Leadership & Volunteer-Based Programs

Community Tree Stewards Program:
The Community Tree Steward Program educates volunteers in community and urban forestry. It is based in New Hampshire's more highly developed counties of Strafford, Rockingham, Merrimack, and Hillsborough. The goals are to strengthen communities, promote social change, and enhance urban ecosystems. Tree Stewards participate in a 12-day course in natural resources that meets at one of two sites. In return, they spend 40 hours volunteering in their communities. 

For more information, contact Mary Tebo.



Great Bay Coast Watch:
High school and adult volunteers monitor the water quality at 20 selected sites in the Great Bay Estuary from April through November. They also do Pollution Source Identification shoreline surveys, rainfall characterizations, habitat surveys, monitoring for toxic phytoplankton, and data entry on the computer. Collected data is used by scientists studying the Estuary as well as by local and state planning and conservation boards. All volunteers are trained in sampling techniques and meet once a month to turn in their results and to hear speakers on marine science research and coastal issues. 

For further information contact Ann Reid: GBCW Coordinator Ann Reid.



Marine Docents Program:
The UNH Marine Docents are a group of volunteers dedicated to the preservation and wise use of our marine resources. They provide a lens through which the marine and associated environments can be viewed, understood and enjoyed sustainably by people of all ages.  The Marine Docents are sponsored by NH Sea Grant and UNH Cooperative Extension. 

For more information, please contact Mark Wiley.



Master Gardener Program:
Extension Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who share their enthusiasm for gardening with the general public. By serving as volunteer educators in their communities, Master Gardeners help UNH Cooperative Extension programs reach more people.  An Extension Master Gardener is:

• A Volunteer willing to work on horticultural projects that extend the outreach capabilities of UNH Cooperative Extension and can contribute at least 45 hours of volunteer service in Extension-approved activities in the 12-month period following training.
• A Gardener with interest, experience and knowledge of any type of gardening.
• A Teacher eager to share gardening knowledge and experience with others.
• A Student curious to learn scientifically-based gardening information.

For more information, please contact:  Margaret Hagen.



New Hampshire Coverts Project:
The New Hampshire Coverts Project trains volunteers to promote wildlife habitat conservation and forest stewardship. The goals of the project are twofold:  To enhance, restore, and conserve habitat for the rich diversity and to increase the amount of New Hampshire's public and private land managed with a stewardship ethic. 

For more information, please contact Malin Clyde.



Sea Grant Internship Program:
Each semester, Sea Grant offers one or two marine education internships for graduate and undergraduate students. The interns receive an intensive introduction to the field and a great deal of hands-on experience in conducting marine education programs. While the internships are open to students from any institution, the program is offered through the NH Sea Grant Extension office.



Lay Lakes Monitoring Program:
The New Hampshire Lakes Lay Monitoring (LLMP) is dedicated to preservation and sound management of lakes through citizen-based monitoring and research. Through its integration of research, outreach and teaching, the LLMP provides valuable data on the lakes of New Hampshire, broad community service and a unique opportunity for hands-on learning and employment of students.  The LLMP is administered jointly through the Cooperative Extension and the Center for Freshwater Biology at the University of New Hampshire.

For more information, contact:  Jeff Schloss.