-24 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-25 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-29 11:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
The Wildlife and Landscape of New England by Jason Davini
This exhibit runs at the Massabesic Center in Auburn from March 5-April 29, 2026.
Description: This show will feature the landscapes and animals that Jason has come across over the decades of his picture-taking. From Sunrises at the beaches and mountains, to the smallest animals, Jason has almost seen it all. Each picture was taken by Jason, after countless hours of waiting for the perfect moment.
Examples of Jason’s photography. (Click to enlarge.)
Art exhibit viewing access may be restricted during private event rentals. Calling ahead to confirm is recommended.
Bio: Jason is a Manchester native, but he often leaves the city to venture into the wild to pursue his passion. Jason’s specialty is photographing native wildlife, plants, and scenery, often spending countless hours patiently waiting for the moment when perfect light arrives, or his wary subject finally presents itself. And when the subject and light arrive at the same time, Jason’s eye for his art comes alive. With an eye for detail and beauty often gone unseen by others, Jason is able to capture a moment frozen in time and space – a most magical moment for all to enjoy. Jason specializes in nature photography but is also available for events or photo shoots of your choosing.
Jason Davini’s Photography: 603.660.4977; Jason.pinkfloydfan@gmail.com

Party Animals Exhibit
2026-04-24 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-25 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-29 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-30 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-01 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-02 11:00 - 17:00 | 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.

Easy to Grow Vegetables
2026-04-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Join UNH Extension Master Gardener Maureen Sinclair to learn how to start growing vegetables without getting overwhelmed. What are the “easy” vegetables to grow? How do you pick healthy plants from the garden center? What should we be observing in our gardens? All these questions and many more will be answered to help you maximize early successes, learn by doing, and have fun growing vegetables.
Logistics:
This presentation will take place both indoors and outdoors at the Massabesic Center. We’ll start with a lecture in the main conference room and then head out to the garden, weather-permitting, to observe vegetable garden practices in action. The small partially fenced vegetable garden at Massabesic produces 400-500 pounds of food every year, despite sharing some of our crops with the local wildlife.
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 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 April 16th. 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.
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.

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 donation of $5, thanks to an endowment from Dorothy Brockway Osborne, this program is free for Hopkinton Residents.
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 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.

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 donation of $5, thanks to an endowment from Dorothy Brockway Osborne, this program is free for Hopkinton Residents.
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 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 with Claire Adams (NH Audubon Camp Programs Manager)
Parking: Please park in the main parking lot across the street from the Massabesic Center. Enter through the main entrance where Claire Adams or another member of the NH Audubon Education Department will greet you at the sign-in table in the hallway.
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 Claire Adams via email or call (603)224-9909 ext. 404. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Art of Pressed Flowers and Dried Botanicals
2026-08-23 12:00 - 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.

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.
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.
