Conservation Center

The front of the Conservation Center building.

The Conservation Center, headquarters of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, is located in Concord, N.H., on 103 acres of conserved land on the Merrimack River. The Conservation Center demonstrates the use of renewable natural resources and energy conservation techniques in design and construction. The campus is a great example of the evolution of energy-conscious design since 1980.

The SPNHF sign at the entrance to the Conservation Center.The original building’s energy-efficient, passive solar design was cutting edge for its time and received many accolades for its use of energy conservation, renewable energy sources, and imaginative use of native forest products.

The Weeks Wing addition in 1990 and French Wing addition in 2000 further demonstrated the Forest Society’s commitment to walking the walk by pursuing the same goals and achieving the first LEED-Gold certification in New England in 2003. The Conservation Center has won many awards over the years, including the 25-Year Award for Excellence in Architecture from the AIANH for its design by acclaimed architect C. Stuart White.

Visit the Conservation Center

You can visit the Conservation Center during open business hours, from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. 

The sun-lit lobby of the Forest Society's conservation center with views of the forest.
The lobby of the Conservation Center.

Check our events page to see what art exhibit is on display and visit our logo shop to purchase a walking stick, ball cap, or sweatshirt with our iconic tree logo. Members receive a 10% discount!

We also host community events and offer rentals of conference spaces.

Our staff would love to meet you, whether you're on your way to walk on the floodplain or just in the Concord area!

 

 

Thank You

Annual sponsorship of the Merrimack River Outdoor Education and Conservation Area generously provided by Merrimack County Savings Bank and Northeast Delta Dental.

The MCSB logo shows an illustration of a green river running through a mountainside scene.

The green logo of Delta Dental.

 

Two young boys walk through the pine forest.

Explore the Merrimack River Outdoor Education & Conservation Area

The Conservation Center is located on 103 acres of conserved land on the Merrimack River, known locally as "the floodplain." The Merrimack River Outdoor Education & Conservation Area is open to the public for many different recreational uses.

Visit the Conservation Area in Concord
Conservation Center