UNH Cooperative Extension announces a hands-on course for people who enjoy being outdoors and value nature to become stewards of New Hampshire’s forests, wildlife, and water resources.
The 13-session course will cover tree identification, planting, and care; forest types and the wildlife that lives within them; permaculture; ecological landscaping; land conservation and protection; wetlands; invasive species; and many more topics essential to the well-being of the state’s natural resources.
“The course is open to all,” said Mary Tebo Davis, natural resources field specialist at Cooperative Extension. “It is especially helpful for those volunteering on conservation commissions, tree committees, or watershed associations, and for those who maybe aren’t sure yet how they can help but want to make a difference.”
In exchange for learning, participants complete 40 hours of volunteer service in more than 40 natural resource areas including measuring New Hampshire’s biggest trees, inventorying natural resources, helping protect thousands of acres of land, discovering endangered species and delivering educational programs to adults and children. Volunteering can take place in one’s own community or through one of Cooperative Extension’s partnering agencies’ programs.
Tebo Davis encourages those interested to sign up quickly. “Space is limited…the sooner you apply, the better your chances of making it into the program,” she said.
The course begins September 4 and will continue for 13 consecutive Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the New Hampshire Fish and Game offices in Concord.
Co-sponsors of the Natural Resources Steward program include UNH Cooperative Extension, New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and its Wonders of Wildlife Program, U.S. Forest Service, and Great Bay Community College (which offers college credit for the course) in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and County Conservation Districts.
For more information, visit nhstewards.org or call Cooperative Extension at (603) 641-6060.
UNH Cooperative Extension puts trusted information and practical know-how into the hands of New Hampshire citizens and organizations. Extension is at work in every NH county, making critical industries stronger, developing vibrant communities and municipal leaders, and fostering healthy families and an informed, engaged citizenry. www.extension.unh.edu.