Malin Clyde wrote:

2008-06-24

June 24, 2008 Update

1.  Hayfields as Habitat:  how to manage for birds and your bottom line - July 16, Brentwood (evening)  OR  July 18, Laconia (morning)
We need the help of Coverts volunteers to let farmers, field managers, and others who own large hayfields or grasslands know about these upcoming workshops.  The programs will help raise awareness about the birds and other wildlife which live and breed in hayfields and grasslands.  We will showcase a range of simple practices that farmers and other landowners can use to minimize the impacts of mowing on wildlife.  Coverts Cooperators who attend may get ideas to bring back to land managers in their communities, at local landfills or local airports.  You'll receive a flyer in the mail, or you can print it online at:  http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Docs/HayfieldsasHabitat.pdf  Thanks for helping get the word out!

2.  The Coverts Alumni hike on Saturday at Nanci and Charlie Mitchell's Tree Farm in Gilmanton was great.  It was low key, fun, and educational - we had about 25 people.  Attendees said, "we should do it more often!"  In that spirit, I'm looking for Coverts folks who are interested in hosting a walk on their property for Coverts volunteers and friends.  The emphasis is on fun, being outdoors, and talking some about wildlife habitat projects you have completed or are contemplating.  I had several requests to see a brontosaurus in action (anyone have bronto work planned?).  If you are interested in hosting something, please get in touch with me.  Extension will offer resource professionals, marketing (and probably some brownies).  You provide the place, pick the time of year, and lead us around.  Easy!

3.  The 10,000 acre Randolph Forest will be sponsoring a public program and forest tour on Saturday, August 9. It will start at the Municipal Building on Pinkham B (Dolly Copp) Road at 9:45 and will run for about 4 hours. Participants should bring trail lunches. One of the themes of the tour will involve a discussion of the new permanent transects being laid our for the monitoring of wildlife with a demonstration of how they can be used. We will see the new wildlife openings. We will discuss the Tree Farm certification which was accomplished last year; what it means in terms of potential customers. It is possible that there will be some active timber harvesting underway at the time. If so, we will invite the logger to talk about the challenges facing the logging industry this year. Members of the Forest Commission, both of our Natural Resource Consultants and the Town Forester will all be on hand to answer questions and discuss matters related to forestry in general and to the Randolph Community Forest in particular.  Thanks to Edith Tucker for spreading the word - contact Dan Wilcox of the Randolph Forest Commission for more information (email:  dlw@ncia.net).

 4.  Several new videos are on the UNHCE forest and trees webpage - they are both great.  All videos are listed here:  http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Videos.htm  To watch the following videos, click on the links that follow:
        Sustainable Farm Woolots, Sustainable Farms: http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/media/sustainableFW/sustain_fw.htm
        A Walk with a Forester in the Granite State: http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/media/walk_forester/walk_for.htm
        A Carefully Considered Timber Harvest - an example at Pisgah State Park: http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Videos.htm

5,  The following upcoming events are sponsored by the Green Mountain Conservation Group:

Saturday, July 19th: NHs Black Bears with Ben Kilham & NH Coverts Roundtable.  6-8:30 p.m. $20 for dinner & the presentation; $10 for presentation only. Pre-registration required as limited space is available. Please call (603) 539-1859 or email gmcgnh@roadrunner.com to register. Open to the public, families welcome. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., salad bar at 5:45 p.m. Ben will be selling his books, videos & DVDs featured by National Geographic & the Discovery Channel.  Sponsored by the Green Mountain Conservation Group, White Mountain Survey Co., Inc. and Camp Calumet. The N.H. Coverts Roundtable will be an informal gathering during dinner to discuss wildlife status, protection strategies, research needs and priorities in the Ossipee Watershed and surrounding areas.

Monday, August 4th: Freedom Town Forest & Trout Pond Hike. Explore the town forest and learn from foresters about its natural history and recent timber harvesting and wildlife habitat improvement projects. Meet at the end of Shawtown Road, past Danforth Bay campground, at 9:30 a.m. Call Beth Earle 539-7357 FMI. Sponsored by Freedom Conservation Commission & Forest Advisory Committee. This hike is part of the Green Mountain Conservation Groups 10 Hikes for 10 Years series in 2008, sponsored by Sugar Hill Retirement Community. Please bring plenty of water, bug spray, snacks, and layers. We will be hiking until approximately 12:30 p.m., trail level is easy-moderate.

Thursday, August 7th: Green Mountain Hike.   This hike is part of the Green Mountain Conservation Groups 10 Hikes for 10 Years series in 2008, sponsored by Sugar Hill Retirement Community, and the Freedom Old Home Week Committee. Please bring plenty of water, bug spray, snacks, and layers. We will be hiking the Dearborn Trail until approximately 12:30 p.m., trail level is moderate. Meet at the ball field at Freedom Elementary School at 9:30 a.m.  Call John Shipman 539-5799 FMI.

Monday, August 18th:  Macroinvertebrate Sampling Training. 10-2 p.m. Huntress House, Effingham, N.H.

 

LAST MINUTE NOTICE - Free Bird Survey Workshop in Dover, Friday June 13!

This Friday morning we will be offering a bird song ID and survey workshop from 7-10am at the Bellamy Wildlife Management Area in Dover. Our instructor, Mark Suomala, has offered to repeat last week's workshop that was held on a very wet morning (few birds!)- This will be a great opportunity to learn/improve your bird ID skills, we'll discuss techniques for surveying birds and there will be plenty of opportunities to discuss a variety of issues pertaining to habitat management in fields/old fields. There is no charge but if you could RSVP me if you plan to come it would be great. Workshop description and directions to the Bellamy below. Contact me if you have any questions.

How to Learn and Use Bird Songs and Bird Surveys
(outdoor)
Friday June 13, 7am - 10am
Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area, Dover
Birder and naturalist Mark Suomola will lead a field trip to practice identifying bird songs. The field trip will include a hike to set up a point-count transect in the field, walk the transect and then record the data. Early morning is the height of bird activity, and the early start (7am) will allow the opportunity to hear and see a variety of species. Those who have to leave earlier can leave at 10am, those who are able to stay longer can continue to practice their birding and survey skills from 10am-12 noon.
What to bring: Portable breakfast/snacks, personal drinking water, clothing appropriate
for any predicted weather, bug spray, BINOCULARS, clipboard, notepaper and pencil with eraser.
Directions:
From Route 108 (Durham Rd) in Dover, take Spruce Lane (approx. 1.1 miles south of Rt 16/Spaulding Turnpike and 2.4 miles north of Rt 4.) east, right onto Piscataqua/Back River Road, left onto Rabbit Road, right on Garrison Road then left at the sign to the gate. From Route 4 in Dover at traffi c light, take Back River Road, then right
on Rabbit Road, right on Garrison Road then left at the sign to the gate.
Instructor: Mark Suomala, Naturalist

Register Now!  Coverts Alumni Workshop & Hike - June 21 in Gilmanton

If you haven't already done so, please call to register for our upcoming Coverts Alumni Gathering!  Call Debbie at 862-1028 or email her at debra.anderson@unh.edu.  The more Coverts Cooperators who come, the better it will be!  It will be low-key, fun, and it is a very special property.  Read more about the landowners (Nanci & Charlie Mitchell) and the event in the new issue of Making Tracks, due in mailboxes in the next few days...or read the new issue now online at:   Making Tracks Newsletter- June 2008

Upcoming Wildlife Action Plan Workshops - Sign Up Now!
Sat. June 14, North Haverhill
Monday June 16, Keene (focus on Community Implementation)
Sat. June 28, Laconia

For registration and details, go to the UNH Forest & Trees page: Wildlife Action Plan Workshops 

Coverts Workshop 2008 Deadline: June 20th
If you know folks who are considering applying for the Coverts workshop training this year, please follow up with them and encourage them to apply by the JUNE 20th DEADLINE. Application materials are all online at: www.nhcoverts.org

New Forestry Video on UNHCE Website - Check it out!
LEarn about the timber harvest at Pisgah State Park in Winchester. The short, very informative video does a great job describing a commercial timber harvest designed to enhance wildlife habitat diversity while protecting the park's natural and cultural resources. By watching, you can learn how to have a carefully-considered harvest on you own land - or share the link with friends considering a timber harvest:
http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Videos.htm

Malin Clyde wrote:

June 2, 2008 Update

Updates for NH Coverts Cooperators and Friends:

 

Important News

Coverts Alumni Reunion & Workshop, Saturday June 21st, 2008, Gilmanton, NH

Make sure to register for this 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.  To register (cost is free), contact Debbie Anderson by June 18: call 862-1028 or email: debra.anderson@unh.edu   Brochure posted online at:  http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Docs/Alumnifinal.pdf

 

Coverts Workshop 2008 Now Accepting Applications
If you know of friends or colleagues who would be good candidates for the Coverts workshop this fall, please let them know that they can fill out an application online, or print one off the web at:  www.nhcoverts.org   The application deadline is June 20th - help us spread the word!

 

Volunteer Opportunities

Moose Mountain Event Looking for Coverts Volunteers on August 2

Moose Mountain Regional Greenways is looking for 2-4 Coverts Cooperators to work in 2-3 hour shifts between 10 am - 3 pm at this annual event at Branch Hill Farm in Milton 
Mills, NH. This fun, educational celebration of the natural world features interactive educational activities, hayrides, guided nature walks, live music and more. You’ll help staff a booth with buzzer board, animal pelts and other fun materials. Questions? Need more information? Call Joyce El Kouarti at 953-4473 or email at joyce@ttlc.net

 

Upcoming Workshops
[In addition to these listings, check out the UNH Cooperative Extension Forestry & Wildlife Calendar for other workshops in your area]

 

Biothon Events – June 6 & 7 – Squam Lakes & Strafford

Several “biothon” events are coming up this weekend – join with volunteers and experts to count all life forms in a single area.  Have fun, learn lots, and help advance conservation! 

              Stafford Biothon – June 7 (sponsored by Bear-Paw Regional Greenways)

              Squam BioBlitz – June 6 & 7 (sponsored by Squam Lakes Sci. Center)

 

On-Farm Biodiesel: Learn to Make your Own – June 5, Lee

Check out the UNH Cooperative Extension webpage for a story about this upcoming workshop, to be held at a farm operated by Coverts Cooperators Chuck & Laurel Cox (CC03), in Lee, NH.  Go to:  http://extension.unh.edu/news/2008/05/onfarm_biodiesel_learn_to_make.html

 

Taking Action for Wildlife Workshops – June 14 in N. Haverhill, June 28 in Laconia

At this workshop aimed at private landowners, you’ll learn how to identify wildlife species of concern and the habitats they need to survive, interpret maps about the location of critical habitats, use the Wildlife Action Plan to identify actions you can to conserve wildlife, locate funding sources for habitat projects, and how to put the New Hampshire Wildlife Action Plan to work on your land or in your community.  Brochure and registration information is online at:  http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Docs/WAP_Spring08.pdf

 

Outdoors and Open Barn Day at the Cheshire County Farm  - June 14th from 10 - 2 p.m.  The Coverts Project booth will be there, staffed with wildlife activities by Coverts Cooperators Pam & Russ Martens CC07).  Check out the flyer at:  http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Docs/OpenBarn.pdf

Beaver Brook Summer Solstice Celebration - June 21, 6 p.m. until dark

Beaver Brook Maple Hill Farm, 117 Ridge Road, Hollis, NH

Join locals for a celebration on the longest day of the year. Bring a blanket and picnic, and a dessert to share.  Cost is free if you bring a dessert!  For more information, visit their website at:  http://www2.beaverbrook.org/bbevents.htm

 

Identifying Wetland Plants in Summer – July 11, Nottingham

Rooting out Coastal Invasive Plants – August 8, Greenland

These workshops are part of the Seacoast region’s Community Conservation Workshops – 2008.  This workshop series is aimed at professionals and volunteers involved in conservation work.  The workshops are free, but pre-registration is required (call Sharon Hughes at UNHCE at 862-1029, or email at Sharon.Hughes@unh.edu ).  Complete workshop descriptions and times online at: Community Conservation Workshop Series

 

NEW! Fern Identification – July 17, Hillsborough

This intensive workshop is intended to teach natural resource professionals and backyard naturalists alike the skills necessary to positively identify the ferns of northeastern New England. A combination of indoor and outdoor instruction will be used to teach participants about basic fern morphology, terminology, hybridization and reproduction, and ecology. Workshop is taught by Dr. Leslie Adams, a systematic botanist and plant taxonomist whose area of specialty is floristic diversity conservation. Participants of all experience levels are encouraged to attend. Brochure available online at: http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Docs/fern08.pdf

 

NEW! Sedges & Rushes Identification – July 18, Durham

and

NEW! Identifying the Grasses – July 23 & 25, Durham (2-day workshop)

These are in-depth workshops to teach natural resource professionals how to identify grasses, sedges and rushes using the Gleason and Cronquist key. Attendees will be provided with the skills needed to key out some of the most challenging plants here in the northeast. Through the use of herbarium samples and fresh specimens we will show you all of the important morphological structures important for identifying these plants. This should be the most detailed workshop of this kind offered in NH. Registration information, required text, and information available on the workshop brochure(s) at:  http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Docs/grass_sedge_rush08.pdf

 

New GIS/GPS Training Schedule Available - May through October 2008
Lots of really great "geospatial technologies" classes available through UNH Cooperative Extension, taking place all over the state. New dates for GPS (global positioning system) classes have been added in July: http://extension.unh.edu/GISGPS/Docs/GPSSum08.pdf .  GIS class schedule is at:  http://extension.unh.edu/GISGPS/Docs/MayOct08web.pdf

Pictures Points and Places:  June 6, Keene State College

The last in the Cheshire County “Friday Afternoon Conservation Workshop” series, this workshop will show you how to link digital photos and GPS (Global Positing System) coordinates for use in GIS maps. Complete information and brochure online at:  http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Docs/Friday_Conservation.pdf

Bear-Paw Regional Greenways Workshop Series
This regional land trust (southern NH, Deerfield area) is offering a series of free workshops throughout the summer, and the public is invited.  Pre-registration is requested by calling 463-9400 or emailing to: info@bear-paw.og
Upcoming Workshops include: 

• Biothon! on the Isinglass River - June 7, Strafford
• Suncook River Tour - Aug 14, Epsom
• Hawkwatch - September 20, location TBA

For complete information, go to Bear-Paw's website at:  http://www.bear-paw.org/

Emerson Brook Forest & the Sustainability Project, based in Gilsum, NH is offering a variety of summer programs. For more information and directions or to register for June events contact 352-1887 or 358-3444 or e-mail info@emersonbrookforest.org.

• Repairing Wood-handled Tools - June 7th:
• Work Day in the Emerson Brook Forest - June 14th
• Board Meeting Monday - June 16
• Designing Perennial Polycultures: Forest Garden Design - June 20 - 23
• Breakfast before the Gilsum Rock Swap and Mineral Show - June 28-29

 

Other items of interest

“Forest Matters” newsletter online

The US Forest Service publishes the “Forest Matters” Stewardship Newsletter .  The latest has excellent articles about forest estate planning and other articles of interest to forest landowners.  If you prefer a hard copy of this issue, as I have some available (call me at 862-2166).