Cold is Cool

A graphic of a night sky over snow-covered trees that says Cold is Cool.

During winter months, cold is cool IF you're prepared!

Remember to:

OUTSIDE

  • Use our Forest Reservation Guide to find a Forest Society property that is open to visitors (58 properties host marked trails but see the link above during snowy times for those that are plowed). You can also use our Easement Lands Guide to find lesser-known properties with public access. 
  • Use our "Hike Local" guide, organized by region, to find additional trails on conservation land across the state owned by other nonprofits and local agencies. (Please check with the land owner about winter access!)
  • Post your adventures with #coldiscool to social media and we'll inspire others to opt outside!

INSIDE

  • We want you to stay connected with the natural world, no matter the temperature. We've hosted a number of virtual programs with speakers sharing their expertise on a range of topics, from maple sugaring to restoring wildlife habitat. Find videos of the recorded Zoom presentations here.
  • Lunchtime LIVE: We'll be posting new videos occasionally on Facebook. Follow our Facebook page to join in the fun or you can re-watch past content here, including virtual field trips and fireside readings. Past Woodshop Wednesdays woodworking projects with carpenter Andy Crowley are also archived.
  • Learn from listening to our past Something Wild podcasts, mini-lessons on the natural world, and reading our Forest Journal and Forest Notes articles covering topics including:

Snow, Ice & Climate Change

Articles & resources:

ice effects on winter wildlifeBare trees make like bears, hibernating through winter’s cold; Wonders to find in the winter woods; Bend but don't break- how trees survive Northern winters (and more on the topic here); Winter's frozen ice show.

 

 

Maple sugaring metal bucket
Maple sugaring

Articles & resources:

Forest Society Senior Director of Education Dave Anderson was featured on NHPR's The Exchange and there's a video of a visit to his sugarhouse included in the post; plus, you can find curriculum on maple sugaring including evaporation and grading here; Something Wild on maple sugaring; Dave Anderson's Forest Journal article on sap running earlier than ever.

 

 

A warbler perches on a branch
Photo: Ellen Kenny
Wildlife & wildlife tracking

Articles & Resources: 

You can check out this Something Wild episode on wildlife tracker Susan Morse, read an article with tracking tips and tricks, or join a subreddit of people across the country interested in animal tracking. Look for habitat hotspots once the snow melts. On birds and birding: Why spring peepers are so loudnorthern harriers are the rarest bird of prey; the warbler fallout; and going woodcocking and making memories.

 

 

Lesson Plans, Curriculum & Hands-on Activities

 

Guide to Recreating Safely & Responsibly

A graphic of 10 essentials for winter recreation: navigation, flashlight, sun protection, first aid, knife, fire starter, shelter, extra food, water and clothing.

A graphic with recreate responsibly guidelines.

 

Map and guide to forest reservations in New Hampshire

Explore Our Reservations!

Visit our Reservations Guide to plan a day in the woods or learn about land we own near you. Click here to see a map of our Forest Reservations and get directions.

Support Our Work

The Forest Society owns over 190 reservations which receive thousands of visitors each year. Our Reservation Stewardship staff, land stewards, and other volunteers spend countless hours every year maintaining trails, signage, parking, and kiosks so that visitors will have a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.

Your contribution will help us keep our reservations ready for use by our members and the public.