Join Us on our Pathway to Outdoor and Environmental Science!
Welcome, Brave Natural Science Explorers!
Are you or your child the type of person that lights up when they get out in nature? Do you like gently handling creatures that wriggle, hop, swim, or are slimy, hairy, or scaled?? Do you or someone you know can't get enough cool natural science facts that blow your mind?
Cheshire County 4-H has teamed up with a number of partners to provide you with robust hands-on, engaging, and fun Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Education opportunities in 2026. We are beyond excited to learn from teachers and experts from the Harris Center, the Caterpillar Lab, Keene Astronomy Club and more. Check out our events below, and re-visit often for program updates — you won't want to miss out! Our events are open to all!
Animal Tracking Detectives
Harris Center
83 King's Highway, Hancock, NH
Ice Fishing
Date and time TBA
Let's get on the ice and learn about how to safely and effectively fish in the winter. Supported by experts, ice fishing is a fun, outdoor experience that beats the winter blues.
Maple Sugaring with 4-H and Great Brook Farm
Great Brook Farm Sugar House
437 County Road, Walpole , NH
Come learn all about maple sugaring at Great Brook Farm! We will take a tour of the farm, explore some hands-on maple sugaring activities, and end our adventure with some maple treats. All ages are welcome at this event. Event Details
Explore Vernal Pools and Caterpillars!
Distant Hill Nature Trails
66 March Hill Road, Alstead, NH
Get ready to touch slimy and hairy things and see nature coming back to life — up close and personal — after a long winter with experts from the Caterpillar Lab and 4-H . Event Details
Pitcher Mountain Bug Hike
Pitcher Mountain Trailhead
Route 123
Stoddard, NH 03464 (GPS directions)
Join folks from the Caterpillar Lab and cover some ground at Pitcher Mountain while we hunt for caterpillars and other insects. We'll traverse several habitats productive for early-season bugs, including woodlands, rocky summits, and shrubby early successional growth. Event Details
Family Ponding Safari
Robin Hood Park
Robin Hood Lane, Keene, NH
Join the Harris Center, Cheshire 4-H, and The Caterpillar Lab for a pond life party at Robin Hood Park! From bullfrogs and dragonflies to caterpillars and mayflies, come get your hands wet looking for the wild inhabitants of Robin Hood Pond. Event Details
Pisgah State Park Caterpillar Stroll
Pisgah State Park
Horseshoe Road Trailhead, Chesterfield, NH
Join naturalists from The Caterpillar Lab to explore one of our favorite local habitats! We'll explore the caterpillars and insects of spring as we venture from field to forest to wetland where we will talk about habitat differences, insect roles in our ecosystems, ways we can encourage healthy ecosystems, and see some cool bugs! Event Details
If you need an accommodation to participate in our programming, please contact Astara Zuorski, a.zuorski@unh.edu or 603-352-4550 prior to the event. Given ample time, we will make any reasonable effort to meet your needs, including language access services if requested, which will be provided free of charge.
Learn More About Our 4-H Statewide Outdoor Events
4-H Starlight Challenge
April 15, 2025 - September 30, 2026
Learn how to identify the constellations, find and name individual stars and other objects in the night sky. The 4-H Starlight Challenge is a self-guided astronomy project for anyone interested in learning more about the night sky. This project can be done by individuals, families & friends or 4-H clubs. It involves planning a backyard stargazing night, going out to view the night sky to identify stars and constellations and keeping an astrojournal of your observations. Individuals who complete the challenge will receive a 4-H Starlight Challenge Patch. Learn More
Wildside Challenges
The Wildside Seasonal Challenges by New Hampshire 4-H are a fantastic way to engage with the wilderness, improve fitness, expand environmental literacy, and develop wilderness skills to get in touch with your Wildside! These challenges are designed to help youth gain a deeper understanding of New Hampshire’s natural environment through various activities and tasks. Check out the Challenges!
4-H Outdoor Education
A Journey of Learning and Self-discovery through the Great Outdoors!
The 4-H Outdoor pathway is great for youth and volunteers who enjoy spending time outside, but it can also be a steppingstone for those wanting to start their journey in outdoor fun. Learn More
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