Two successful County Conversations II have taken place in the last month, in Cheshire and Strafford counties.

In Strafford County March 5, legislators, partnering organizations and others heard from a panel that featured participants from UNH and Cooperative Extension, as well as local collaborators. Panelists showcased how UNH and Cooperative Extension, along with local organizations, work with families in a very unique way "through the generations" to bolster land conservation in a multi-generational approach.

UNH Provost Bruce Mallory welcomed the more than 50 who attended the event, held in the Strafford County Court House, while UNH Interim President Bonnie Newman provided ending remarks.

Frank Mitchell, Extension Professor/Specialist, Land & Water Conservation, facilitated the panel, which included Phil Auger, Extension Educator, Land and Water Conservation, Anna Boudreau, Executive Director, Strafford Rivers Conservancy, Dr. Paul C. Johnson, Associate Professor, UNH Dept. of Natural Resources, Mike Sciabarrasi, Extension Professor/Specialist, Agricultural Business Management and Ruth Scruton, Strafford County 4-H Leader & owner/operator of The Travelin Barnyard, an interactive educational agricultural display.

On February 5, Cheshire County legislators, partnering organizations and others heard from a panel that looked at the variety, and value, of Cooperative Extension's local programs that impact youth in Cheshire County. UNH Interim President Bonnie Newman provided welcoming remarks.

Paula Gregory, Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development, facilitated the panel, which included Joe Boggio, Hinsdale Middle/High School Assist. Principal, Community Health Coalition, Tom Walsh, Monadnock Regional School District, Nutrition Services Director, Kathy Weibel, UNH Cooperative Extension Master Gardener, Jennifer Kozaczek, Southwestern Community Services Manager, Head Start and Nicolette Shelley, UNH student and former 4-H member.

The next County Conversation II is scheduled April 16 in Sullivan County.