Malin Clyde wrote:
April 2008
As spring approaches (sort of), I'll probably be sending out these updates a bit more frequently. I hope they can help you find interesting ways to connect to and learn about NH's wildlife, habitats, and environment. As always, you can view the updates anytime on our "Volunteers Working for Wildlife" webpost at: http://extension.unh.edu/blogs/volunteers_working_for_wildlife/
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
NH Outside Writers' Collaborative - Training Workshop
Wed. April 2, 10 - 3:30, Goffstown. For more info, see earlier posts or view online at: http://extension.unh.edu/Wildlife/NHCovrts/NHOutside.htm
Saving Special Places ConferenceSaturday, April 5, 2008, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, Kearsarge Regional High School
Hopefully many Coverts Cooperators have already signed up for the excellent annual conference. The Coverts Project will be collaborating with NH Fish & Game on a display about the Wildlife Action Plan (and I'll be handing out copies of our new brochures!). Stop by and say "hi"! For more information, go online at: http://clca.forestsociety.org/annual-conference/
Owning a Piece of Cheshire County
Saturday April 5th, 2008
& Saturday April 12th, 2008
Jaffrey Public Library, 38 Main St. Jaffrey NH, 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Whether you are interested in growing vegetables or cutting your own firewood, there are a few basic concepts about land stewardship, business management and production practices a property owner should learn to get started on the right foot. Join Carl Majewski and Steve Roberge (Extension Educators in Agricultural Resources and Forest Resources) to discuss the nuts & bolts of managing your land. Attend one day or both; workshops are free but pre-registration is required. Call UNH Cheshire County Cooperative Extension for more details at 352-4550. Bring a lunch, light refreshments will be provided.
Identifying Woody Wetland Plants in Winter Mode
Friday, April 11, 1-4 p.m., Forest Society, Concord
This workshop kicks off this year's popular annual "Friday Afternoon Conservation Workshops." What can plants tell us about their habitats? Wetlands come in many varieties and knowing their plants can help us distinguish the different types. Wetland trees and shrubs are readily identifi ed even without their leaves, giving us insight into their ecology. This workshop will emphasize recognition of woody wetland plants by their winter characteristics bark, bud arrangement, bud scale scars, leaf scars and other sometimes small but noticeable features. The fi eld site for this workshop includes a freshwater wetland along a small stream as well as a fl oodplain forest and other wetland habitats. Taught by Extension educators Frank Mitchell, Matt Tarr, and Phil Auger. For complete information and registration information, go to: http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Docs/ConsWkshopBro.pdf
"Big Tree" Measuring Workshop
Friday, April 11, 9-3:00, Canterbury Shaker Village. Learn more online at: http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Docs/BIGTree.pdf
Ben Kilham on Black Bears Behavior: Sullivan County Timberland Owners Assoc. Annual Meeting
Saturday, April 12, 5 - 9 p.m.,The Ahern Bldg., Sullivan County Farm. More info. at: http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Docs/sull08.pdf
Signs of Spring Nature Walk
Saturday, April 12, 2008, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
The Marvell Family Sunset Tree Farm, Route 13, New Boston, NH
Join UNH Cooperative Extension Wildlife Specialist Matt Tarr and Extension Forester Jon Nute for an easy walking tour of this award winning Tree Farm, owned and managed by the Marvell family, longtime Coverts volunteers. Celebrate spring by discussing how the forest plants and wildlife survived this long winter and observe their beginnings for this new year. Learn plant and wildlife identification and how you can improve the habitat on your own property. This tour will be held rain or shine. For information, call (603) 641-6060.
18th Annual Coos Foresters Mud Season Breakfast
Thursday, May 15, White Mt. Challet, Berlin, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
This is an opportunity to share a learning experience with others in the forest resources field. Topics this year will highlight "Forestry After the Paper Companies," including perspectives from foresters, timber products companies, and others. The program includes an 8:00 a.m. breakfast, a morning of indoor (short) talks, and an afternoon tour of land managed by Wagner and Scott Rineer. Registration form is available online at: http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Docs/mud08.pdf
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!!!!SAVE THE DATE!!!
Coverts Project Reunion - Saturday, June 21st
Put the Summer Solstice on your calendar as a day to spend with your friends and fellow-wildlife enthusiasts from the Coverts Project! Plan on a fun-filled day, hiking in the heart of the Belknap Mountain Range in Gilmanton, NH. We'll be hosted by Coverts Cooperator Nanci Mitchell (CC02) at the property she and her husband Charlie own, manage, and have recently conserved. The focus will be on fun and hiking, but we'll also have a chance to learn about the wildlife, forestry and conservation practices undertaken on the property in recent years, and also hear about plans for future projects. Weather cooperating, you'll also be treated to great views from a mountaintop picnic spot. Families and friends are welcome - plan on gentle hikes and a picnic lunch with great views of the Lakes Region. More information to follow!
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Habitat Planting Help Needed in Concord
April 19th & April 26th, 9 a.m - 3 p.m.
Jim Oehler, State Lands Habitat Biologist, is looking for volunteers to help plant 1,589 seedlings on 3 acres at Russell-Shea State Forest in Concord to enhance habitat for New England cottontail and other shrubland dependant wildlife including woodcock, rufous sided towhees, and many others. We're planting a mix of silky and red osier dogwood, arrowwood, bayberry, and nannyberry. We could use some help planting this many seedlings. Given that the seedlings about 12" high, it's a pretty simple operation to plant the seedlings with a tree spade but still time consuming give the number of seedlings to be planted. If anyone's interested in helping Jim, contact him directly (tell him you are a Coverts Cooperator) about where to meet and what to bring. Reach Jim at: NH Fish & Game Department , phone: 603-271-0453, email: james.d.oehler@wildlife.nh.gov
Presenters Training for "Landscaping at the Waters Edge: An Ecological Approach"
Wednesday, April 9, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm., at Public Service of NH, Commercial Street, Manchester
Free - Bring your own lunch.
This one-day workshop for Master Gardeners, Community Tree Stewards and Coverts Volunteers will familiarize volunteers with this new program effort from UNH Cooperative Extension. Topics covered will include: water movement and water quality, soils, site analysis, drainage and erosion control, changes in the Shoreland Protecton Act, ecological landscape design principles, vegetative buffers and plant selection, and low impact lawns. A powerpoint for use with lakes associations, garden clubs, libraries and town committees will be presented and given to participants along with the book, Landscaping at the Waters Edge: An Ecological Approach, and a notebook of fact sheets. Participants will be asked to present the program to 2 groups within the next year. Participants from last years training are welcome to come for a refresher and to pick up the educational materials offered. For directions and registration information, go to: http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Docs/watersedge.pdf
Rusty Blackbird Research - Help Needed RIGHT NOW!
With the help of the Rusty Blackbird Working Group we've initiated a pilot study of RUBL migration through eBird. In this'proof of concept' study, we hope birders will get out and look specifically for Rusty Blackbirds, and then report their observations to eBird between 1-7 April . You can read more about it here: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/RUBL_Survey.html There is little known about this species during migration, and we feel strongly that online networks of birders can help fill in some of the gaps in that knowledge. - Brian L. Sullivan, Pacific Grove, CA. eBird/AKN Project Leader Cornell Lab of Ornithology 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850
Other News
1. Check out the story "Coming-Out Season for Bears," recently released to the press through the NH Outside Writers Collaborative. It's eloquently written by Coverts Cooperator Ann Eldridge. Read it online at: http://extension.unh.edu/NHOutside/
2. Job Announcement: The Lamprey River Advisory Committee (LRAC) and the Lamprey Rver Watershed Association (LRWA), we are looking for qualified candidates to act as Coordinator for the removal of Japanese knotweed along the Lamprey River in the 2008 growing season. We are looking for someone with a background in natural resources and with an excellent ability to work with volunteers. The deadline for receiving resumes and letters of interest is April 10, 2008. Contact Sharon Meeker for a copy of the position announcement: (603) 659-5441, email:
s-meeker@comcast.net
3. The UNH Cooperative Extension webpage has new and improved information about invasive plant species. There is even a new web address to help you remember where to look up information. Check it out: www.nhinvasives.org
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