Bird Outing at Piscataquog River Park in Manchester
2025-03-29 08:30 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Piscataquog River Park (George W. Smith Entrance), Manchester, NH, 03102, United States
This walk will be led by local birder and Massabesic Center Advisory Committee member, Joe Mahoney, and will focus on our early migratory arrivals. This walk will cross through mostly wooded and riparian habitats and we can expect to see a variety of woodpeckers and waterfowl. We will meet at the Piscataquog River, George W. Smith Entrance parking lot.
This is a free event with binocular rentals available. 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, snowy, or icy. Dogs are not allowed on this walk.
After the birding outing concludes, the Friends of Piscataquog River Park have invited all walk attendees to partake in an invasive plant cleanup event beginning immediately after the walk ends. If you would like to participate in conserving Piscataquog River Park after the walk, please RSVP on their event posting here.
Please read NH Audubon’s Outdoor Education Program Liability Release & Agreement Waiver before submitting your RSVP. RSVPing to this event indicates that you agree to the waiver’s terms and conditions.

Simply Nature Exhibit
2025-03-29 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-02 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-03 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-04 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-05 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-09 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-10 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-11 11:00 - 17:00 and 2 more dates | McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
‘Simply Nature’ is an exhibit of a relatively small portion of Pierre Garand’s catalog of Nature photographs. For nearly sixty years, Pierre’s primary photographic subject has been Nature. He considers Her to be the artist, and he a mere agent, exploring, discovering, recording and presenting Her masterworks. This exhibit comprises a tiny taste of Nature’s diversity, beauty, and even a little whimsy: Her landscapes, flora, fauna and the elements that support them. In most cases, Pierre brings the viewer as close to the subject as he physically or optically can, presenting them with a perspective or in a unique moment that the viewer may not otherwise experience. (All but one of these images were captured in New Hampshire at or near Pierre’s home just inland of the New Hampshire Seacoast region. None of the images are AI generated.)
Barred Owl photographed by Pierra Garand.

Bio: Pierre Garand has been making photographs, drawing with light for nearly sixty years. With occasional diversions, his primary subject has been the Natural World, usually as close-up as he physically or optically can get. He considers Mother Nature to be an artist who challenges him to discover, record and share Her amazing works. With the rising evidence of climate change in recent years, he’s come to consider his photographs a record, a visual history of a major transition in Nature. He continues to keep his eyes and ears open to the world around him for the chance to record Nature’s art, whether already formed or in process – a stone with natural markings that look like a face, or a pollinator busy feeding on a Goldenrod in full bloom. He takes every opportunity he can to share his photographs with the public, in the hope of providing a revealing, inspiring or entertaining glimpse into the Nature all around us.

30% of the proceeds from this exhibit will benefit New Hampshire Audubon.
(Art exhibit viewing access may be restricted during private event rentals. Calling ahead to confirm is recommended.)

Nature's Gallery Exhibit
2025-03-29 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-02 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-03 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-04 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-05 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-09 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-10 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-11 11:00 - 17:00 and 1 more date | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
The Manchester Artists Association and NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center present “Nature’s Gallery”, an art exhibit to celebrate creativity and nature’s beauty. Through a wide variety of styles and mediums, fifteen local artists have showcased a collection of original paintings and photographs that capture the images and colors of nature.
Examples from the Nature’s Gallery Exhibit.
The exhibit will run from March 6th to April 25th. The exhibit is open to the public. All artwork is available for sale.
The Manchester Artists Association (MAA) is a group of dedicated artists who’s motto is “Artists Helping Artists”. The organization was founded in 1966 to provide fellowship, learning, and inspiration to artists who are engaged or interested in the pursuit of fine art. More info can be found here.
(Art exhibit viewing access may be restricted during private event rentals. Calling ahead to confirm is recommended.)

Birding Outing with the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire's Forests
2025-04-01 08:00 - 10:00 | Merrimack River Outdoor Education & Conservation Area, 2-82 Portsmouth Street, Concord, NH, 03103, United States
No April Fools joke here – join NH Audubon and The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire’s Forests for a birding outing at the Merrimack River Outdoor Education & Conservation Area (a.k.a. “The Floodplain”) in Concord! Devin Guilfoyle, center coordinator of NH Audubon’s Newfound Center, will talk about spotting and identifying birds in a variety of NH forest habitats, while Matt Scaccia, the Forest Society’s recreation & community relations manager, will talk about the unique land features of The Floodplain. Great Blue Herons, Red-tailed Hawks, and Eastern Phoebes have been spotted on this land during early April outings in previous years.
We will meet in the parking lot of The Floodplain to begin the walk. This location is just down the road from the Forest Society’s headquarters on Portsmouth Street in Concord, and can be found on Google Maps by searching “Les Clark Nature Trailhead”.
This is a free event with binocular rentals available. 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, muddy, or icy, depending on weather conditions. Dogs are not allowed on this walk.
Please read NH Audubon’s Outdoor Education Program Liability Release & Agreement Waiver before submitting your RSVP. RSVPing to this event indicates that you agree to the waiver’s terms and conditions.

Brockway Wee Explorers: Winging It
2025-04-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Brockway Nature Preserve, Farrington Corner Road, Hopkinton, NH, United States
What’s the word on birds? Join your 3-5 year-old at the John Brockway Nature Preserve as we explore the basics of birds. This program will begin at 10am and last about 45 minutes. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to ensure the program can start on time.
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 canceled if poor weather is predicted during the program time; participants will be notified by email of cancellations.
For detailed directions to the preserve, search for Brockway Pond on Google Maps, or visit this webpage.
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.
Please review NH Audubon’s Outdoor Education Program Liability Release & Agreement Waiver before registering.

NestWatch Volunteer Training: Bluebird Monitoring
2025-04-05 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 80 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

Logan and Bob were awarded the 2024 John Thalheimer Volunteer Award for their dedication to this project. The knowledge they share during this workshop builds from over a decade of research gathered under their leadership.
Cost:

Free! Donations welcome to support our NestWatch program (select “Massabesic NestWatch Program” from the Gift Designation menu).

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 3, 2025.
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 accommodation requests, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.

Build-a-Birdhouse
2025-04-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Celebrate the return of our nesting bird species at the Massabesic Center and Wildlife Sanctuary! Join our expert NestWatch Monitors for a fun-filled family experience crafting your very own bird house!
Get hands on with woodworking tools and power drills in a safe environment. Our team will be set up in the Massabesic Center’s Barn, with two types of pre-cut and pre-drilled kits, suitable for bluebird or house wren nest boxes.
You’ll learn how to attract Eastern Bluebirds or House Wrens to your backyard, through discussions of installation placement guidelines and habitat requirements needed to generate ideal conditions for these two bird species. We’ll share resources for attracting other species to your yards, too!
This program will take place indoors in our historic Broad Barn, located a few steps down the trail from our main entrance. Dress for the weather, as the barn is not temperature controlled. While the barn entrance has two steps that prevent wheelchair or stroller access into the main space, modified workstations in the main building can be provided with advanced notice.
The main center will be open to provide access to our Nature Lab, Nature Shop, and the Nature’s Gallery art exhibit, produced by Manchester Artists Association. Bathrooms and drinking fountains are available. The main building is wheelchair accessible, but assistance may be required for some interior doors or to reach some artifacts. Bring a friend or ask our staff; we are eager to help you have an enjoyable experience!
The gardens and trails will also be open to explore.
Parking is available in the primarily dirt lot directly in front of the center.
RSVP (one per family) Required by April 3, 2025 if you want to construct a birdhouse. Walk-ins who wish to enjoy the atmosphere or ask birdy questions are welcome. The program is free with a suggested donation of $10 to support our NestWatch program (select “Massabesic NestWatch Program” from the Gift Designation menu). Limit to one birdhouse per family.
For accommodation requests, contact Kimmie Whiteman, Massabesic Center Director.
Cover image by Dee Cleary.

Become a Volunteer Guide: NH Butterfly Monitoring Network
2025-04-09 18:30 - 19:30 | NH
The NH Butterfly Monitoring Network (NHBMN) is a 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 7 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. Register for Become a Volunteer Guide: NH Butterfly Monitoring Network here.
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 five 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. There is no requirement to attend other sessions to become a Volunteer Guide, but they are helpful for building skills and knowledge in butterfly identification so we encourage you to participate. For more information and to register for the session(s) you want to attend, visit nhbutterflies.org.

A Passion Project: Thirty-five Years of Migration Research at the Shoals Marine Lab
2025-04-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Seacoast Science Center, Odiorne State Park, Route 1A, Rye, NH, United States
Since 1990, Sara Morris has been the lead bander at the Appledore Island Migration Station, which operates during both fall and spring migration. The station is focused on studying songbird migration and stopover ecology, the short breaks during migration when birds rest, refuel, and wait for favorable weather to continue migratory flights. The team that contributes to this research has added additional studies to help increase our understanding of migration in the annual cycle of birds as well as other aspects of bird biology and birds’ roles in community ecology.
Bio: Sara Morris is currently the Executive Director of the Shoals Marine Lab, an educational field station on Appledore Island, Maine, jointly operated by the University of New Hampshire and Cornell University. Her connection to Appledore and the Shoals Marine Lab dates back to 1990, when she began her studies of bird migration as a graduate student at Cornell University. She received her PhD. in 1996 and joined the faculty at Canisius College that year. At Canisius, she taught a variety of courses including ornithology, vertebrate zoology, field ecology, evolution and ecology, and anatomy and physiology of plants and animals. After more than 27 years at Canisius, including the last nine in academic administration, she retired from Canisius in 2024, received the honor of emeritus status, and immediately accepted the passion project of leading the Shoals Marine Lab. Sara also has enjoyed teaching ornithology at the National Audubon Society’s Camp in Maine each summer since 1990. Sara has served as the President of the Wilson Ornithological Society, was elected as a Fellow of the American Ornithologists’ Union, and currently serves as President of the American Ornithological Society.

Beginning Gardener Series: Easy to Grow Vegetables
2025-04-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Description: Join us 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.
This part of our 2025 Beginning Gardener Series. If you are just starting as a gardener or need some tips to improve your basic gardening skills, you’re sure to gain some great information. Watch for other topics in this series in May and October. You do not need to attend all the workshops in the series, each will stand alone.
Presenter: Jason Phelps, UNH Extension Master Gardener
Cost: $10 for NH Audubon members/Extension Master Gardeners; $15 for non-members.
Registration Required by: April 7. Register here.
Logistics (inside/outside, what to bring): This workshop will include some outside time in the garden, be prepared with appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear.
For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact Massabesic Center Director, Kimmie Whiteman.
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.

Bob Hull Memorial Bluebird Walk
2025-04-12 08:00 - 10:00 | NH
Help trip leader David Blezard clean out bluebird boxes, look for early migrants and lingering winter birds, and get yourself in the mood for spring.
Each year, volunteers join together on a field trip to repair and maintain Bluebird boxes throughout Durham in honor of Bob Hull and his wife Sheila. Bob maintained, replaced, and installed countless Bluebird boxes in Durham. Each year we honor these two beloved members of the Seacoast chapter by carrying on their work in maintaining and repairing these boxes.
During our annual trip we visit many locations where Bob originally installed boxes. We replace those in need of replacing, fix what we can, and clean out the boxes. We also search for early spring migrants. Birds we frequently see on the trip include Eastern Bluebird, Brown Creeper, Pileated Woodpecker, Fox Sparrow, Wilson’s Snipe, American Kestrel, Killdeer, and much, much more!
It can also be interesting to dissect the nests of bluebirds and the other birds that use these nest boxes. The trip provides great opportunities to connect with chapter members and is a favorite of many!
Meet at the Mill Rd Plaza in Durham at 8:00. Contact: David Blezard or call 603-343-1223. Registration is not required.

Birding Outing at Massabesic Center
2025-04-12 08:30 - 10:00 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
Join NH Audubon for another birding walk led by local birder and Massabesic Center Advisory Committee member, Joe Mahoney, this walk will focus on bird species that call the Massabesic Center’s fields and trails home. We may see birds such as Eastern Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, Red-shouldered Hawks, and Red-winged Blackbirds. We will meet at the front doors of the Massabesic Center to begin.
This is a free event with binocular rentals available. 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 muddy after rain. Dogs are not allowed on this walk.
Please read NH Audubon’s Outdoor Education Program Liability Release & Agreement Waiver before submitting your RSVP. RSVPing to this event indicates that you agree to the waiver’s terms and conditions.

Nature's Gallery Exhibit
2025-04-16 11:00 - 17:00 | Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH, United States
The Manchester Artists Association and NH Audubon’s Massabesic Center present “Nature’s Gallery”, an art exhibit to celebrate creativity and nature’s beauty. Through a wide variety of styles and mediums, fifteen local artists have showcased a collection of original paintings and photographs that capture the images and colors of nature.
Examples from the Nature’s Gallery Exhibit.
The exhibit will run from March 6th to April 25th. The exhibit is open to the public. All artwork is available for sale.
The Manchester Artists Association (MAA) is a group of dedicated artists who’s motto is “Artists Helping Artists”. The organization was founded in 1966 to provide fellowship, learning, and inspiration to artists who are engaged or interested in the pursuit of fine art. More info can be found here.
