Recreation

The Forest Society's mission includes conserving lands that provide recreational opportunities--and economic benefits through tourism--for New Hampshire residents and visitors. Visit this page to explore stories related to recreation on conserved lands.

Since mid-March, my family and I have been doing a lot of walking in the woods. Daily hikes on quiet, local trails have become our sanity in this constricted and complicated reality that we are living in.

Here are a few recommendations from the Forest Society’s staff for you to watch, read, and listen to now that we're all staying closer to home.

 

When a road trip north isn’t an option, Maria Finnegan relies on Nashua’s network of rail trails or takes a walk in a local park. Unfortunately, the Coronoavirus has made getting some fresh air a bit more complicated.

The golden eagle atop the NH State House dome in Concord isn't alone in the skies over the State Capitol. Photographer and naturalist Ellen Kenny recently captured images of a mature Bald Eagle catching a fish from the banks of the Merrimack River.

You can recreate responsibly by using the links below to help find places near you to hike and recreate safely. Try both statewide agencies and land trusts as well as regional land trusts, and don't forget your own town. Most municipalities have some open lands or a town forest with hiking trails... check with your town's conservation commission or recreation department. 

Nature is our ally during this difficult time. It has the power to soothe, uplift and restore. We are pleased to see people across the Granite State experiencing the restorative powers of a simple walk in the woods, and are equally pleased that most are heeding the message to enjoy those benefits locally and only when a place is not crowded.

We encourage you to #hikelocal, #walklocal and stay safe and healthy in the outdoors. Here are a few guidelines to share.

Something Wild is joint production of NH Audubon, The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests & NHPR.

We recommend listening to it in it's original format but a transcript of the show is also below.

Luckily, whether you’re self-isolating inside, keeping to your neighborhood or you have easy access to forests and fields, it’s easier than ever to grow your connections to the natural world.