June 2011 Archives
Interested in learning computer mapping skills? New workshops are now scheduled for July, August and September throughout the state.
Click hear to view July - Sept. Class Schedule
Click here to access the new schedule of classes, with locations in Concord and Durham. Topics include
GIS Basics, ArcGIS & GPS. Not sure what those terms even mean? Learn more here!
A new series of workshops is planned for NH Tree Farmers and others landowners interested in learning about woodlot care and management. All four programs will start at the Carroll County Farm (County admin. blgd) in Ossipee, NH.
- How Do Your Logs Saw Out – Where is the Value? - July 21, 2011 5:00 – 8:00 pm
- Pond Building and Maintenance - August 18, 2011 5:00 – 8:00pm
- Building Trails on Your Woodlot - September 15, 2011 5:00 – 8:00pm
- Understanding Bobcats in the Granite State - October 20, 2011 6:00 – 8:00pm
Most trainees with the NH Coverts Project received a copy of Silvicultural Principles for NH Forest Types with their workshop materials (or linked to it online.
A new version has just been posted to the web, which incorporates the new chapters and information from Good Forestry in the Granite State.
Get out and walk or hike Monadnock Conservancy protected lands this summer by exploring these trails:
- Beech Hill, Dublin - download map
- Cranberry Meadow Pond Trail, Peterborough - download map
Please note: A short section of trail is temporarily closed between Cranberry Meadow Pond and East Mountain Road while a timber harvest is in progress. Additional updates will be posted on the news page of our website. - Converse Meadow, Rindge - download map
These trail guides are also on our website. More guides to other properties will soon be available; Monadnock Conservancy Trail Guides
We have made some updates and improvements to the Directory of Licensed Foresters page on the UNH Cooperative Extension website. It is easier to generate a print listing now - we have added a button to do this.
Do You Own a Swimming Pool in NH???
Participate in the Swimming Pool Survey
from July 11 - August 26, 2011
Asian Longhorn Beetle Pool Survey
The Asian longhorned beetle is a serious threat to our forests and trees. As far as we know it isn't in New Hampshire, yet. We need many people looking for it so we can take steps to limit its spread, if it arrives here.
Help us by looking at the debris from your swimming pools!
Step 1: Sign up to participate NOW by sending us your name, physical street address and town and email to: foresthealth@dred.state.nh.us .
Step 2: From July 11-August 26.
At least once a week, or whenever you clean your pool, look at the debris you collect in your filter and skimmers.
Step 3: Look for the ALB. Use this sheet to compare collected insects to common insects.
Step 4: Take a picture of any insect you think is an ALB.This is the view we need. We need a good view of the insect's back.
Step 5: Once a week send a picture of the insect that most looks like a longhorned beetle. We need to hear from you every week.
Step 6: Beginning July 11, send the picture to the ALB Survey Website: http://extension.unh.edu/FWT/ALBpool.htm
Step 7: Freeze the insects in a tupperware-like container until you hear from us (about a week). We will either tell you to throw the insect out or give you instructions about mailing it, delivering it or arranging for pick-up.
Then What? We will post interesting pictures and sightings to this website and send a weekly email reminder and report.
Questions??? foresthealth@dred.state.nh.us or Kyle Lombard at the Forest Health Office 464-3016
Forest Society Seeks Volunteers to Help Clear Trails at 6th Annual Monadnock Trails Week
The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests is organizing the Sixth Annual Monadnock Trail Week from July 9-13. Join conservation professionals and other volunteers to help restore degraded hiking trails on one of New Hampshire’s most storied mountains.
“We are still looking for volunteers to help during Trails Week, especially during the week on July 11, 12, and 13,” said Forest Society Land Steward Coordinator Carrie Deegan, who organizes the event. “No prior trail work experience is necessary, and the Forest Society will provide all tools and safety gear.”
For more information or to volunteer, contact Carrie Deegan at cdeegan@forestsociety.org or call 603-224-9945.
Thanks to several alert Coverts volunteers, I've just heard that NH Chronicle will be airing a piece about David (CC04) and CC White of Sandwich, NH. Tune in to WMUR Channel 9 on Monday, June 27th at 7:30 pm (that's tonight!):
- Read about the NH Chronical Episode
- Read a piece about the Whites in the Northeast Wilderness Trust newsletter
- Read Malin's 2007 story about the Whites in Northern Woodlands Magazine
- Pictures below are of the White's sugar house, David and CC sugaring, and David working with their "Iron Horse" machine at a 2008 Coverts Gathering held on their property.
In case you wanted to ID the fungi growing in your boots and hats after this week in the field, here's a new publication from the Forest Service:http://nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/38089
WHAT: Playing in the Dirt
DATE: Thursday, June 30th, 2011
TIME: 6-7:30pm
PLACE:A Market Education Center, 379 South Willow St (Shaws Plaza, behind A Market to the left of Giovanni’s), Manchester, NH 03103
Help us take our first step in turning our back yard into our Education Garden! Come learn about permaculture and its role in the planning and development of a new garden behind our store. What is permaculture? Why is it important? Join Jo Russage, owner of Birchwood Urban Permaculture in Manchester and Mary Tebo Davis, Community Forestry Educator from UNH Cooperative Extension, for the evening as they enlighten us on this topic. Ben Kaufhold, valued member of the A Market team will follow with a brief presentation on his permaculture landscape design for the A Market Education Garden before heading outside to learn how to sheet mulch the first areas of the garden.
It’s a community effort! Those who would like to stay and help mulch, please bring gloves and dress in appropriate clothing for playing in the dirt! Don’t want to get dirty? Stay for the lecture only, we will understand if you don’t want to play!
Loved getting this note from Coverts volunteers Dave (CC96) and Tanya (CC95) Tellman about Barry Conservation Camp, the site where the first several Coverts Workshops were held back in the mid-90s. Tanya reports:
"Dave and I went up to the reopening of the Barry Conservation Camp on Saturday. A splendid occasion - very exciting. I thought Cooperators from at least '95 and '96 and perhaps '97? would like to see the work on the cabins. The place looks so very nice thanks to the efforts of Sportsmen's clubs from around the State. They still have room for more campers this year, so pass the word around. Donations toward scholarships for this year can still go to 4H Foundation of New Hampshire (http://extension.unh.edu/4H/4HFoundn.htm ) to help more children go to camp."
Here are some pictures the Tellmans took. Thanks, Tellmans!
Published by UNH Cooperative Extension, the 2011 Method for Inventorying and Evaluating Freshwater Wetlands in New Hampshire (NH Method) provides communities, conservation groups and natural resources consultants a practical method for evaluating wetland functions. Originally published in 1991, the NH Method (2011) has been updated for the first time in 20 years.
The revised 2011 version of the NH Method is available electronically via the
website at http://nhmethod.org as downloadable Sections and Appendices. The NH Method can also be downloaded as a single document.
Previous users of the NH Method will find the basic structure and format look very similar. Updates have included adding new scientific information and new technologies, along with revising evaluation questions for clarity and incorporating data from recent studies.
I spotted this nice piece of news about Coverts Cooperator Meg Fearnley (CC98), who recently worked with neighbors to collectively donate conservation easements on land in Bradford, NH.
"Friends often share some values and life goals, but it is uncommon when friendship leads to simultaneous conservation of important land from development. This spring, Brooks McCandlish, his wife Janet Sillars and their good friend and neighbor Meg Fearnley donated two conservation easements conserving 476 acres in Bradford, to the Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust, with the hope of setting an example for their neighbors.
Conservation commitment and love for the land runs deep among these friends! Brooks is a licensed forester, tree farm inspector and conservation commission member, Janet is a gardener, shepherd and sheep dog trainer, and Meg is a conservation commission member and Bradford’s librarian."
August 3, 9am - 3pm
Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Greenland
GBNERR will host Eric Eckl in his superior "Water Words That Work" and "Combat Communications for Conservationists" workshops. If you work with citizens and want to increase your effectiveness - this workshop is for you! These workshops are excellent. Thanks to some smart scheduling in partnership with the Wells NERR, PREP and Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve as well as funding support from Piscataqua Regional Estuaries Project to cover Eric's fee, this workshop cost only $15 which covers lunch, snacks and coffee/tea. This is a great opportunity. Space is limited so don't wait to register.
Download Workshop Flyer here or click on image
Coverts Cooperator Dave Govatski (CC10) sent this tidbit to me recently...I'm wondering if anyone's tried it? Until then, we'll wait for a report back from Dave...
"An interesting new App for the iPhone and iPad called Leafsnap. The Smithsonian Institution developed it and the App is free. See link:
http://www.denverpost.com/technology/ci_18229267#
Foresters and botanists don’t really need it but it could be of interest to young people who are tech savvy and a way to get them interested in the natural world. I wonder if it will work on those confusing Amelanchier and Salix species? I downloaded it on my wife’s iPhone and will give it a try."
David Govatski, Jefferson, NH
NH Fish & Game seeks information about turkey broods in NH
Is your land a good place for watching turkeys? Report information about flocks in your area to NH Fish & Game this summer! Read more about the brood survey here.
Spring 2011 Issue Posted Online Here
Lots of new things to read in the latest issue of the "Taking Action for Wildlife" newsletter. If you didn't see it, or want to forward it to friends, Conservation Commission members in your town, or others interested in wildlife conservation, you can download it here.
Spring issue contains stories about:
- Eric White's property in Sullivan, NH
- New Habitat Stewardship Brochures
- Good Forestry in the Granite State revision
- Town of Easton's habitat conservation work
- Land trusts wildlife conservation needs
- Turtle shells no match for tires
An nice update from Coverts Cooperator Betty Jo Taffe (CC02) who volunteers for Quincy Bog in Rumney:
"Today Bog volunteers led 25 Thornton 3rd graders and about a dozen adults on a field trip around the Bog. The students completed the Jr. Naturalist Program (begun during last fall's visit) and received their badges. Tomorrow we'll be doing the same for the Warren School 3rd and 4th graders (~24 students). They'll complete their Jr. Naturalist activities and we'll present their badges at the all-school awards assembly in June. It's fun to see the children get excited about wildlife and the world of nature (everything except the bugs, which were really bad this morning!)."
Learn more about Quincy Bog events and programs:
http://www.quincybog.org/
To commemorate the centennial of its founding, the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association (NHTOA) has released New Hampshire’s Forests, New Hampshire’s People: 100 Years of the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association.
Featuring compelling stories about 12 families who were and are key to the NHTOA and forest products industry in New Hampshire, the 112-page soft cover book also includes a fascinating selection of historic photographs. Reflecting the organization’s membership, the people in the book include landowners, loggers, foresters and mill owners. Read more
The limited-edition book costs $36, which includes shipping and handling. Orders are available from the NHTOA at (603) 224-9699 or by e-mail at offmgr@nhtoa.org. Order forms are available on the NHTOA web site www.nhtoa.org
This spring, NH Fish & Game released a helpful article about how people can help turtles during their most vulnerable time of the year - spring nesting season:
Read Full Turtle Article
Here
The article offered the following tips that you can share with others in your community:
1) Slow down and watch for turtles in roadways!
2) Help turtles cross roads safely. If you see a turtle crossing a road, and it is safe for you to do so, help it cross in the direction it was traveling. Never create a dangerous situation for other motorists or yourself. Snapping turtles should be handled with care or allowed to cross on their own.
3) Don't take the turtle home or move it far from where you found it. A turtle taken to your home is a turtle lost from the local population. (Also, all New Hampshire native turtles are protected by state law during nesting season).
4) If a turtle is injured, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Wildlife/wildlife_rehabbers.htm or call Fish and Game's Wildlife Division at (603) 271-2461 for a list of wildlife rehabilitators in your area. For more on what to do if you find an injured turtle, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Wildlife/Nongame/injured_turtle.htm.
5) Report turtle sightings to N.H. Fish and Game's Reptile and Amphibian Reporting Program (http://www.wildnh.com/Wildlife/Nongame/reptiles_amphibians.htm).
6) Work with land trusts and town officials to help conserve important natural areas in your community.
7) Another tip: Mulch piles can be attractive places for turtles to nest when located near wetland areas. Spreading mulch into gardens soon after delivery will reduce turtles from nesting in a mulch pile that is likely to be disturbed later in the season. If mulch will be in place for several weeks or more, covering with plastic will help reduce attractiveness for nesting turtles.
Invasive Plant Tool Loan Program
Pulling Together to Combat Invasive Plants
"Weed Wrenches" are specialized tools used for manual removal of woody stemmed invasive plants such as glossy buckthorn, autumn olive, multiflora rose and honeysuckles. Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve has 26 available for free loan to conservation groups and community members. Great Bay NERR Website
Invasive plants frequently colonize areas of bare ground so, after any invasive plant removal is done, we encourage you to complete the restoration by establishing native plants. We have 23 "planting bars" available for loan to help with this activity. They are great for helping establish bare root seedlings.
All tools are housed at Great Bay Discovery Center in Greenland and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To become eligible to use the tools, we ask that you complete a brief survey. This survey will help us learn more about invasive plants in New Hampshire's coastal watersheds and develop strategies to manage them most effectively. To take this brief survey please click here.
Saturday, June 25, 8:30a.m. - 12pm
Pitcher Mountain Parking Lot,
Andorra Forest, Stoddard NH, Route 123, between Rt. 9 & 10
Free! Program Flyer
New England’s maple sugaring industry is an
important asset both economically and culturally. A
lesser known value of this forest resource is the
role it plays in global forest bird conservation. Join
Audubon Vermont Conservation Biologist Steve
Hagenbuch with Cheshire County Forester Steve
Roberge and Matt Tarr, UNH Cooperative
Extension Wildlife Specialist, for this educational
outing. We’ll explore a potential sugarbush site to
learn about some of the migratory and resident
species that are found in this type of northern
hardwood habitat. Discussion will include
management options for increasing habitat value.
Meet at 8:30 am at the Pitcher Mountain parking
lot in Andorra Forest (on Route 123 in Stoddard,
between Routes 9 and 10). Ends by noon. Cosponsored
with The Harris Center for Conservation
Education and the Monadnock Conservancy.
Wow. The results are in. I've been compiling statistics from the last year of the Speaking for Wildlife volunteer program, and it's amazing to see how much the Coverts volunteers involved have accomplished! A few highlights:
1,186 audience members attended over 45 presentations and walks- 572 volunteer hours donated to the project (valued at over $12,000)
- 150+ new people receiving the Taking Action for Wildlife Newsletter
- 58 new referrals of landowners to County Foresters
We began this program in Sullivan and Grafton Counties, so that's where most of the talks and walks have taken place. Coverts volunteers who have given more than five presentations (some of them A LOT more then five!) include Linda Lauer, John Trachy, Cynthia Bruss, Karen Fesler, Linda Brownson. New volunteers in the program, trained last December, who are well on their way include Jean Eno, Carol Doering, and Chris Bogard. Other volunteers who've taken the plunge and offered programs in their communities include: Myra Ferguson, Kristen Burgard, Sarah Harvey, Jim Kennedy, Martha Twombley, Sue Lichty, Yorick Hurd, Judi Matthews, Kristen Murphy, Beth Penney, Jiffi Rainie, Bruce Schaegler, Mark Traeger, and Don Wharton.
The exciting news? We're going statewide! Now Coverts Cooperators and other UNH Cooperative Extension volunteers can get involved in every part of New Hampshire! We have new trainings planned for this summer and fall in Merrimack, Coos, Carroll, Rockingham, and Cheshire/Hillsborough Counties.
Get details about the NEW Trainings Here
Just got a report from Cheshire County Forester Steve Roberge and Extension Wildlife Specialist Matt Tarr about the workshop at Eric White's (CC08) property on June 4, 2011. Sounded like a great time and looks like amazing weather! Coverts Cooperators who made the trip included Fred Ernst (CC2000), Charlie Mitchell (CC09), Nanci Mitchell (CC02), Eric, and Gus Ruth (CC02).
Here's are Steve's photos and a few notes on things they saw:
First stop was in a streamside hemlock stand, where they observed this hemlock covered in sapsucker holes and talked about the potential effects of hemlock woolly adelgid on the forest here and elsewhere.
Next stop was a 3-acre opening created last year as future shrubland habitat that showed lots of hazelnut shrubs and great aspen regeneration from stump sprouts.
Next was a new 3-acre field created by clearcutting, stumping, and seeding, which will be a new permanent wildlife opening.
Extension Wildlife Specialist Matt Tarr, Eric White and Fred Ernst (L-R) talking about permanent openings for wildlife.
This sapling-pole stand has come back as almost all sugar maple. Eric plans to do timber stand improvements over time and eventually use it as a sugerbush.
A small stand of red pine showcased intense interest by black bears - check out the claw marks!
Last stop was in a series of small 1/4 acre patch cuts that Eric is creating (by hand) in forested stands that already have a rich understory of things like dewberry, hawthorn, and dogwood. Great habitat!
Thanks so much for hosting, Eric - I'm just sorry I missed it! - Malin
