Natural Resource Stewards Program

Natural Resources Stewards – Sustaining Ecosystems in New Hampshire Communities

Do you enjoy learning about NH's natural history and resources? Are you concerned about the future of NH’s forest, wildlife, and water resources? Are you a member of a conservation commission, land trust, or watershed association, or have thought about becoming more involved in your community? The Natural Resources Stewards Program (formerly known as the NH Community Tree Stewards Program) may be for you!

Natural Resources Stewards Program is sponsored through a unique partnership of NH agencies responsible for protecting and managing the state’s natural resources including:

• UNH Cooperative Extension
• NH Division of Forests and Lands
• NH Fish and Game Dept
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• NH County Conservation Districts
• Great Bay Community College
• USDA Forest Service

Open to all, the Natural Resources steward program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning both indoors and in the field. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of natural resources stewardship from awareness to activism through topics including:

• NH’s wildlife and their habitats
• Ecosystems and watersheds
• Soil and water resources
• Land conservation and protection
• Tree identification, evaluation, planting, and care
• Invasive species identification and management
• Sustainable living
• Ecological landscaping
• Climate change and sustainable energy use
• Working with local government–what you can do to help make a difference

In exchange for education, participants are required to complete 40 hours of volunteer service within two years in their own communities or through a partnering agency's program. Graduates from the Natural Resources Steward Program have volunteered in over 40 different natural resources-related areas including:

• Inventorying natural resources
• Protecting thousands of acres of land
• Helping to manage for NH’s wildlife and their habitats
• Discovering endangered species
• Raising awareness concerning invasive species
• Writing and publishing articles
• Developing community gardens and landscapes
• Delivering educational programs to adults and children
• Joining conservation commissions, land trusts, and watershed associations
• Measuring NH’s BIGGEST trees!

The Natural Resources Steward Program is sponsored by UNH Cooperative Extension, NH Division of Forests and Lands, and Great Bay Community College in partnership with several other natural resources agencies (see side bar for list of partnering agencies). It also serves as the foundation course for Wonders of Wildlife Volunteers through NH Fish and Game Dept., and Earth Team Volunteers through the Natural Resources Conservation Service and County Conservation Districts. (Please see slide show above.)

To learn more about the Natural Resources Stewards or to be placed on a list to receive information about the next course, you can email Mary Tebo Davis, Community Forestry Educator or you can reach her by phone.