NH Audubon

Human / Nature
2024-03-28 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-29 11:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
Elderglass by Jackie Hanson.
In this ongoing series, artist Jackie Hanson uses pastels to paint immersive landscapes that feature both well-known and overlooked vantages, often (but not exclusively) from New Hampshire and Maine. While pleasant to the eye, these works help her to think about the tangled relationship between humans and nature. This relationship is both one of forces opposed to each other and inexplicably tied together. Humans can have a devastating impact on our environment, but in many everyday cases, you can observe the Earth reclaiming where humans have moved on. Meanwhile, the human race is beholden to time and ultimately to our planet as well. Jackie’s paintings explore the beauty of the balance between human activity and the Earth’s reciprocity, and the sublime power nature holds. (Recommended reading: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.)
Bio: Jackie Hanson spent her childhood in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, raised in a family where art and creativity were always encouraged. While growing up, she became familiar with the beauty of the outdoors in New England: lakes, mountains, small farms, and plenty of day trips to the ocean. After first using pastels in high school, she rediscovered her love for them while in college, and the way they made her feel the same excitement in the studio as when exploring the natural world. Jackie graduated from New England College’s Institute of Art and Design in 2022 with her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and plans to continue her art practice as a career.

Blossoming Beyond: Celebrating Queerness in Nature
2024-03-29 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-03-30 11:00 - 17:00 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
NH Audubon is thrilled to be partnering with Queerlective to provide a space to showcase their “Blossoming Beyond: Celebrating Queerness in Nature” exhibit. Blossoming Beyond explores the connection between queerness and nature, showcasing pieces of work that represent the resilience, strength, and beauty of both the natural world and the LGBTQ+ community. The exhibition celebrates diversity and the intrinsic bond between individuals and the environment. Queerlective works to help create a more inclusive world for the Queer, BIPOC, and other marginalized communities through art, impacting the LGBTQ community in New Hampshire and beyond. This partnership highlights NH Audubon’s commitment to protecting nature for all people, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and expanding opportunities to enjoy nature together. NH Audubon will be donating half of our typical commission to uplift Queerlective’s mission and to help foster the innate connection between nature and queerness.

Birding Outing at Pondicherry Wildlife Sanctuary
2024-03-30 08:00 - 09:30 | Pondicherry Wildlife Sanctuary, Presidential Rail Trail, 289 Airport Road, Whitefield, NH, 03598, United States
Join NH Audubon for a birding outing along the Pondicherry Rail Trail at Pondicherry Wildlife Sanctuary!
This is an informal birding outing that begins at the parking lot on Airport Rd in Whitefield and explores the trails with Devin Guilfoyle, Newfound Center Coordinator. All ages and skill levels of birders are welcome. If you are new to birding, come and learn the basics! If you are an avid birder, come to learn new techniques, network with other birders, or share your expertise with the group.
Binocular rental included with ticket. Please dress for the weather, with sturdy shoes. Expect to walk between 1-2 miles over mostly flat, but uneven trails through grassy and wooded terrain. Trails may be soggy or muddy in the rainy season. Dogs are not permitted at Audubon sanctuaries.

Seabrook Town Forest
2024-03-30 09:00 - 11:00 | NH
With diverse habitats of a large pond, mixed deciduous and coniferous woods, open fields, and shrubby thickets, the Seabrook Town Forest and Wellfield supports a wide variety of birds. Join trip leaders Ashton Almeida and Aidan Felch to explore this under-birded area. Meet by the gate at the end of Old New Boston Road at 9:00 am. Be prepared for the possibility of some wet trails. Contact Ashton Almeida or Aidan Felch with any questions.

The trip is limited to 10 participants. As the event nears, visit the Seacoast Chapter site for more information and to sign-up.

Human / Nature
2024-04-02 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-03 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-04 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-05 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-09 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-10 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-11 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-12 11:00 - 17:00 | McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
Elderglass by Jackie Hanson.
In this ongoing series, artist Jackie Hanson uses pastels to paint immersive landscapes that feature both well-known and overlooked vantages, often (but not exclusively) from New Hampshire and Maine. While pleasant to the eye, these works help her to think about the tangled relationship between humans and nature. This relationship is both one of forces opposed to each other and inexplicably tied together. Humans can have a devastating impact on our environment, but in many everyday cases, you can observe the Earth reclaiming where humans have moved on. Meanwhile, the human race is beholden to time and ultimately to our planet as well. Jackie’s paintings explore the beauty of the balance between human activity and the Earth’s reciprocity, and the sublime power nature holds. (Recommended reading: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.)
Bio: Jackie Hanson spent her childhood in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, raised in a family where art and creativity were always encouraged. While growing up, she became familiar with the beauty of the outdoors in New England: lakes, mountains, small farms, and plenty of day trips to the ocean. After first using pastels in high school, she rediscovered her love for them while in college, and the way they made her feel the same excitement in the studio as when exploring the natural world. Jackie graduated from New England College’s Institute of Art and Design in 2022 with her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and plans to continue her art practice as a career.
An Artist’s Reception has been rescheduled to April 24, 4-6pm at the McLane Center.

Brockway Wee Explorers - Spring Fling
2024-04-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Brockway Nature Preserve, Farrington Corner Road, Hopkinton, NH, United States
Join New Hampshire Audubon at Brockway Nature Preserve in Hopkinton for nature exploration with your 3-5 year old. Programs will be held on the first and third Wednesday of every month through May. Each program has an exciting theme regarding wildlife, nature, or the seasons. Programs will begin at 10 am 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 time; participants will be notified by email of cancellations. To find the meeting circle, park at the Brockway Nature Preserve parking area along Farrington Corners Road in Hopkinton, then follow the entrance trail across the bridge to the circle. For detailed directions, see here. Contact Devin Guilfoyle with any questions about the program. Maximum 10 children.
Cost: Non-resident NH Audubon members: $5/family; Non-resident non-members: $10/family; Free to Hopkinton Residents* (RSVP required below)
*Thanks to an endowment from Dorothy Brockway Osborne, this program is free for Hopkinton Residents.

How to Identify Brown & Skipper Butterflies
2024-04-03 18:30 - 19:30 | NH
Join Rick Van de Poll, Ecologist and Research Director at Tin Mountain Conservation Center, for a training on identifying some of the more challenging butterfly species, including the browns and skippers. Participants will also hear about opportunities to learn more and future field days being offered throughout the state, including July Butterfly Counts where volunteers can help survey for butterflies and collect data. All butterfly enthusiasts are welcome, with or without prior experience!
This training is part of a series of six webinars hosted by the NH Butterfly Monitoring Network, a collaborative effort led by NH Fish & Game Department to engage volunteers in counting and identifying butterflies across New Hampshire. The series will provide information on butterflies in New Hampshire, butterfly biology and identification, and how to get involved with the NH Butterfly Monitoring Network. For more information and to register for the session(s) you want to attend (you don’t need to attend them all), visit naturegroupie.org. All butterfly enthusiasts are welcome, with or without prior experience!
Contact:
Heidi Holman, NH Fish and Game: 603-271-3018
Haley Andreozzi, UNH Cooperative Extension: 603-862-5327, haley.andreozzi@unh.edu
Photo by Anita Fernandez.

Earth Day Exhibition 2024 - A Nature Inspired Show
2024-04-05 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-09 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-10 11:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-11 11:00 - 17:00 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Each year, NH Audubon holds a day-long, family-friendly Earth Day celebration at the Massabesic Center. As a part of the 2024 celebration, the Center is partnering with the League of NH Craftsmen to feature original work from League artists in a special two month exhibition which includes photography, prints, and fiber art.
An example from the exhibit – Birches by Ron Bowman.
This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature-themed artwork produced by some of New Hampshire’s finest craftsmen, displayed in the peaceful setting of this beautiful wildlife sanctuary. The exhibition will be open during regular Center hours from April 5-May 31. A reception hosted by the League, and open to the public, will be held on April 21 from 2-4pm.
About the League of NH Craftsmen: For over 90 years, the League has enriched New Hampshire communities through its mission to advance, cultivate and champion fine craft. The League offers a wide-range of educational programs for adults and children, and outstanding hand-made craft is available for purchase at seven affiliated Fine Craft Galleries throughout the state.

Bird Outing at Livingston Park
2024-04-06 08:30 - 10:00 | Livingston Park, 156 Hooksett Rd, Manchester, NH, 03104, United States
Join NH Audubon for a birding outing along the trails at Dorrs Pond in Livingston Park in Manchester. We will begin from the parking lot at Dorrs Pond, which will be the first right as you enter the park’s main entrance.
This is an informal birding outing that begins at the Dorrs Pond parking lot at Livingston Park and explores the trails with local birder, Joe Mahoney and the Massabesic Center’s education coordinator, Slater Roosa. All ages and skill levels of birders are welcome. If you are new to birding, come and learn the basics! If you are an avid birder, come to learn new techniques, network with other birders, or share your expertise with the group.
Cost is $8/members or $10/non-members, please contact Slater Roosa if this may be a barrier for your participation. Binocular rental included with ticket. Please dress for the weather, with sturdy shoes. Expect to walk between 1-2 miles over mostly flat, but uneven trails through grassy and wooded terrain. Trails may be soggy or muddy in the rainy season. Dogs are not allowed on this walk.

NestWatch Volunteer Training: Bluebird Monitoring
2024-04-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Learn about and get involved in a community science project to monitor field-nesting birds at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center! This workshop focuses on Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows, and will teach you identification, natural history, conservation status and how to collect data as a NestWatch Monitor.
We will begin in the classroom at 10am with a break for lunch (please bring your own lunch and water). After lunch, we’ll head outside for the last hour to learn the trails and nest box locations, clean out residual nest materials from last year, and practice field identification of early season birds.
NH Audubon Massabesic Center is home to almost 100 monitored nest boxes. NestWatch Monitors are expected to contribute one to two hours each week from April to August to record data in their designated sections.
Workshop participants are not required to become NestWatch Monitors; you can learn the process and take your new skills with you anywhere!
Presenters:
Logan Young, NH Audubon Massabesic Center NestWatch Chapter Coordinator
Bob Krewson, NH Audubon Bluebird Monitor Volunteer Leader
Cost:
Free for NH Audubon members
$5 for nonmembers
Registration Required by April 4, 2024.
Indoor presentation will take place indoors, rain or shine. Outdoor portion will take place unless there is severe weather. Weather notifications will be made via email the day before. Dress for the weather and be prepared to walk up to one mile over mostly flat, but uneven grassy terrain. Bug spray and sunscreen are strongly recommended.
For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.

Earth Day Exhibition 2024 - A Nature Inspired Show
2024-04-06 11:00 - 17:00 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Each year, NH Audubon holds a day-long, family-friendly Earth Day celebration at the Massabesic Center. As a part of the 2024 celebration, the Center is partnering with the League of NH Craftsmen to feature original work from League artists in a special two month exhibition which includes photography, prints, and fiber art.
An example from the exhibit – Birches by Ron Bowman.
This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature-themed artwork produced by some of New Hampshire’s finest craftsmen, displayed in the peaceful setting of this beautiful wildlife sanctuary. The exhibition will be open during regular Center hours from April 5-May 31. A reception hosted by the League, and open to the public, will be held on April 21 from 2-4pm.
About the League of NH Craftsmen: For over 90 years, the League has enriched New Hampshire communities through its mission to advance, cultivate and champion fine craft. The League offers a wide-range of educational programs for adults and children, and outstanding hand-made craft is available for purchase at seven affiliated Fine Craft Galleries throughout the state..

Solar Eclipse Celebration with Griffin Free Public Library
2024-04-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Griffin Free Public Library, 22 Hooksett Road, Auburn, NH, 03032, United States
Calling all nature and outer space enthusiasts – New Hampshire Audubon is partnering with the Griffin Free Public Library for a viewing of the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2-4pm. There will be games, activities, and refreshments. You will also be able to pick up your free pair of eclipse viewing glasses. This event is rain or shine, if the eclipse is unable to be viewed because of clouds, we will still be celebrating and will embark on a nature walk in hopes of viewing some wildlife.
This is a free event, open to the public, that is run by the Griffin Library and will take place in the field behind their building at 22 Hooksett Road in Auburn. This location will be able to view the eclipse from an angle with at least 95% totality!

Climate-Resilient Gardens: Gardening for Extreme Weather Conditions
2024-04-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
As home and community gardeners, how do we prepare and adapt our practices to make our gardens more climate-resilient? From seasonal temperature shifts and extreme temperature swings to excess moisture or drought, we’ll talk about some practical strategies to address these challenges, and what it means to grow a climate-resilient garden that can not only “weather” these changes, but also reduce your environmental footprint.
Presenter:
Steph Sosinski, Home Horticulture Program Manager for UNH Extension.
Sean O’Brien, Home Horticulture Program Manager for UNH Extension.
Cost:
$10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners
$15 for non-members
Register here. Registration required by April 8.
For mobility, sensory, behavioral, or other accessibility accommodations, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
This program is brought to you through an ongoing partnership between the University of New Hampshire Extension’s Master Gardener Program and New Hampshire Audubon. “The Demonstration Gardens at NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center” provide a place for sharing best practices in eco-friendly home and community gardening, to benefit human health and well-being, and wildlife habitat.

Become a Volunteer Guide: NH Butterfly Monitoring Network
2024-04-10 18:30 - 19:30 | NH
The NH Butterfly Monitoring Network (NHBMN) is relatively new collaborative effort, led by NH Fish & Game and UNH Extension, to engage volunteers in counting and identifying butterflies across New Hampshire. Data collected by volunteers can contribute to our understanding of long-term trends in butterfly populations and inform conservation actions for both common and declining species. An important part of this work involves promoting volunteer participation in July Butterfly Counts, currently held in 6 locations across the state each year. There is growing interest from volunteers in helping at these fun, day-long counts, but we need volunteers to lead groups to increase our capacity and help us collect more useful data.
Join us for this training to learn more about becoming a Volunteer Guide for the NH Butterfly Monitoring Network’s July Butterfly Counts. We’ll provide an overview of the survey process, describe the role of a Volunteer Guide, and share tips for leading a group outdoors. Participants will also be introduced to documenting butterfly species and best practices for data collection. Following the training, we’ll connect you with the coordinator of a local count circle who will provide opportunities for field-based learning and will coordinate with you as a Volunteer Guide for the July Butterfly Count.
You don’t need to be an expert in butterfly identification to be a Volunteer Guide for the NH Butterfly Monitoring Network! Photographs can be taken to identify butterflies later on, using the help of technology and the support of experts already involved in the counts. Volunteer Guides just need to be excited about butterflies, willing to lead a small group outdoors, and interested in learning more.
This training is part of a series of six webinars hosted by the NH Butterfly Monitoring Network, a collaborative effort led by NH Fish & Game Department to engage volunteers in counting and identifying butterflies across New Hampshire. The series will provide information on butterflies in New Hampshire, butterfly biology and identification, and how to get involved with the NH Butterfly Monitoring Network. For more information and to register for the session(s) you want to attend (you don’t need to attend them all), visit naturegroupie.org. All butterfly enthusiasts are welcome, with or without prior experience!
Contact:
Heidi Holman, NH Fish and Game: 603-271-3018
Haley Andreozzi, UNH Cooperative Extension: 603-862-5327, haley.andreozzi@unh.edu
Photo by Anita Fernandez.

Exploring the Wonders of a Pollinator Garden through its Insects
2024-04-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Seacoast Science Center, Odiorne State Park, Route 1A, Rye, NH, United States
Join the NH Audubon Seacoast Chapter for their in person April program: Exploring the Wonders of a Pollinator Garden through its Insects.
Sometimes, you don’t have to leave your backyard to explore the wonders of the natural world. Join Paul Lacourse on his quest to understand the ecology of his pollinator garden through its insects. He will introduce you to the diversity of the plants and insects that inhabit a pollinator garden and the role they play in it. It’s a beautiful and sometimes creepy look at an often overlooked world within an arm’s reach.
Paul Lacourse taught Life Science, including a Study of NH Birds course, at Winnicunnet High School for 30 years. He is a former President/Vice President and field trip leader of the Seacoast Chapter of NH Audubon. Over the last 8 years, he has immersed himself in creating and studying a very productive pollinator garden that incorporates many native plants.
The Seacoast Chapter meets monthly on the second Wednesday except the months of July and August unless there is a special program. Refreshments are served at 7pm and the meetings begin at 7:30pm unless otherwise noted (entrance doors locked at 7:45pm). The public is welcome free of charge. In person meetings are held at the Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne State Park, Route 1A, Rye, NH. Wheelchair accessible. For more information on chapter programs, please contact: Dan Hubbard, (603) 332-4093 or danielhubbard@peoplepc.com. Cancellations will be posted on The Seacoast Chapter website.

Nature Day Camp Open House & Pizza Party
2024-04-11 17:00 - 19:00 | McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
Are you looking for a safe, fun, and outdoors-focused camp for your kids to attend this summer? Are you new to the Concord or Manchester areas?
Then join Camp Administrator, Claire Adams to learn more about the upcoming camp season! During this free event, Claire will be hosting a “morning circle” activity, complete with a name game and camp song, to give you and your campers a taste of what our camps have to offer. Throughout the event, she will also be available to answer questions and provide hand-outs about the camp philosophy, camp session themes, and policies. Several NH Audubon educators and staff from Media Power Youth will be on hand to answer questions and facilitate activities, including a chance to meet some of our Ambassador Animals. This is a great opportunity for first-time campers or for folks looking to expand into the next level of the camp. Bring the kids. RSVP on our event calendar to let us know you are coming.
We will be serving pizza, snacks, and beverages between 5:45-6:45pm. Come for dinner and stay for the crafts and games!
Are you unsure whether NH Audubon Nature Day Camp is right for your child? Try a day or two of vacation camp to get the flavor of our programs. Signs of Spring camp runs from April 22-26. Registration is open for all 2024 camp sessions on our website. Reserve your spot today!
Please contact Claire Adams, Camp Administrator, with any questions at (603) 224-9909 ext. 404 or cadams@nhaudubon.org.

Earth Day Exhibition 2024 - A Nature Inspired Show
2024-04-12 11:00 - 17:00 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Each year, NH Audubon holds a day-long, family-friendly Earth Day celebration at the Massabesic Center (this year on Saturday, April 20). As a part of the 2024 celebration, the Center is partnering with the League of NH Craftsmen to feature original work from League artists in a special two month exhibition which includes photography, prints, and fiber art.
An example from the exhibit – Birches by Ron Bowman.
This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature-themed artwork produced by some of New Hampshire’s finest craftsmen, displayed in the peaceful setting of this beautiful wildlife sanctuary. The exhibition will be open during regular Center hours from April 5-May 31. A reception hosted by the League, and open to the public, will be held on April 21 from 2-4pm.
About the League of NH Craftsmen: For over 90 years, the League has enriched New Hampshire communities through its mission to advance, cultivate and champion fine craft. The League offers a wide-range of educational programs for adults and children, and outstanding hand-made craft is available for purchase at seven affiliated Fine Craft Galleries throughout the state.

Birding Outing at McLane Center
2024-04-13 08:00 - 09:30 | McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
Join NH Audubon for a birding outing along the trails at the McLane Center!
This is an informal birding outing that begins at the McLane Center parking lot in Concord and explores the trails with Mark Suomala, NH Audubon volunteer and former NHA field biologist. All ages and skill levels of birders are welcome. If you are new to birding, come and learn the basics! If you are an avid birder, come to learn new techniques, network with other birders, or share your expertise with the group.
Binocular rental included with ticket. Please dress for the weather, with sturdy shoes. Expect to walk between 1-2 miles over mostly flat, but uneven trails through grassy and wooded terrain. Trails may be soggy or muddy in the rainy season. Dogs are not permitted at Audubon sanctuaries.
