What's New on the Web?  

Take a look at some new information on the Taking Action for Wildlife web pages (takingactionforwildlife.org) 

Making Habitat Happen Learn about different habitats and how you can help to make habitat happen. Read inspiring stories about how others have created habitat  to benefit wildlife.

Bath Natural Resources Inventory (September 2012)  

Hot off the press, take a look at a natural resources inventory written by a conservation

commission. The Bath NRI used wildlife as common thread throughout the NRI, using information from the Wildlife Action Plan and Taking Action for Wildlife.

Managing & Restoring Habitats - Stories and examples - we have expanded the list of stories from public and private landowners. Find out what some landowners and communities have done to enhance wildlife habitat on their properties.

Discover and Explore New Hampshire's Natural Wonders:   

A Field Guide to The Nature Conservancy's Preserves and Conservation Project Areas

The fall is a wonderful time to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of the New Hampshire landscape. Here is a great opportunity to explore and learn about some unique local habitats. Take a look at The Nature Conservancy's (TNC) new field guide Discover and Explore New Hampshire's Natural Wonders (2012). "In this field guide, you'll find those wonderfully rich details on the habitats, wildlife and human history of our preserves." Through this well-written and beautifully illustrated guide, you are invited to discover TNC's 43 nature preserves and conservation areas in New Hampshire - and of course it is a great opportunity to explore some great wildlife habitats! The guide is neatly divided into six color-coded chapters representing broad geographic regions, including: Great North Woods, White Mountains, Lakes Region, Upper Valley and Monadnock Highlands, Lower Merrimack Valley and the Seacoast. Read More

  Land Trusts Using the Wildlife Action Plan and the WAP Maps

The NH Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) was published in the spring of 2006, and along with this huge document the NH Fish and Game Dept. developed and released maps of wildlife habitat and habitat condition. The WAP itself is full of analyses of species and habitats and includes individual species and habitat profiles making up 75% of the 1,183 page document. So how has this plan helped these species and habitats? One measure of success is the amount of habitat protected since the plan and maps were published. Read More  

New Hampshire's Black Racers - A Species to Watch 

Do you find yourself reminiscing about frequent encounters with black racer snakes as a child? You are less likely to have these encounters now with black racers becoming less common. The black racer has actually declined to the level of state-threatened. As a species reliant on early-successional habitats, the heavily forested landscape of today has taken over many of their preferred habitats, reducing their populations and distribution statewide. To develop conservation strategies for sustaining the species in New Hampshire, biologists at NH Fish and Game have been researching habitat use and movement patterns of black racers.  Read More  

Making Habitat Happen:

From Bunnies to Birds, Managing State Lands for Wildlife

Out for a walk at Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Dover, NH, I was alerted to the sounds of large machines advancing through fields, planting shrub seeds. I noticed log skidders piling newly cut trees at a landing and industrial-strength mowers chopping down old, past-their-prime shrubs so they'll grow back as thick cover. What's happening here? Conservationists are using all of these techniques and more to turn Bellamy River WMA into a habitat showcase while boosting the local New England cottontail population. Read More

Newsletter Editor:  Amanda Stone (UNH Cooperative Extension)

Photo Credits:  Frank Mitchell (Banner photo, salamander), Malin Clyde (Coverts), Emma Carcagno (Making Habitat Happen), Emily Brunkhurst (Land Trusts Using WAP), Black Racer (Brendan Clifford), Amanda Stone (Fall wetland)