April 8, 2008 Update

Another update in April, as workshop announcements are coming in fast and furious.  You’re all anxious to get out into the (green) outdoors again – hope to see you at one or more of these events!  I’ve listed volunteer opportunities first, because we have a few pressing needs for which you can help – read on!  

Volunteer Opportunities

Discover Wild NH Day Volunteers Still Needed!
April 26, 10 am - 3 pm, Fish & Game Headquarters in Concord
We need 3-4 Coverts volunteers to help staff the Forestry and Wildlife booth at this fun,  family event.  We’ll have our wildlife kit materials on-hand, along with a UNHCE staff person to help.  We’re looking for folks who can give us a few hours…is this you?  If so, please email Kristine Ferrare at:  Kristina.ferrare@unh.edu or call her at 862-3883.  Volunteer slots are as follows:  9:30 (set-up) – 12:00, or 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.  Thank you in advance for your help! 

Forest Nursery Volunteers Still Needed-and Appreciated!
April 22, 24 or 29^th, Boscowen
The New Hampshire State Forest Nursery in Boscowen needs volunteers more than ever!  A late spring and heavy snow cover has delayed and shortened the seedling harvest timetable.  The Nursery staff anticipates having to scramble to harvest, grade, and bundle all of the seedlings before their buds break.  They need some extra help on Tuesday April 22, Thursday April 24, or Tuesday April 29 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  This is an opportunity to learn about the Nursery, the seedling improvement program, and work with other volunteers in a setting where volunteers are really appreciated.  This is a great way to feel like you made a difference!  If you would like to volunteer, or if you have questions, please contact Angie Hammond cfac@dred.state.nh.us or call 431-6774.  The day counts as volunteer hours and Advanced Master Gardeners get 1 CEU.  Even if you have volunteered before, we would love to have you join us again!

Workshops

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., Marvell Tree Farm, New Boston
For more information, go to http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Docs/signsNewBoston08.pdf  or call (603) 641-6060.

 
Conservation Workshop Series – Monadnock Region
First workshop:  Vernal Pools & Wetland Wildlife - April 25, 1-4:30, Keene NH
A variety of natural resource workshops offered in the Cheshire County and Monadnock Region.  For more detailed descriptions of programs running in early summer, go to:  http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Docs/2008_Spring_Conservation_Series.pdf

Identifying Natural Communities - A Workshop for Natural Resource Professionals
May 21, 2008, 8:30 - 3:30 pm, Deerfield, NH.  For more info, go to:
http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Docs/IDNaturalCommunities.pdf

Other News
Habitat Stewardship Brochures – additional format available on web.Due to requests I received from folks with 11x17” printers, the new Wildlife Habitat Stewardship Brochures are now available to print out, in full format, online.  Go to the Coverts webpage and look for the bullet for “Habitat Brochures”