Olivia Gottlieb, SCA Interpretive Ranger Pillsbury State Park New Hampshire is home to many different types of insects, and New Hampshire State Parks serve as wonderful environments to find them. What you may not realize is that the ponds, rivers, and lakes are great places to find insects that are either solely water dwelling or live out their larval stage in the water. Insects, just like frogs, go through metamorphosis- insects start out as eggs, then go to a larval stage. This stage can last months or for some species, up to years before becoming the adult forms we most commonly see. Dragonfly emerging as a teneral Dragonflies and damselflies are found all across the state. Dragonflies differ from damselflies in that they have four wings that splay out. Dragonflies are also larger in size and tend to be fly more often than “perching”, which is common among damselflies as they do not fly long distances but instead in increments. Both species start out their lives in the water, and they are predators in both their larval and adult stage. They are known as opportunist predators which means that they will eat anything they can find. This can include other ...

Steve Valido smiles when he talks about the New Hampshire Gay Men's Chorus's most recent performance at Fenway Park. The Boston Red Sox invited Valido and more than 25 other members to perform before a June game during Gay Pride Week. As one of the members who joined the chorus at its founding in 1998 in Manchester, Validoa appreciates its significance. “We've come a long way,” he says. “But we still have a way to go, even today.” President John McGeehan recalled how many men didn't want their names printed on a concert program or wore sunglasses to partially conceal their identity for fear of how being gay would be received at work or in the community. The group marked its 25th anniversary with a series of Silver Season of Love spring concerts performed at venues in Manchester, Newington, Nashua, Jaffrey, Plymouth, and for the first time, at the Barnstormers Theatre in Tamworth. “We do operate openly as NHGMC now, and our sponsors are very supportive of what we do,” McGeehan says. Gov. Chris Sununu noted the chorus is “truly a Granite State musical treasure” in his 25th anniversary commendation. Artistic Director Luc Andre Roberge says he is delighted that ...

Portsmouth Assistant Mayor Joanna Kelley wants New Hampshire to apply its “Live Free or Die” motto to all of its residents as the state embraces its newfound diversity. Take a step into Cup of Joe Coffee Bar on Market Street in downtown Portsmouth, and you'll find yourself surrounded by exposed brick, trendy lighting and the whir of an espresso machine. But take a closer look and you'll discover more: progressive signage that reminds us to “stop telling people of color their realities are illusions,” a shelf of personal mugs left by café regulars, and a favorite T-shirt for sale that declares, “Drink Coffee Fight Racism.” It's also one of the few places where you might find yourself being served by none other than Portsmouth's Assistant Mayor, Joanna Kelley, Cup of Joe's owner. “It's a space where I feel like everyone is welcomed and included,” Kelley says. “We hope that people will come there with an open mind and have conversations. This is my public safe space.” Kelley started the café and bar with another Joe Kelley, owner of two Portsmouth establishments: The Thirsty Moose and Fat Bellys. She runs it like a family, offering her staff generous benefits like guaranteed ...

Ready for another beautiful fall foliage season in the Western White Mountains?! Peak foliage is just around the corner, and you’ll want to start planning all your favorite fall activities. Hop in your car and head to the mountains for some fall fun with your family. https://d3oomqi9g2h12e.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/24133653/2019-11-07-wmcc-fall-videos_1-v2.mp4 Fall Scenic Drives The Western White Mountains are home to some of the best fall foliage scenic drives in the world. There’s a reason thousands of people flock to the region every year to view the incredible kaleidoscope of colors. For the ultimate Western White Mountains road trip, fill up your tank, grab a sweater, lots of snacks, and hit the road. The Multi-Notch Mountain Ride is approximately 142 miles long and will take you through the best of the White Mountains. Start your journey in Lincoln on I-93 through Franconia Notch State Park and past the former Old Man of the Mountain. Just before Littleton, take the exit to Route 302 and drive through the quaint town of Bethlehem before driving past the majestic Mount Washington Hotel. There are plenty of scenic lookout spots to stop along the way to take your selfies or photos of trees bursting with color. Once past ...

Rebecca Durnick, SCA Interpretive Ranger One of the most common backyard-bird species is the Blue Jay. These bright and flashy birds are commonly seen throughout the central and eastern United States, and some southern regions of Canada. With their loud and alarming calls, they make their presence known to any human and wildlife around them. Blue Jays are seen at all of New Hampshire’s State Parks, and up at Umbagog Lake State Park, there is a particular flock that calls this place home. Migration If you have ever been to Umbagog Lake State Park, you may know it’s noisiest and nosiest visitors. The lake is home to 8 Blue Jays that are a part of a residential flock (July 2023). During the winter some of the flock may migrate towards the coast. Blue Jays sometimes migrate in larger flocks, but it isn’t uncommon for the same Blue Jays to stay year-round especially as adults. It is more common to see juveniles migrate. When it warms up the Blue Jays that have left may return or leave for a new home. Calls The Blue Jays are up with the morning sun making a ton of unique calls just like other corvids ...

Casey Devanney, SCA Interpretive Ranger Pawtuckaway State Park is a 5,000-acre preserve in New Hampshire. It is one of the largest state parks in southeastern New Hampshire, named for Pawtuckaway Lake and the Pawtuckaway Mountains. The park extends from the west shore of the lake to the west side of the mountains. Pawtuckaway Lake Geology The Pawtuckaway Mountains are a small, rocky, circular range that forms the outline of an ancient volcanic ring dike dating from 130 to 110 million years ago, in the Cretaceous Period. The ring dike, first wholly mapped in 1944, is a smaller and more accessible example of the same kind of geological process that formed the Ossipee Mountains to the north. The inner ring is roughly one mile in diameter, while the outer is measured at almost two miles. Earthquakes occurred near the ring dike in the summer and fall of 1845. Known as the Deerfield explosions, they were described as subterranean noises “often as loud as the report of a 12-pounder cannon when heard at a distance of half a mile” but without echoes. They were the subject of much speculation at the time. Topographic map showing the ring dike Recreation The park has ...

Explore the best of Franconia Notch by bike or foot this fall. Running the length of Franconia Notch State Park, the 8.7-mile paved Franconia Notch Recreation Path passes by several of the Western White Mountain’s best attractions. Take in world-famous autumn foliage and visit some of New Hampshire’s most iconic spots on the Franconia Notch Recreational Path. Fall into Autumn Foliage in the Mountains During the crisp fall days of autumn, strap on your helmet or lace up your walking shoes and hit up the Franconia Notch Recreation Path by bike or foot. Take Exit 35 on I-93 N and park your car in the Skookumchuck trailhead parking lot. Head south along the paved trail to take in the stunning views of Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges in the distance. At the two-mile marker, you’ll arrive at Echo Lake Beach, where you can take in the views of towering mountains over the 39-acre lake at the foot of Cannon Mountain. Enjoy a few hours at this serene spot where the world seems to melt away with each mountain breeze. You might even catch a glimpse of brave fly fisherman trying their luck at the local trout population. From the lake, ...

On Wed. July 26 at 10 a.m., the first U.S. Congressional hearings on UAP (or UFOs if you're old-school) will take place with three “whistleblowers” answering questions, under oath, about the out-of-this-world weirdness that apparently has been going on since Roswell in 1947 (or is it since 1933 when Benito Mussolini got his hands on a crashed flying saucer?). If any of this is news to you, you've got some catching up to do and it could be a jarring experience, depending on how convincing the witnesses are. Also, since Congressional hearings tend to be rich in informational content but lacking in aesthetic charm, you might just want to provide a little background music to the proceedings so there's a bit of melody and rhythm behind the probing and argumentation. Fortunately, here in the state that brought us The Incident at Exeter and the Interrupted Journey of Betty and Barney Hill (soon to be a major motion picture produced by Barack and Michelle Obama), we have a corner on the intergalactic muse in the form of Bob Lord, musical composer, bassist and executive producer of two Grammy Award-winning albums. Among Lord's many interests as a world-traveling producer is the UFO ...

Seacoast Farm Guide!! Yay for fresh, healthy produce, and yay for all of the farmers who thoughtfully harvest the healthiest fruits, veggies, game, flowers, and herbs for all of us Seacoasters to enjoy all year long. Take a peek below and meet some local Seacoast farms we think are absolutely worth a visit! coastal + dairy farms fruit + veggie farms pick-your-own farms animal farms farm fun click the images above to jump to your category of choice! COASTAL FARMS + DAIRY FARMS SWELL OYSTER COMPANY Conor, Russ, and the Swell Oyster Co. team proudly farmed the first Atlantic Oyster to have ever been commercially grown in Hampton Harbor. This means Swell Oyster Co. is developing an oyster flavor profile that has never been tasted! Visit the Swell Oyster Shack daily from 12pm-6pm, and enjoy two buck shucks all day, every day! You can also enjoy boat tours, oyster farm tours, and purchase oysters and merch at the “farm stand”. Plus, Swell Oyster Co. also offers catering! TAKE A PEEK! INSTAGRAMWEBSITELEARN MORE HICKORY NUT FARM Hickory Nut Farm is a small, family owned and operated farm located in rural Lee, New Hampshire. The love and affection that the architects-turned-farmers husband ...

Hoping to get out and about this summer with your closest canine companions? We got you covered. Whether it's salty air and sandcastles at dog-welcoming beaches, doggo socials at local dog parks or mountain trails forgiving to those with four legs, here are the best dog-friendly activities to get you and your pup soaked in some sunrays this summer. Beaches Although dogs aren't allowed on any ocean beaches in New Hampshire state parks, there are several pet-friendly beaches along the state's 18 miles of shoreline to explore. Seabrook Beach > Located in Seabrook between Hampton Beach and Salisbury Beach, Seabrook Beach is a dog-friendly hidden gem for you and your pet. Dogs are required to be leashed year-round, and are limited to the hours of before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. With this in mind, we recommend visiting off-season. Foss Beach > Foss Beach in Rye is a town-owned beach, which means that you and your dog are allowed from sunrise to 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. the Saturday before Memorial Day through the Saturday after Labor Day (and anytime during the off-season). It's a long stretch of beach that ...

The annual League of NH Craftsmen's Fair brings together creators of all stripes for workshops, craft sales and more. Courtesy photo Cheshire Fair, Swanzey, August 3-6 This traditional agricultural fair features entertainment, crafts, vendors, rides, animals and plenty of live music. Special events for 2023 include Monster Truck Madness and performances by Heath Lewis, Pirate Man Dan, The Silver Circus, Sage King and more. This year's theme is “Blue Jeans and Country Dreams.” Prices and times TBA, 247 Monadnock Highway, Swanzey. (603) 357-4740; cheshirefair.org Journey to Jericho ATV Jamboree, Berlin, August 4-5 This festival is an ATV enthusiast's dream come true. The event takes place at Jericho Mountain State Park, which has more than 80 miles of trails. There will be mud races, demo rides, obstacle courses, helicopter rides, poker run, kids fun zones, live music, delicious food and more. You won't want to miss this summer weekend of fun. $15-$35. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Jericho Mountain State Park, 298 Jericho Lake Rd., Berlin. androscoggin-valleychamber.com 41st Annual Hot Air Balloon Rally, Pittsfield, August 4-6 This event, put on by the Suncook Valley Rotary, has something fun for everyone in your family. There will be a carnival, tethered hot air ...

Yankee Publishing, the parent company of New Hampshire Magazine, moved its New Hampshire Group headquarters to the five-story building last fall from another mega-sized Millyard property. I'm the third generation of my family to work here — and the first to enjoy air conditioning in the Waumbec, which was built in 1897 along the east bank of the Merrimack River. In the late 1950s, Paul Durette took a summer job at Waumbec Mills Inc., one of the last surviving textile makers in the sprawling Manchester complex. Most of the full-time workers took their vacations in the summer so high school kids would fill the gaps. Durette, then 16, worked as a “draw frame tender,” from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. on the fourth floor. His father, Emile, my maternal grandfather, worked a floor above him, but had generated enough seniority to snag the 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift. Both were working at different stages of turning cotton into fabric. “It came down into these cans on the fourth floor,” Durette said recently from his home in Spring Lake, New Jersey. “It went through a whole series of processes to refine the cotton smaller and smaller until it became a ...