Forest Society Blog - News & Features

Dave reflects on how a childhood discovery—a bird’s nest hidden in a Christmas tree—sparked a lasting connection to nature, memory, and place. From suburban New Jersey to New Hampshire forests, it celebrates the quiet power of early encounters with the natural world.

This reflection weaves together the rhythms of ecological change with a transition behind the microphone at Something Wild. As forests, wildlife communities, and seasons evolve, so too does the show—marking Chris Martin’s retirement as co-host and welcoming Grace McCulloch to carry the conversation forward, reminding us that change is not an ending, but a continuation.

Northern saw-whet owls are among New Hampshire’s tiniest — and most elusive — forest residents, but a recent visit to the Black Mountain Banding Station offered a rare chance to see these pint-sized nocturnal raptors up close. Through Project Owlnet, banders are helping uncover the mysteries of saw-whet migration, biology, and behavior, one adorable owl at a time.

Extreme birder Gino Ellison joined Something Wild to share how his 2023 Big Year led him across 78,000 miles and to an incredible 802 bird species. He reflects on what drives dedicated “listers” and why anyone can try their own Big Year—right in their backyard.

The Something Wild team visited Black Mountain Forest to see northern saw-whet owls up close. On a record night at the banding station, 15 owls were banded and released, helping researchers track these tiny, elusive nocturnal hunters.

To close out this year’s Five Hikes Challenge, participants enjoyed a beautiful fall day exploring the Dottie Bean Forest in Farmington — a landscape of family legacy, open blueberry ledges, and mountain views.

The Forest Society recently welcomed neighbors from Building Community in NH for a BYO lunch and a walk on the Merrimack River Floodplain trail. Guests from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Congo, Haiti, and Myanmar enjoyed fall colors, crafts, and a chance to connect with nature and the community.

With foliage at its peak, it’s the perfect time to explore Forest Society trails through the annual 5 Hikes Challenge. Recent guided hikes brought visitors to the historic Monson Center in Milford and Hollis — once one of New Hampshire’s earliest inland settlements. There’s still time to complete your own five hikes or join upcoming staff-led outings at Mount Major and the new Dottie Bean Forest.