2024 County Highlights

Carroll Contributions: $313,627

UNH Contributions: $509,352

In 2024, for every $1 Carroll County contributed, UNH provided $1.62 of statewide resources.

Volunteers

• 279 volunteers
• 6,336 hours
• $212K value of volunteer time (State Values of Volunteer Time (NH): $31.80; independentsector.org)

Food and Agriculture

The Food and Agriculture program provided educational support to county businesses, municipalities, their employees and the communities within the county. Local food producers and horticultural businesses relied on UNH Extension to provide timely training to workers within these industries.
Extension specialists supported the farming community in providing timely technical assistance to optimize sustainable food production, given the many environmental and economic challenges that farmers may face on a yearly basis. Carroll County field specialists provided research-based information to farms, food businesses and food service providers such as schools and food pantries.

Project Focus Areas

• Safety Awareness in the Food Environment for 348 food pantry volunteers
• Local food promotion with Mount Washington Eaters and Growers Association
• Training and recertification for landscape professionals

Community and Economic Development

In 2024, UNH Extension’s Community and Economic Development team supported efforts in Carroll County to expand access to broadband internet and digital devices, as well as expand housing opportunities through education and community-driven policy.

Project Focus Areas

• Housing Academy — community engagement in public policy
• NH Digital Equity Plan — broadband access and workforce opportunities
• Community discussions around housing challenges and opportunities

Natural Resources

New Hampshire is 82% forested — the second most forested state in the nation. Of these forests, 72% are privately held. Private forestlands provide important environmental and economic benefits and services. An estimated 128,000 people own at least an acre of forest. UNH Extension increases both the public value and private benefit received from private lands.
Though an estimated 27% of the private lands in New Hampshire are being managed with the benefit of a forest stewardship plan, most landowners haven’t sought advice from a professional forester. The next generation of landowners is upon us — 40% of the land will change hands in the next 25 years. This new generation of “back-to-the-landers” provides a new audience opportunity. In 2024, Extension worked with a diverse network of organizations, agencies, towns and volunteers to reach new audiences.

Project Focus Areas

• Direct assistance to 169 landowners, covering 7,039 acres
• Referrals to consulting foresters for landowners owning 1,429 acres
• Stewardship planning for 2,408 acres

Health and Well-Being

With additional funding from the county in 2024, Extension educator Joy Gagnon was able provide leadership to the Carroll County Food Access Network, which partnered with End 68 Hours of Hunger, Ossipee Central School, Ossipee’s Resident Owned Community, NH Food Bank, Ossipee Concerned Citizens, Meals on Wheels, Ossipee Public Library and White Horse Recovery Center’s Community Garden to expand summer feeding programs. Over 11 weeks, 637 food bags were distributed within four towns, resulting in a significant increase in food distribution from past summers, particularly in Ossipee.
To address critical housing issues, Extension helped to host a resource day with the Way Station to assess the needs of the local homeless and housing insecure population. Gagnon also facilitated a charette for the MWV Housing Coalition to help the county lands and annex committee study optimal county land use for food access, housing and childcare.

Project Focus Areas

• Mental Health First Aid®
• Community First Responder Naloxone training and Naloxone distribution
• Online Wellness Wheel Assessment and Nutrition Connections social media
• Nutrition education for low-income youth
• Husky Reads program at Conway and Tamworth Head Starts

4-H Youth Development and Education

New Hampshire youth are navigating a complex landscape shaped by profound demographic shifts, accelerating globalization and rapid technological advancements. These shifts have been compounded by recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic, issues of inequity and access and shifting labor force dynamics. These interconnected social, civic and educational trends are challenging community members in both formal and informal spaces to rethink traditional paradigms of learning in the preparation of future generations.
In 2024, 4-H Youth Development and Education programs served over 250 Carroll County youth through collaborations to build life and job skills, encourage healthy behaviors and offer equitable support for accessing resources. Efforts to increase community engagement through 4-H activities in areas of science, healthy living and civic engagement were designed to build resilient youth with a stronger capacity to become “Beyond Ready” future leaders of industry and community.

Project Focus Areas

• Collaborations with libraries, schools, recreation departments, museums, camps and makers spaces
• Three makers clubs, three STEM clubs and two UNH student internships
• Partnerships with seven community-based organizations

Cheshire Contributions: $191,505

UNH Contributions: $363,705

In 2024, for every $1 Cheshire County contributed, UNH provided $1.90 of statewide resources.

Volunteers

• 140 volunteers
• 8,548 hours
• $286K value of volunteer time (State Values of Volunteer Time (NH): $31.80; independentsector.org)

Food and Agriculture

The Connecticut River Valley offers prime soil for growing crops in Cheshire County and remains home to large acreage of farmland that supports dairy and animal farming. UNH Extension supported these farm businesses through education in soil conservation and nutrient management, animal health and business viability. The river valley also offers unique challenges in that flooding may wash away soil nutrients, impede the ability to raise animals on that land and impact the water quality. Our specialists worked one-on-one with agricultural landowners and operators to ensure they were able to overcome these challenges while conserving the land and water resources.
Farm businesses face numerous forms of risks: economic, changing markets and consumer behaviors, labor sourcing and costs, farm transfer and retirement and mental health and stress. A number of grant programs have become available for farmers to receive direct financial assistance to improve an aspect of their operation or to receive financial or mental health services assistance.

Project Focus Areas

• Grant funding to support dairy farms with new equipment and technology
• Grant funding for crop loss program to recover from flood and freeze events
• Fertilizer education, leading to savings

Community and Economic Development

In 2024, UNH Extension’s Community and Economic Development team led efforts in Cheshire County to expand access to broadband internet and digital devices, enhance connectivity between downtown businesses and the region’s natural amenities and expand housing opportunities through education and community-driven policy.

Project Focus Areas

• Partnership with the City of Keene for downtown vibrancy and trail connectivity
• Mountain biking economic impact in Greater Keene
• NH Digital Equity Plan — broadband access and workforce opportunities
• Partnership with Southwest Regional Planning Commission for Surry’s Master Plan
• Housing Academy — community engagement in public policy

Natural Resources

New Hampshire is 82% forested — the second most forested state in the nation. Of these forests, 72% are privately held. Private forestlands provide important environmental and economic benefits and services. An estimated 128,000 people own at least an acre of forest. UNH Extension increases both the public value and private benefit received from private lands.
Though an estimated 27% of the private lands in New Hampshire are being managed with the benefit of a forest stewardship plan, most landowners haven’t sought advice from a professional forester. The next generation of landowners is upon us — 40% of the land will change hands in the next 25 years. This new generation of “back-to-the-landers” provides a new audience opportunity. In 2024, Extension worked with a diverse network of organizations, agencies, towns and volunteers to reach new audiences.

Project Focus Areas

• Direct assistance to 173 landowners, covering 5,375 acres
• Referrals to consulting foresters for landowners owning 2,495 acres
• Stewardship planning for 173 acres

Health and Well-Being

In 2024, Extension reached over 900 Cheshire residents with Health and Well-Being programs, like Walk With EaseSM, a program designed to increase physical activity, especially for older adults. Participants in UNH Walk With Ease programs reported that, on average, they increased their physical activity from 2 ½ days a week to over four days per week — behaviors that can lead to lower health care needs and costs and a better chance of being able to age in place. In Cheshire, Walk With Ease was run at Ashuelot River Apartments in Swanzey and at Harper Acres and Central Square Terrace in Keene. Local Extension Educator Christine Parshall not only provides evidence-based resources but also creates a space where participants are able to
support one another with their goals. The result is that participants that face multiple challenges such as stigma and chronic illness can learn skills and to effectively connect with and support one another.

Project Focus Areas

• Community First Responder Naloxone training and Naloxone distribution
• Nutrition education for low-income youth at Benjamin Franklin, Winchester and Wheelock elementary schools
• Youth Mental Health First Aid®
• Online Wellness Wheel Assessment and Nutrition Connections social media
• Husky Reads and Sesame Street Healthy Habits for Life at Keene, Swanzey and Ashuelot Head Startsvelopment community to the supply chain

4-H Youth Development and Education

New Hampshire youth are navigating a complex landscape shaped by profound demographic shifts, accelerating globalization and rapid technological advancements. These shifts have been compounded by recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic, issues of inequity and access and shifting labor force dynamics. These interconnected social, civic and educational trends are challenging community members in both formal and informal spaces to rethink traditional paradigms of learning in the preparation of future generations.
In 2024, 4-H Youth Development and Education programs served 140 youth in Cheshire County through collaborations to build life and job skills, encourage healthy behaviors and offer equitable support for accessing resources. Efforts to increase community engagement through 4-H activities in areas of science, healthy living and civic engagement were designed to build resilient youth with a stronger capacity to become “Beyond Ready” future leaders of industry and community. Cheshire County welcomed the support of 239 adult volunteers.

Project Focus Areas

• Youth leadership development
• Outdoor animal science events
• Walpole 4-H Robotics Team STEM project with 1,040 hours
• Partnerships with 16 community-based organizations

Coӧs Contributions: $241,860

UNH Contributions: $485,920

In 2024, for every $1 Coös County contributed, UNH provided $2.01 of statewide resources.

Volunteers

• 114 volunteers
• 8,597 hours
• $288K value of volunteer time (State Values of Volunteer Time (NH): $31.80; independentsector.org)

Food and Agriculture

The Coös County field specialist and broader food and agriculture team empowered farmers and growers to make well-informed decisions and transitions to a soil health management system on their land. Due to geographic location and limited access to service providers relative to other parts of the state, Coös County has a consistent need for support and technical assistance on a variety of topics directly related to its unique agroecosystem. Farmers have adopted regenerative growing practices to ensure that food production is more resilient to weather extremes like droughts and heavy storms. Actions taken by farmers and growers with Extension’s support will benefit ecological systems and keep agricultural land productive into the future through minimizing detrimental effects on soil and water resources and increasing plant diversity.

Project Focus Areas

• Adoption of controlled environment structures
• Improved soil conditions under no-till practices
• One-on-one support to farms and agricultural businesses
• Safety Awareness in the Food Environment training
• Support for Coös County Conservation District’s Equipment Rental Program
• Food preservation and gardening presentations

Community and Economic Development

In 2024, UNH Extension’s Community and Economic Development team supported efforts in Coös County to expand access to broadband internet and digital devices and expand housing opportunities through education and community-driven policy.

Project Focus Areas

• Housing Academy — community engagement in public policy
• Housing challenges and opportunities in Berlin and Colebrook
• Expanding access to online resources and technologies

Natural Resources

New Hampshire is 82% forested — the second most forested state in the nation. Of these forests, 72% are privately held. Private forestlands provide important environmental and economic benefits and services. An estimated 128,000 people own at least an acre of forest. UNH Extension increases both the public value and private benefit received from private lands.
Though an estimated 27% of the private lands in New Hampshire are being managed with the benefit of a forest stewardship plan, most landowners haven’t sought advice from a professional forester. The next generation of landowners is upon us — 40% of the land will change hands in the next 25 years. This new generation of “back-to-the-landers” provides Extension with a new audience opportunity. In 2024, Extension worked with a diverse network of organizations, agencies, towns and volunteers to reach new audiences.

Project Focus Areas

• North Country Outdoor Industry Career Expo with over 1,000 student participants and 80 exhibitors
• Day-long forestry event for more than 80 forest industry professionals

Health and Well-Being

In 2024 Nutrition Connections educator Zeanny Egea Alvarado developed new partnerships and approaches to have a significant impact at the Berlin Housing Authority and Northern Human Services. At the Housing Authority, Egea Alvarado integrated local food pantry deliveries and brought in Extension agricultural expertise to launch a new gardening and nutrition program. At Northern Human Services she helped build a healthier community by engaging residents with new healthy food and physical activity practices that they continue on their own. Egea Alvarado is gifted at partnering with hard-to-reach groups. Berlin Housing Director Kirsten Knowlton said, “She is just so approachable. The tenants loved her personality. She has a way of sharing info in a non-judgmental way.”
Education programs such as these are designed to increase health and prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity, which cost individuals, families and the state millions of dollars annually.

Project Focus Areas

• Boost Your Brain and Memory program in Gorham
• Mental Health First Aid®
• Community First Responder Naloxone training and Naloxone distribution
• Online Wellness Wheel Assessment and Nutrition Connections social media
• Nutrition education for low-income youth at Stratford and Berlin elementary schools
• Androscoggin Valley Farm to School
• Create Better Health at Berlin Feeding Hope Food Pantry

4-H Youth Development and Education

New Hampshire youth are navigating a complex landscape shaped by profound demographic shifts, accelerating globalization and rapid technological advancements. These shifts have been compounded by recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic, issues of inequity and access and shifting labor force dynamics. These interconnected trends are challenging community members in both formal and informal spaces to rethink traditional paradigms of learning in the preparation of future generations.
In 2024, 4-H Youth Development and Education programs served 123 youth and 78 adults through collaborations to build life and job skills, encourage healthy behaviors and offer equitable support for accessing resources. Efforts to increase community engagement through 4-H activities in areas of science, healthy living and civic engagement were designed to build resilient youth with a stronger capacity to become “Beyond Ready” future leaders of industry and community.

Project Focus Areas

• Spring Into 4-H event at the Lancaster Fairgrounds
• NH 4-H Plant A Row program
• Animal showings at Lancaster Fair
• Partnerships with 23 community-based organizations

Grafton  Contributions: 347,347

UNH Contributions: $560,310

In 2024, for every $1 Grafton County contributed, UNH provided $1.61 of statewide resources.

Volunteers

• 240 volunteers
• 16,182 hours
• $542K value of volunteer time (State Values of Volunteer Time (NH): $31.80; independentsector.org)

Food and Agriculture

Grafton County Food and Agriculture field specialists helped growers stay current with the emerging research, technology and information to grow and sustain their businesses in both crop production and food safety, adopt new practices, manage pests with a minimum of environmental damage and manage plant physiological conditions. Specialists worked towards this goal through farm visits, responding to information requests and through a variety of local, statewide and regional workshops. The county is also home to large tracts of land on the Connecticut River, prompting the need for soil and water conservation when growing crops near the river. Specialists worked closely with farmers to provide education in managing the nutrients that are in the soil, to reduce risks to water quality while optimizing crop yields for animal feed.

Project Focus Areas

• Sweet potato research at Grafton County Farm
• Jumpstart to Food Safety for fruit and vegetable growers
• Fertilizer efficiencies, leading to savings 
• Answers to 171 questions through Yard and Garden Education Center
• Soil testing for 225 farmers and gardeners

Community and Economic Development

In 2024, UNH Extension’s Community and Economic Development team supported efforts in Grafton County to assess tourism and recreation assets in collaboration with the Upper Valley Business Alliance and develop strategies to strengthen the regional economy. Additionally, the team worked to grow and sustain businesses that rely on visitors and expand housing opportunities through education and community-driven policy.

Project Focus Areas

• Housing Academy — community engagement in public policy
• Technical assistance for housing challenges and opportunities
• Assessment of regional tourism assets and economic development strategies
• Trainings for effective community meetings
• Workshops for strengthening facilitation skills

Natural Resources

New Hampshire is 82% forested — the second most forested state in the nation. Of these forests, 72% are privately held. Private forestlands provide important environmental and economic benefits and services. An estimated 128,000 people own at least an acre of forest. UNH Extension increases both the public value and private benefit received from private lands.
Though an estimated 27% of the private lands in New Hampshire are being managed with the benefit of a forest stewardship plan, most landowners haven’t sought advice from a professional forester. The next generation of landowners is upon us — 40% of the land will change hands in the next 25 years. This new generation of “back-to-the-landers” provides a new audience opportunity. In 2024, Extension worked with a diverse network
of organizations, agencies, towns and volunteers to reach
new audiences.

Project Focus Areas

• Direct assistance to 107 landowners, covering 4,987 acres
• Referrals to consulting foresters for landowners owning 3,291 acres
• Stewardship planning for 3,561 acres

Health and Well-Being

In 2024 Extension delivered multiple Living Well with Chronic Pain workshops in collaboration with Mid State Health. This program is based on a toolkit that covers areas like physical activity, medications, decision-making, action planning, breathing techniques, sleep, problem-solving, using your mind, understanding emotions, communication, healthy eating and working with providers.
Participants reported decreases in pain, depression and dependency, as well as increases in self-efficacy, life satisfaction and resourcefulness. Research has shown a reduction of visits to physicians or emergency departments potentially contributes to a reduction in health care costs. One participant said, “Everyone should take this! It will definitely help me with my medical concerns, but in so many other areas of my life, as well.”

Project Focus Areas

• Mental Health First Aid®
• Community First Responder Naloxone training and Naloxone distribution
• Online Wellness Wheel Assessment and Nutrition Connections social media
• Chronic Pain and Chronic Disease Self-Management
• Granite State Market Match Nutrition incentives through Master Wellness Volunteer program
• Husky Reads and Sesame Street Healthy Habits for Life at Woodsville, Plymouth and Littleton Head Starts

4-H Youth Development and Education

New Hampshire youth are navigating a complex landscape shaped by profound demographic shifts, accelerating globalization and rapid technological advancements. These shifts have been compounded by recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic, issues of inequity and access and shifting labor force dynamics. These interconnected social, civic and educational trends are challenging community members in both formal and informal spaces to rethink traditional paradigms of learning in the preparation of future generations.
In 2024, 4-H Youth Development and Education programs served over 181 youth in Grafton County through collaborations to build life and job skills, encourage healthy behaviors and offer equitable support for accessing resources. Efforts to increase community engagement through 4-H activities in areas of science, healthy living and civic engagement were designed to build resilient youth with a stronger capacity to become “Beyond Ready” future leaders of industry and community. Grafton County welcomed the support of 144 adult volunteers.

Project Focus Areas

• Earth Around Us Soil Tent Program – USDA Forest Service and the N.H. GLOBE Partnership at the UNH Leitzel Center 4-H Global Gourmet program
• Volunteer recognition of Van Anderson for 50 years of service
• Partnered with 66 community-based organizations

Hillsborough Contributions: $432,105

UNH Contributions: $818,413

In 2024, for every $1 Hillsborough County contributed, UNH provided $1.89 of statewide resources.

Volunteers

• 633 volunteers
• 27.48K hours
• $920K value of volunteer time (State Values of Volunteer Time (NH): $31.80; independentsector.org)

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Hillsborough County agricultural growers and gardeners relied on UNH Extension’s Food and Agriculture team and volunteers for relevant, research-based information. Specialists and the team’s Yard and Garden Education Center staff provided educational opportunities to county residents and
agricultural businesses through one-on-one meetings, workshops and demonstrations.
UNH Extension offered a number of tools for growers and gardeners to use to make informed decisions including soil testing, insect identification and a plant pathology lab located at the Durham campus. Specialists worked closely with Hillsborough County growers on a number of projects, including the Insect Trapping Network. Over 20 Hillsborough County growers agreed to regularly monitor and report their findings into a weekly reporting system. Knowing what pests were in the area allowed growers to make more informed decisions, reducing economic and environmental risks.

Project Focus Areas

• $52,875 in savings to sweet corn growers due to insect monitoring data
• Answers to 548 questions through Yard and Garden Education Center
• 14 gardening presentations delivered to 265 residents by 18 Master Gardeners

Community and Economic Development

2024 was a busy and exciting year for Hillsborough County’s Community and Economic Development program. The team engaged over 1,300 community members, officials, volunteers and stakeholders across Manchester, Nashua, Goffstown, Antrim, Peterborough, Bedford and Hollis. Highlights included Manchester’s zoning ordinance engagement, digital equity planning with Nashua and partners, capacity building in Antrim and Goffstown and affordable childcare initiatives in Nashua.

Project Focus Areas

• Facilitation of 12 ward meetings for proposed zoning changes in Manchester
• Partnering with United Way of Greater Nashua to expand access to online resources and technologies
• Support for Housing Opportunities Program grant recipients
• Technical assistance to Milford and Temple
• In-home childcare initiatives with Nashua Economic Development
• Master plan visioning session in Antrim

Natural Resources

New Hampshire is 82% forested — the second most forested state in the nation. Of these forests, 72% are privately held. Private forestlands provide important environmental and economic benefits and services. An estimated 128,000 people own at least an acre of forest. UNH Extension increases both the public value and private benefit received from private lands.
Though an estimated 27% of the private lands in New Hampshire are being managed with the benefit of a forest stewardship plan, most landowners haven’t sought advice from a professional forester. The next generation of landowners is upon us — 40% of the land will change hands in the next 25 years. This new generation of “back-to-the-landers,” provides us with a new audience opportunity. In 2024, we worked with a diverse network of organizations, agencies, towns and volunteers to reach new audiences.

Project Focus Areas

• Direct assistance to 169 landowners, covering 5,865 acres
• Referrals to consulting foresters for landowners owning 2,920 acres
• Nine invasive plant species identification and management programs for 252 participants

Health and Well-Being

In 2024 Extension used two school-based wellness initiatives, which reached 11 county schools and over 5,900 local students. Extension led the Manchester Wellness Committee to analyze and improve their wellness policy, leading to the proposal of a district-wide policy update. At the Parker Varney Elementary School in Manchester and the Dr. Crisp Elementary School in Nashua, Extension also partnered with NH Hunger Solutions for the 2023-2024 School Breakfast Challenge using “nudge” techniques to work on increasing breakfast participation, which research suggests improves academic performance.
Extension utilized projects like this, focused on helping schools and organizations become healthier places, in combination with direct education classes for individuals. Extension’s goal is to have a broader impact by changing the environments folks live in, as research suggests these policy, system and environmental level changes can have more powerful impacts on health.

Project Focus Areas

• School-based educational programs with over 1,300 students
• Mental Health First Aid®, Community First Responder Naloxone training, Living Well With Chronic Pain
• Online Wellness Wheel Assessment and Nutrition Connections social media
• Cooking and goal setting program with middle school health classes in Manchester
• Partnerships with the Nashua Police Athletic League, Tyler Street Senior Center, Sunny Valley Farm and Market, Boys and Girls Club and Nashua Soup Kitchen for healthier food for low-income families

4-H Youth Development and Education

New Hampshire youth are navigating a complex landscape shaped by profound demographic shifts, accelerating globalization and rapid technological advancements. These shifts have been compounded by recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic, issues of inequity and access and shifting labor force dynamics. These interconnected social, civic and educational trends are challenging community members in both formal and informal spaces to rethink traditional paradigms of learning in the preparation of future generations.
In 2024, 4-H Youth Development and Education programs brought together 2,672 youth and adults (a 14% increase from 2023) through collaborations to build life and job skills, encourage healthy behaviors and offer equitable support for accessing resources. Efforts to increase community engagement through 4-H activities in areas of science, healthy living and civic engagement were designed to build resilient youth with a stronger capacity to become “Beyond Ready” future leaders of industry and community.

Project Focus Areas

• Nutrition and food preparation skills for 712 youth in Manchester
• New program and exhibiting opportunities at Hillsborough County Fair
• Three 4-H FIRST Robotics teams that represented N.H. at the FIRST Robotics World Championships in Texas
• Presentation and communication skills
• Partnerships with 47 community-based organizations

Merrimack Contributions: $413,548

UNH Contributions: $771,229

In 2024, for every $1 Merrimack County contributed, UNH provided $1.86 of statewide resources.

Volunteers

• 413 volunteers
• 28.1K hours
• $943K value of volunteer time (State Values of Volunteer Time (NH): $31.80; independentsector.org)

Food and Agriculture

UNH Extension’s Food and Agriculture team provides trusted sources of research-based information to support New Hampshire’s agriculture, horticulture and food businesses and the county communities. Food and Agriculture specialists played an integral role in supporting agricultural producers in the county. Merrimack County farmers and gardeners relied on UNH Extension for assistance with answering critical questions for controlling devastating diseases and insect pests and managing crops in times of severe weather events.

Project Focus Areas

• Peach and nectarine variety trial, testing cold hardiness at Merrimack County orchard
• Weekly pest updates to fruit growers
• Use of Network for Environmental and Weather Applications NEWA) tool to make crop management decisions
• Crop insurance program improvement for NH growers

Community and Economic Development

In 2024, UNH Extension’s Community and Economic Development program assisted Merrimack County communities with efforts ranging from expanding access to workforce housing to enhancing the region’s recreation opportunities. Extension also worked with two communities to implement improvements to the downtown district.

Project Focus Areas

• Housing Academy, which led to five towns passing zoning ordinances to expand housing
• Planning efforts to enhance downtowns and improve recreational access in Hopkinton and Warner
• Assistance to expand recreational trail access in Northfield
• Assistance to the town of Warner’s Housing Committee

Natural Resources

New Hampshire is 82% forested — the second most forested state in the nation. Of these forests, 72% are privately held. Private forestlands provide important environmental and economic benefits and services. An estimated 128,000 people own at least an acre of forest. UNH Extension increases both the public value and private benefit received from private lands.
Though an estimated 27% of the private lands in New Hampshire are being managed with the benefit of a forest stewardship plan, most landowners haven’t sought advice from a professional forester. The next generation of landowners is upon us — 40% of the land will change hands in the next 25 years. This new generation of “back-to-the-landers” provides a new audience opportunity. In 2024, Extension worked with a diverse network of organizations, agencies, towns and volunteers to reach
new audiences.

Project Focus Areas

• Direct assistance to 88 landowners, covering 6,045 acres
• Referrals to consulting foresters for landowners owning 4,109 acres
• Stewardship planning for 3,192 acres

Health and Well-Being

The Chronic Pain Self-Management Program is designed to help participants better manage their pain and reduce their health care costs. Studies show that the program reduces emergency room visits and their related costs. The impact of the program for one local resident who signed up to support his wife was profound — he shared that the workshop was invaluable. It had made a big difference in his wife’s mindset about her pain. Her outlook had changed. They both decided to continue to keep the weekly communication with their class so that they could support each other.
With Concord Second Start, Extension offered Families Eating Smart and Moving More (FESMM) through an innovative “Walk ’n’ Talk” program for immigrants, refugees and other English language learners. Studies have shown that for every $1 spent to implement nutrition and physical activity education programs like FESMM, up to $10.64 is saved in future health care costs.

Project Focus Areas

• Mental Health First Aid®
• Community First Responder Naloxone training and Naloxone distribution
• Chronic Pain Self-Management program, Walk With EaseSM and Online Wellness Wheel Assessment
• Nutrition Connections social media
• Seniors Eating Well at The Richard Brown House
• Cooking Matters at the Suncook Senior Center
• Husky Reads and Sesame Street Healthy Habits for Life at Concord, Franklin and Pittsfield Head Starts

4-H Youth Development and Education

New Hampshire youth are navigating a complex landscape shaped by profound demographic shifts, accelerating globalization and rapid technological advancements. These shifts have been compounded by recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic, issues of inequity and access and shifting labor force dynamics. These interconnected social, civic and educational trends are challenging community members in both formal and informal spaces to rethink traditional paradigms of learning in the preparation of future generations.
In 2024, 4-H Youth Development and Education programs brought together 464 youth and adults to learn and serve through 17 local 4-H clubs representing 13 communities — a 19% increase from 2023. Efforts to increase community engagement through 4-H activities in areas of science, healthy living and civic engagement were designed to build resilient youth with a stronger capacity to become “Beyond Ready” future leaders of industry and community.

Project Focus Areas

• Community service projects at Pittsfield Food Pantry and South Pittsfield Community Club
• Food safety and cooking practices, partnering with Concord Regional Technical Center and Franklin Middle School
• Annual fair with 110 4-H animal exhibitors and 82 youth year-round project exhibits

Rockingham Contributions: $433,854

UNH Contributions: $726,758

In 2024, for every $1 Rockingham County contributed, UNH provided $1.68 of statewide resources.

Volunteers

• 987 volunteers
• 35.8K hours
• $1.2M value of volunteer time (State Values of Volunteer Time (NH): $31.80; independentsector.org)

Food and Agriculture

UNH Extension programs provided skill development for employees, volunteers and business owners and managers across many sectors of the N.H. economy, including the agriculture, food, landscape and pest control industries. These technical fields saw frequent developments in new products, methods, regulations and environmental considerations. Career training remains essential for preparing industry professionals to meet evolving job demands.
Farm businesses faced numerous forms of risks including economic fluctuations, changing markets and consumer behaviors, labor sourcing and costs, farm transfer, retirement and mental health and stress. Food and agriculture specialists provided technical assistance to agricultural businesses, including aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to start an agricultural business.

Project Focus Areas

• Training for 457 landscape professionals and 223 business managers
• Credit hours for 755 industry professionals
• Licensure preparation for new applicators
• One-on-one assistance for aspiring and beginning farmers
• Agricultural labor management education programs to increase profitability

Community and Economic Development

In 2024, UNH Extension’s Community and Economic Development team supported efforts in Rockingham County to expand access to broadband internet and digital devices, help the seafood industry address key challenges, assist communities in developing business retention strategies and expand housing opportunities through education and community-driven policy.

Project Focus Areas

• Housing Academy, which engaged 34 county leaders from 15 communities and organizations
• Partnered with three communities and four institutions/organizations to expand access to online resources and technologies
• Facilitation of seafood sector operators working group
• Community engagement and facilitation training
• Collaboration with Regional Economic Development Corporation

Natural Resources

New Hampshire is 82% forested — the second most forested state in the nation. Of these forests, 72% are privately held. Private forestlands provide important environmental and economic benefits and services. An estimated 128,000 people own at least an acre of forest. UNH Extension increases both the public value and private benefit received from private lands. Extension staff meet with landowners in their forests, providing forest management guidance and encouraging long-term stewardship of their resources.
NH Sea Grant Extension staff work primarily in Rockingham County to ensure that coastal communities and ecosystems thrive. This means working with volunteers, community decision-makers, partners and businesses to study and maintain coastal habitats and neighborhoods, marine fisheries, seafood and other marine-based economies.

Project Focus Areas

• Direct assistance to 96 forest landowners, covering 6,532 acres
• Referrals to consulting foresters for landowners owning 2,611 acres
• Flood risk response planning with Portsmouth, Hampton, Exeter and Seabrook
• Food markets to use invasive green crabs

Health and Well-Being

In 2024, a partnership between Extension and the Southeast Land Trust called All Terrain Learning Adventures (ATLAS) reached 800 Rockingham youth and trained over 90 local educators. Programs focused on social and emotional learning that aligned with New Hampshire’s College and Career Ready Standards and work study best practices. Lessons helped students hone skills in communication, creativity, collaboration and emotional regulation. 96% percent of students felt ATLAS was a safe space, 80% felt a sense of belonging, 77% recognized nature’s positive impact on mental health and 88% experienced ATLAS as a place for them to showcase strengths not typically visible in school.
As one Epping student reflected,
“I like our campfires, because we stay warm, but I mostly like the stories. You learn a lot about other kids. You learn you have a lot more in common than you thought.”

Project Focus Areas

• Mental Health First Aid®, Community First Responder Naloxone training, Chronic Pain Self-Management
• Online Wellness Wheel Assessment
• Food pantry work with Newmarket Community Church, Great Bay Community College, Gather and St. Anne Parish
• Husky Reads at Derry, Seabrook and Raymond Head Starts
• Nutrition Connections educational social media

4-H Youth Development and Education

New Hampshire youth are navigating a complex landscape shaped by profound demographic shifts, accelerating globalization and rapid technological advancements. These shifts have been compounded by recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic, issues of inequity and access and shifting labor force dynamics. These interconnected social, civic and educational trends are challenging community members in both formal and informal spaces to rethink traditional paradigms of learning in the preparation of future generations.
In 2024, 4-H Youth Development and Education programs brought together 653 youth and 253 adults in Rockingham County through collaborations to build life and job skills, encourage healthy behaviors and offer equitable support for accessing resources. Efforts to increase community engagement through 4-H activities in areas of science, healthy living and civic engagement were designed to build resilient youth with a stronger capacity to become “Beyond Ready” future leaders of industry and community.

Project Focus Areas

• Nutrition program for cooking from scratch with healthy ingredients
• Safe food handling and cooking with 38% increase in participation from 2023
• Four outdoor seasonal challenges, reaching 402 youth
• Four partnerships with community-based organizations

Strafford Contributions: $171,398

UNH Contributions: $435,282

In 2024, for every $1 Strafford County contributed, UNH provided $2.54 of statewide resources.

Volunteers

• 428 volunteers
• 13,393 hours
• $449K value of volunteer time (State Values of Volunteer Time (NH): $31.80; independentsector.org)

Food and Agriculture

UNH Extension’s Food and Agriculture team provided trusted sources of research-based information to support agriculture, horticulture and food businesses in Strafford County. Specialists played an integral role in supporting agricultural producers and educating tomorrow’s farmers and agriculture leaders. They also provided technical assistance and business planning education to new farmers hoping to start their own agricultural business. The Strafford County field specialist worked closely with teachers from regional schools to connect students with possibilities for a career in agriculture and horticulture, training the future workforce in these industries.
UNH Extension’s Yard and Garden Education Center provided Strafford County residents with timely gardening information to assist families with growing and preserving their own food and beautifying their property using environmentally sound practices.

Project Focus Areas

• Jumpstart to Food Safety for fruit and vegetable growers
• Agriculture and horticulture educational activities for over 600 youth
• Soil testing for 280 farmers and gardeners
• Answers to 261 questions through Yard and Garden Education Center

Community and Economic Development

In 2024, UNH Extension’s Community and Economic Development team supported efforts to expand access to broadband internet and digital devices, engaged with regional economic development planning and expanded housing opportunity through education and community-driven policy.

Project Focus Areas

• Housing Academy community engagement in public policy
• Expanding access to online resources and technologies
• Strafford Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
• Partnerships between businesses and UNH facilities and resources, including John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center

Natural Resources

New Hampshire is 82% forested — the second most forested state in the nation. Of these forests, 72% are privately held. Private forestlands provide important environmental and economic benefits and services. An estimated 128,000 people own at least an acre of forest. UNH Extension increases both the public value and private benefit received from private lands.
Though an estimated 27% of the private lands in New Hampshire are being managed with the benefit of a forest stewardship plan, most landowners haven’t sought advice from a professional forester. The next generation of landowners is upon us — 40% of the land will change hands in the next 25 years. This new generation of “back-to-the-landers” provides a new audience opportunity. In 2024, Extension worked with a diverse network of organizations, agencies, towns and volunteers to reach
new audiences.

Project Focus Areas

• Direct assistance to 83 forest landowners, covering 4,290 acres
• Referrals for landowners to consulting foresters, arborists and other professionals
• Direct assistance to conservation commissions in Lee, Middleton, Somersworth, Milton, Strafford County government and the Dover Housing Authority

Health and Well-Being

In 2024, Extension worked to address critical needs such as food access and mental health. In partnership with the Stafford County Public Health Network, Extension staff trained local health care providers to screen their patients for signs of hunger. This innovative program included resource development throughout The Mass General Brigham Wentworth-Douglass Hospital system to increase food access through the NH Food Bank Emergency Food Box program at locations such as The Doorway and the Wentworth Health Partners OB/GYN & Infertility Clinic.
To help address rising rates of mental health challenges, Extension implemented 18 full-day Mental Health First Aid® trainings, reaching 88 Strafford County residents and training an additional local instructor to deliver the program. 96% percent of participants reported recognizing signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge and 83% or more reported confidence in responding to a behavioral health crisis, including being able to ask a youth directly if they are considering suicide.

Project Focus Areas

• Walk With EaseSM and Boost Your Brain programs online and at Bagdad Wood senior housing
• Show Me Nutrition at School Street and William Allen elementary schools in Rochester
• Community First Responder Naloxone training and Naloxone distribution
• Online Wellness Wheel Assessment and Nutrition Connections social media
• All Terrain Learning Adventures Summer Camp

4-H Youth Development and Education

New Hampshire youth are navigating a complex landscape shaped by profound demographic shifts, accelerating globalization and rapid technological advancements. These shifts have been compounded by recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic, issues of inequity and access and shifting labor force dynamics. These interconnected social, civic and educational trends are challenging community members in both formal and informal spaces to rethink traditional paradigms of learning in the preparation of future generations.
In 2024, 4-H Youth Development and Education programs brought together 163 youth and 32 adults in Strafford County through collaborations to build life and job skills, encourage healthy behaviors and offer equitable support for accessing resources. Efforts to increase community engagement through 4-H activities in areas of science, healthy living and civic engagement were designed to build resilient youth with a stronger capacity to become “Beyond Ready” future leaders of industry and community.

Project Focus Areas

• 4-H Plant A Row program with over 600 participants in the past four years
• Gardening and cooking after-school programs in Rochester and Farmington
• Healthy culinary creations and hydroponics
• New volunteer fishing training in Milton
• 4-H Child Development and Babysitting curriculum

Sullivan Contributions: $292,848

UNH Contributions: $547,189

In 2024, for every $1 Sullivan County contributed, UNH provided $1.87 of statewide resources.

Volunteers

• 125 volunteers
• 12,337 hours
• $413K value of volunteer time (State Values of Volunteer Time (NH): $31.80; independentsector.org)

Food and Agriculture

UNH Extension’s Food and Agriculture team provided trusted, research-based information to support agriculture, horticulture and food businesses in Sullivan County. Specialists played an integral role in supporting agricultural producers as they faced challenges from economic fluctuations, changing markets and consumer behaviors, labor sourcing and costs, farm transfer, retirement, mental health and stress.
Food and agriculture specialists provided direct technical assistance to agricultural businesses, as well as referrals to funding programs that assisted farmers in making capital improvements to their farms and receiving financial or mental health services that can be critical for the sustainability of the farm family business.

Project Focus Areas

• One-on-one support for agricultural business owners
• Grant funding for dairy farms, crop loss program, mental health and financial and business planning
• Agricultural labor management education programs

Community and Economic Development

In 2024, efforts by the Community and Economic Development team in Sullivan County included supporting rural destination development, enhancing downtown vibrancy, organizing agritourism events, promoting trail stewardship and providing technical assistance to community organizations. Additional contributions were made to education and capacity-building programs, grant proposal development and regional projects focused on fostering economic growth, environmental stewardship and community well-being.

Project Focus Areas

• Discover Sugar River Region Board of Directors
• Regional recreational trail planning effort
• Farm Day event for local agricultural awareness
• Brownfield redevelopment project in Claremont
• New Hampshire Housing Stability Council
• Grant writing, recreation and community planning workshops

Natural Resources

New Hampshire is 82% forested — the second most forested state in the nation. Of these forests, 72% are privately held. Private forestlands provide important environmental and economic benefits and services. An estimated 128,000 people own at least an acre of forest. UNH Extension increases both the public value and private benefit received from private lands.
Though an estimated 27% of the private lands in New Hampshire are being managed with the benefit of a forest stewardship plan, most landowners haven’t sought advice from a professional forester. The next generation of landowners is upon us — 40% of the land will change hands in the next 25 years. This new generation of “back-to-the-landers” provides Extension with a new audience opportunity. In 2024, Extension worked with a diverse network of organizations, agencies, towns and volunteers to reach new audiences.

Project Focus Areas

• Direct assistance to 150 landowners, covering 10,010 acres
• Referrals to consulting foresters for landowners owning 2,611 acres
• Stewardship planning for 2,669 acres

Health and Well-Being

To address the needs of the county’s aging population, Extension offered programs in person, online and through new “watch parties” where groups attend online training together with the help of a facilitator. Walk With EaseSM participants reported increasing their physical activity from two and a half days a week to over four days per week and 86% of Boost Your Brain participants reported they adopted new brain healthy behaviors. 79% percent of Boost Your Brain participants reported that they felt an increased connectedness through social engagement and a sense of belonging (59% of participants live alone).
Extension specialist Michele Kroll worked with the UNH Digital Health Innovation Center to pilot cutting edge virtual reality and robot assisted treatment at Sullivan County Health Care, the county’s nursing home, asking questions like, “How does new technology affect clinicians’ workflow and how might it help residents who are experiencing cognitive decline?”

Project Focus Areas

• Mental Health First Aid®
• Community First Responder Naloxone training and Naloxone distribution
• Chronic Pain Self-Management
• Online Wellness Wheel Assessment and Nutrition Connections social media
• Nutrition Connections Expanded Federal Nutrition Education Program
• Husky Reads at Claremont Head Start

4-H Youth Development and Education

New Hampshire youth are navigating a complex landscape shaped by profound demographic shifts, accelerating globalization and rapid technological advancements. These shifts have been compounded by recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic, issues of inequity and access and shifting labor force dynamics. These interconnected trends are challenging community members in both formal and informal spaces to rethink traditional paradigms of learning in the preparation of future generations.
In 2024, 4-H Youth Development and Education programs served over 185 youth through collaborations to build life and job skills, encourage healthy behaviors and offer equitable support for accessing resources. Efforts to increase community engagement through 4-H activities in areas of science, healthy living and civic engagement were designed to build resilient youth with a stronger capacity to become “Beyond Ready” future leaders of industry and community. Sullivan County has increased adult volunteers by 24% since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Project Focus Areas

• 4-H Chain Bike Repair Club in Greater Claremont area
• Heat and Eat KIDS Food Pantry in Plainfield and Cornish elementary schools and Richards Free Library in Newport
• Rogue Robots of 4-H Sea Perch Underwater Robotics challenges
• 12 community-based partnerships