Options for Managing Old Fields for Wildlife

Thursday, July 17, 2025, 9:30 AM - noon

Michael Nerrie, michael@distanthill.org

Distant Hill Nature Trail, 66 March Hill Road, Alstead, NH (GPS directions)

Old fields, hedgerows, and field edges can provide unique habitats for many species of vertebrate and invertebrate wildlife. The specific wildlife that use these habitats is determined by many factors that you can influence with careful management. During this outdoor workshop led by Amy Papineau (Landscape & Horticulture Field Specialist), Matt Tarr (State Wildlife Habitat Specialist), and NRCS professionals, we will discuss examples of some of the most important factors influencing what wildlife species will use field and old field habitats and how to attract them. Registration is required, please register here.

*This event is sponsored by Distant Hill Gardens & Nature Trail, UNH Extension, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

 

Harris Center’s SuperSanctuary Butterfly Count

Saturday, July 19, 2025, 9 AM - 2 PM

Harris Center Headquarters, Hancock (GPS directions)

Join the Harris Center for their annual SuperSanctuary Butterfly Count on July 19! We’ll break up into groups, surveying locations all around the SuperSanctuary. New lepidopteran enthusiasts will be paired with those who are more seasoned. Registration is required; please register for the event and find more information here.

 

Farandnear Reservation - Shirley, MA

Saturday, July 26, 2025, 8 AM, morning with optional picnic afterward

Jane Wing, jeswing29@yahoo.com

Meet: Farandnear Reservation, Shirley, MA (GPS directions)

Farandnear is an 85-acre parcel on Center Road in Shirley, MA, which is managed by The Trustees of Reservations. This is a beautiful property that you could spend all day at and still not explore every part, as there is so much to explore. There are many wooded trails which offer easy walking, fields of wildflowers, an arboretum of more than 80 conifer trees, and the remnants of an old cranberry bog. This property offers many different habitats for a large variety of bird species, dragon- and damselflies, as well as wildflowers and trees. Wooded trails are wide and easily navigable, and, while a few roots may be encountered, the trails are easy walking. Pack a lunch if you’d like to stay for a picnic lunch and socialize with some fellow nature enthusiasts afterward!