Search results matching tag 'outdoors'

"Get Out and Play!" Weekend October 3-4, 2009

AskLisa — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:45:00 GMT

Turn off the television and computer, gather the family and friends, dress for the weather, and head off for an outdoor adventure! Whether you strike out on your own or connect up with an event, October 3rd and 4th is the weekend to Get Out and Play! "The research shows that children who engage in free play in nature are healthier, happier and smarter," said Marilyn Wyzga, a wildlife educator with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. "Here in New Hampshire, nature is all around us, and the possibilities are vast."

There are many organizations, all across New Hampshire, hosting walks, hikes, bikes, picnics, and paddles for this event -- find one in your own community or plan a trip to a special location. You can find a listing of organizations and events at: http://www.NHChildrenInNature.org.

"This first annual event is a great opportunity for children, youth and families to get out and reconnect with nature," said Scott Fitzpatrick of PlusTime NH. "Around the state, you can join in planned programs, or gather friends, family and neighbors for a visit to a favorite nearby nature place. How about a walk on town conservation land, a ramble in one of our great state parks, a bike ride on a rail trail, a nature play hour or perhaps an evening building fairy houses in a local woodland. Join us - let's get out and play!"

Get Out and Play! Weekend follows the New Hampshire Children in Nature Coalition conference "Building Nature-Based Communities" which takes place on October 1, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Camp Yavneh in Northwood, N.H. This statewide conference will provide community leaders and organizations with the resources, tools and support to make local change to reconnect children, youth and families with nature. If you're interested in finding ways to encourage kids and families to get outside and more involved with the natural world, register for the conference at http://nhcinc.eventbrite.com.

The New Hampshire Children and Nature Coalition is dedicated to fostering experiences in nature that improve physical and emotional health, increase understanding of the natural world, and promote stronger connections to community and landscape. The coalition got its start in 2007, when people from health, education, community planning and environmental sectors came together at a series of events to launch a New Hampshire initiative to reconnect children with nature and encourage children and families to get outside and active in the natural world. Find out more about the Coalition at http://www.NHChildrenInNature.org.

The "Building Nature-based Communities" conference and other N.H. Children and Nature Coalition events are made possible in part by generous contributions from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation.

Need a School or Club Fundraiser? Sell NH Fish & Wildlife Calendars!

AskLisa — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:53:00 GMT

Now there's a great way to make money for your club or school, plus help the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department conserve wildlife and wild places -- Fish and Game is offering schools and clubs the opportunity to sell the new 2010 N.H. Fish & Wildlife calendar as a local fundraiser. Your organization makes nearly 60% profit on each calendar sold. The all-new 2010 New Hampshire Fish & Wildlife wall calendar features twelve months of beautiful wildlife photography, plus hunting and fishing season dates and more. This year's theme is "Get outside and get active with family and friends."

Calendar purchases will help your local group AND support the N.H. Fish and Game Department's work managing the natural resources we all enjoy -- the state's fish and wildlife and their habitats. Call (603) 271-6355 or email mark.t.beauchesne@wildlife.nh.gov today to request your sales package and start making money for your group. Don't delay - the group sales option is available for a limited time only. Group orders are fulfilled after orders are taken, so you only buy the number of calendars that you've sold.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.WildNH.com.

Fly-fishing workshop available

Salem Editor — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:33:00 GMT

Women who have learned the basics of fly-fishing and seek to build their skills can learn more about this sport at a Becoming an Outdoors- Woman (BOW) intermediate fly-fishing weekend workshop, Sept. 25 to 27, at Purity Spring Resort in Madison.

Participants learn from expert instructors about the finer points of casting: accuracy, timing and shooting the line; reading the water; picking a proper fly and knowing how to cast it; and what to do when you catch a fish. Participants fish both still and moving water.

This special “Beyond BOW” workshop costs $275, which includes instruction, meals and two nights lodging in the rustic Purity Spring Resort.

To register and read an itinerary, visit nhbow.com, or call 271-3212 to request an application by mail.

Class space is limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Participants must be at least 18 years old.

Great Bay Discovery Center Offers Kayak Tours of Great Bay

AskLisa — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:08:00 GMT

Looking for a summer kayak adventure? Join staff of the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve for kayak tours in the Great Bay Estuary, where you can watch osprey diving for fish, herons gracefully glide overhead and learn what makes the Great Bay Estuary one of the most amazing and diverse places on earth!

The 3-4 hour tours take place in the tidal waters of Great Bay. Most trips begin and end at the Great Bay Discovery Center in Greenland, N.H. All safety equipment, kayaks and basic instruction are provided. Participants learn proper entry and exit of the kayak, basic paddling techniques and how to safely and easily do a "wet exit" (on dry land, of course).

No experience is necessary, however, be aware that kayaking is moderate to vigorous activity, and you will spend approximately 2.5 hours on the water. The remainder of your time will be spent receiving instruction and helping guides carry the kayaks to and from the waterfront.

You must be at least 16 years of age to participate. You may sign up for one trip at a time and put your name on a wait list for another

Costs are as follows: $15 if you bring your own boat; if you do not bring your own boat, the tours are $25 for Great Bay Stewards members and $35 for non-members. Checks should be made payable to: Great Bay Stewards/Kayak Trips, 89 Depot Road, Greenland, NH, 03840.

Cancellation policy: 7 days prior to trip - full refund; less than 7 days - 50% refund; less than 24 hours, no refund. If trips are cancelled because of bad weather, there is a full refund.

For more information or to register, call Education Coordinator Kelle Loughlin at the Great Bay Discovery Center at (603) 778-0015.

Following is the schedule of 2009 tours:

Wednesday, June 24, 2009, 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.: Edge of the Sea -- Native Americans belonging to the great Wabanaki and Algonquian Nations once hunted and fished along the shores of Great Bay. They were called "the people of the dawn" because they lived near the edge of the ocean, where the sun rose in the east every morning to greet them. Paddle back in time on a stretch of the southwestern shore of Great Bay and learn about the plants and animals that attracted settlement here over 400 hundred years ago. Rating: EASY

Friday, July 10, 2009, 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.: Salt Marsh Exploration -- This all-paddling trip begins and ends at the Great Bay Discovery Center. Paddle along the southwestern edge of Great Bay, past tall stands of spartina grass and over waving beds of eelgrass. Listen for the calls of salt marsh sparrows, watch ospreys gliding overhead and if we are lucky, catch a glimpse of the majestic
bald eagle. Paddle under the Squamscott River train trestle and into a hidden creek where we will raft up for a snack and a drink. Learn about the natural and cultural history of the region while immersing yourself in the unique flora and fauna of the Estuary. Rating: EASY.

Saturday, July 11, 2009, 3:00-7:00 p.m.: Birding with Steve Mirick - Join well know coastal birder, Steve Mirick as you look and listen for marsh and songbirds or raptors along the southeastern shore of Great Bay. Bring your own binoculars or use ours. Steve has been known to find birds when no one else could! A real treat for hardcore birders!

Saturday, July 25, 2009, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. Goat Island Geocache Adventure -- Join Reserve staff as we paddle to Goat Island, located in Little Bay. While there, we will have the task of finding the geocache that is hidden on the island near an historic archaeological site. This geocache is one in a series that are associated with the "Passport to Great Bay." If you are new to geocaching, it is a popular hide and seek adventure game using a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit. We will provide a GPS unit for participants to try, but please bring your own if you have one. You might also enjoy the short hiking trail or relaxing on the beach while on the island. Participants will receive a Passport to Great Bay booklet to take home. Trip begins and ends at the Scammel Bridge parking lot in Dover/Madbury. Rating: MODERATE DIFFICULTY

Saturday, August 1, 2009, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m: Go With the Flow -- Great Bay is a dynamic, ever-changing ecosystem full of surprises. This "self-directed" trip will primarily be a chance to simply enjoy the beauty of the Estuary without a planned tour. Your guides may point out interesting things along the way, but for the most part they will allow you to take in your paddle in a quieter, contemplative manner. A hidden creek in the middle of the trip often delights kayakers with glimpses of rare birds, tall swaying grasses and surprises around each bend. Rating: EASY

Friday, August 7, 2009, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.: "It Begins and Ends Here"; Exploring the mouth of the Great Bay Estuary -- Discover the mouth of the Great Bay Estuary, where fresh waters from the rivers meet the salty waters of the Gulf of Maine. Explore the islands and back coves around Newcastle and Portsmouth as we examine the plants and animals that are more commonly found in this area. Tides and currents can present more challenging conditions here, so we recommend some experience to participate. The trip begins and ends at the Peirce Island boat launch in Portsmouth. Rating: MODERATE DIFFICULTY Special Note: Additional $5 for launch fee paid to launch attendant.

Friday, August 21, 2009, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.: Sunset Birding -- Enjoy a leisurely paddle from Sandy Point into the mouth of the Squamscott River. Along the way we will look and listen for signs of a variety of birds that call Great Bay home during the summer. Birds you may see include osprey, bald eagles, salt marsh sparrows, harriers, swallows and many more. We will provide identification cards, field guides and binoculars, but you are welcome to bring your own. Rating: EASY

The Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a cooperative federal-state partnership between the N.H. Fish and Game Department and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It was established in 1989 to promote informed management of the Great Bay estuary and estuarine habitats through linked programs of stewardship, public education and scientific understanding. In addition to kayak tours, the Reserve's Great Bay Discovery Center offers programs for children and adults, including workshops, field trips and kids camps. Come explore exhibits at the center and a boardwalk into the salt marsh. Visit http://www.greatbay.org.

Registration Opens for Fall "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" Workshop

AskLisa — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:10:00 GMT

Here's a chance for women to learn the skills they need to enjoy outdoor recreation in the Granite State. New Hampshire's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (B.O.W.) program offers a fall weekend (September 11-13) that includes more than 30 outdoor skills courses to choose from -- archery, fishing and fly-fishing, hunting, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, muzzleloader, rifle, shotgun, outdoor survival, campfire cooking, mountain biking, map and compass, and more. Visit http://www.nhbow.com.

The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman fall workshop brochure and mail-in registration form are now available to download at http://www.nhbow.com. You can also call (603) 271-3212 or email aquatic-ed@wildlife.nh.gov to request an application. Starting Monday, June 8, applications will be accepted by mail or in person at the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation office at 54 Portsmouth Street in Concord, N.H. Registration is first-come, first-served, and the weekend workshop fills up fast, so sign up soon.

The 2009 B.O.W. fall workshop will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 11-13, at Rockywold/Deephaven Camps on Squam Lake in Holderness, N.H. You must be 18 years of age or older. The workshop fee of $295 includes lodging, meals, instruction and equipment use.

Some scholarships are available; download a scholarship application form at http://www.nhbow.com, or call (603) 271-3212 for information.

"The energy of the weekend is unbelievable," said B.O.W. Program Assistant Tina Davenport of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. "Our participants have fun learning in the company of other women; they are truly motivated when they see that outdoor skills can add such an exciting new dimension to their lives."

B.O.W. is co-sponsored by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (http://www.WildNH.com) and the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation (http://www.nhwf.org).

Scholarships for NH Youth Natural/Environmental Leader Summer Prog

AskLisa — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 01:35:00 GMT

Registration is now open for a new environmental leadership program for youth between the ages of 13-17, sponsored by the NH Children and Nature Coalition and Kimball Union Academy's EE Just Environmental Leadership Institute. The program starts this summer with a two-week residential experience in which youth get to work directly with scientists, as well as canoe, camp and hike; involvement will continue through the school year. Called NH Natural Leaders, the program seeks applications from New Hampshire youth who are interested in the environment and active in their community, and who want to further their knowledge and skills through active outdoor engagement in recreational and educational pursuits.

"One of the early experiences I had that put me on a path to becoming an environmental leader was attending a youth conservation camp. That intensive program helped inspire me to choose a career in the environment. We have high hopes that the NH Natural Leaders program will inspire youth of today to see themselves as lifetime stewards of the environment and to learn important community leadership skills," said Tom Burack, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.

The residential portion of the program will run from July 19 - August 1, 2009. Participants will work with scientists and other environmental professionals as they travel to a variety of locations in the state, including the Mt. Washington Observatory, Hubbard Brook Experimental Station, Harris Center for Conservation Education and the Great Bay Discovery Center. Youth will canoe, camp and hike as they explore and increase their knowledge about New Hampshire's natural resources.

There is a fee for the summer residential session. New Hampshire residents can apply for scholarships to reduce the cost of the program to as little as $500 for full tuition, (including room and board) for the two weeks. The program is open to kids from around the world for $2,200 and discounted for N.H. residents at a rate of $1,500 (before scholarship savings). The Natural Leaders program is committed to equal opportunity for all youth. To apply, visit http://www.kua.org (click on summer programs, then "In Action -- Environmental Leadership"; be sure to use the N.H. resident discount code when applying), call 603-469-2109 or email summer@kua.org.

The two-week summer program will launch the Natural Leaders into a variety of recreational and educational opportunities to pursue throughout the year. Participants will be encouraged to do work on a capstone project in their community around an environmental and conservation theme.

New Hampshire's conservation community is enthusiastic about the potential of the Natural Leaders program. A sampling of comments:

"It's exciting to see this program get off the ground; it is an excellent opportunity for youth to learn new skills and be an active part of the conservation community." -- Glenn Normandeau, Executive Director of the N.H. Fish and Game Department.

"The NH Natural Leaders program is a great example of how combining resources from many different sectors allows us to actively engage youth in healthy, outdoor learning activities." -- Neal McIntyre, program director of the EE Just Environmental Leadership Institute.

"We believe it is important for our youth to learn about our environment and how to conserve it." -- Audra Bucklin, Kimball Union Academy summer programs director.

The NH Natural Leaders Program is a project of the NH Children in Nature Coalition and the national Children and Nature Network. The coalition has membership of over fifty New Hampshire organizations and several hundred individuals. Partners include the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, UNH Cooperative Extension, the Appalachian Mountain Club, The Harris Center for conservation Education, New Hampshire Student Conservation Association, Healthy NH Foundation, New Hampshire Audubon and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. Visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/ChildrenInNature/index.htm.

Get the Kids Outside in May: It's Outdoor Science Learning Month

AskLisa — Sat, 02 May 2009 21:03:00 GMT

The month of May has been proclaimed by Governor John Lynch as "Outdoor Science Learning Month." It is a great time to get your children outside and learning, both in and out of school. "May We Do Science" is an initiative in support of connecting children with nature and building science skills.

"We are encouraging all teachers and parents in New Hampshire to take their students and children outdoors for at least 20 minutes a day," said Audrey Eisenhauer, co-chair of NH Environmental Educators.

Not sure where to start? Check out the suggested science-based and outdoor activities to do with children, plus links to the organizations involved in May We Do Science Month, at http://mayscience.wetpaint.com. Your family or class can join and share pictures of the nature you discover on this interactive website.

May We Do Science is a project of the N.H. Children in Nature Coalition, with involvement from the N.H. Department of Education, N.H. Environmental Educators, N.H. Fish and Game Department, N.H. Department of Environmental Services and other science educators.

"We have focused on getting children outside during this month, because May is when NECAP Science Testing is held for students in grades 4, 8, and11," said Jan McLaughlin, Science Consultant for NH Department of Education. NECAP is the New England Common Assessment Program, a standardized test designed to help track a student's progress through his or her public school career.

Outdoor experiences provide opportunities for children to naturally engage in science, as well as reduce stress and foster their ability to concentrate. Getting outside is a great way to get kids thinking like scientists and preparing them for testing.

"Children are natural scientists. They explore the world using all their senses to gather data about the world. Getting kids outside during the day to observe science in action is the best way to get children to understand how science really operates...you just can't get that from a book or contrived labs," said McLaughlin.

"New Hampshire Environmental Educators are happy to be a part of this effort," said Eisenhauer. "New Hampshire has a wealth of wonderful forests, parks, nature centers and other places in your neighborhoods and communities to explore. Our member organizations can provide suggestions and programs for schools and families."

The New Hampshire Children In Nature Coalition is dedicated to fostering experiences in nature that improve physical and emotional health and well being; increase understanding of and care for the natural world; and promote stronger connections to community and landscape...and to providing a forum for continued collaboration. Learn more at http://www.nhchildreninnature.com.

June 6 Is Free Fishing Day in New Hampshire

AskLisa — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:44:00 GMT

Free Fishing Day is coming on Saturday, June 6, 2009, so make plans to get out and try your luck on New Hampshire's ponds, streams and lakes. State residents, and nonresidents, too, can fish any inland water in the Granite State that day without a fishing license. Take advantage of the event to hit the water for a relaxing day of fishing with your friends and family. Bring your camera, because fish sure are photogenic!

"Most people who hook a fish once can hardly wait for the chance to do it again. Free Fishing Day is your chance to give it a try!" says Karina Walsh, New Hampshire Fish and Game's Let's Go Fishing program coordinator.

Free Fishing Day kicks off 2009 National Fishing and Boating Week in New Hampshire (June 6 - 14, 2009), a nationwide observance encouraging families to have fun together on the water.

Free Fishing Day is the perfect chance to introduce non-angling friends and family to the sport, especially if you fish for something easy to catch, like bluegills or yellow perch. "Make an adventure out of it, grab your rod and make a picnic lunch you'll surely have a great time catching these fish," Walsh says. "For just a few dollars, you can buy an inexpensive rod and reel and a few hooks and nonlead sinkers to get started on an activity people of all ages can enjoy."

Adults just get one day to fish free in the Granite State, but kids under 16 do not need a license to fish in New Hampshire. Season dates, limits and all other fishing regulations must be followed on Free Fishing Day. Anglers fishing for brood stock Atlantic salmon in the Merrimack and lower Pemigewasset rivers must have a fishing license and a special permit.

For specific details on fishing rules, consult the 2009 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest available at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fishing.htm, or wherever fishing licenses are sold. The Fish and Game website http://www.fishnh.com has tackle tips, lake depths, info on where fish have been stocked, and fishing forecasts for various parts of the state.

The website also has regional fishing guides with suggestions on where to fish from the shoreline, currently available for Manchester/Nashua, the North Country and southwestern N.H.

If you get hooked on Free Fishing Day, enjoy the fun year round. Licenses are available online at http://www.fishnh.com or from any of 250 friendly local license agents statewide.

Fish New Hampshire and relax. We have what you're looking for.

Beyond BOW Kayak Fishing Class for Women, June 12-14, 2009

AskLisa — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 02:16:00 GMT

Women interested in learning how to fish from a kayak can sign up this month for a new "Beyond B.O.W" Kayak Fishing Weekend Workshop, which will be held June 12-14, 2009, at Purity Spring Resort in Madison, New Hampshire. The workshop brochure is available now at http://www.nhbow.com. Registration will open on April 13. The workshop is part of the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (B.O.W.) program, which is sponsored by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation.

The goal of this course is to introduce attendees to fishing from a kayak. This event is for experienced kayakers with some spin fishing experience. Some of the topics that will be covered during the weekend are: rigging your kayak for fishing; fishing techniques - casting, using lures, bait and trolling; fishing equipment and tackle; what to do when you catch a fish; and safety. Attendees must supply their own spin casting rod and kayak.

The cost for the weekend is $275, which includes instruction, program materials, use of some equipment, all meals on Saturday, breakfast and lunch on Sunday and lodging at Purity Spring Resort. Women must be age 18 or older to participate.

A printable registration form and workshop description can be downloaded at http://www.nhbow.com; to request an application by mail, call (603) 271-3212 or email Lisa.M.Collins@wildlife.nh.gov. Register early, because the workshop is limited to 15 participants and is expected to fill quickly.

The New Hampshire Wildlife Federation is a nonprofit group that advocates for the promotion and protection of hunting, fishing and trapping, as well as the conservation of fish and wildlife habitat. Visit http://www.nhwf.org.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.wildnh.com.

LM Top.jpg

admin — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:02:00 GMT

Top of Loon Mountain

Photo: Courtesy of Loon Mountain