Educational Programs
The Rocks Estate staff includes several naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts who are willing to offer bus tours or educational lectures at your facilities.
The additional programs include:
Vernal Pools and New Hampshire's Amphibians
New Hampshire is home to 11 species of salamanders and 10 species of frogs. These 21 amphibians depend on vernal pools, temporary bodies of water, to lay their eggs and for their young to develop. Discover more about these fascinating creatures which are so seldom seen.
Moose, Deer, Bear and More
Discover the wildlife of Northern New Hampshire with outdoor enthusiast Nigel Manley. Nigel has worked for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests last 20 years and has spent hours observing animals and birds in his backyard. Come discover secrets of the natural world with hands on exhibits including antlers, pelts and skulls while enjoying intriguing educational facts about the animals in New Hampshire.
The Wild Turkey - Almost the National Bird!
The wild turkey was extirpated in several states including New Hampshire and through a great conservation effort the species has bounced back with great success. Learn how the turkey got its name, how it became domesticated, the different sub-species, and see the tropical form of the bird. Touch feathers, see spurs, hear the sounds of turkeys, and an option to try different turkey calls.
Conservation in the UK and the USA
Conservation in the UK is dear to the Brits hearts. Bird watching is a national past time and the scenery is breathtaking. Nigel Manley, a Director for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests grew up in the UK and now lives in Bethlehem New Hampshire. He will show parallels and differences in some of the conservation ideas in both the UK and the USA.
Hiking and Nature Trails
Walk, hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski the nature trails at Bretzfelder Memorial Park and The Rocks Estate. Open year-round. Dogs are welcome. No wheeled or motorized vehicles are allowed. See Trail Information for maps.
Teachers-bring your students on an unforgettable outing to one of the Forest Society's North Country Properties.
O' CHRISTMAS TREE:
This program focuses on the Christmas tree and its history as well as their use, how they are grown, the varieties of trees used as Christmas trees and a brief discussion of winter wildlife. The program concludes with making birdseed ornaments to take home.
MAPLE SUGAR TIME:
Individuals learn the history of maple sugaring, from the time-honored traditions of the Native Americans to the present, why the sap moves around in maple trees, how to distinguish between red maple and sugar maple trees, and how to identify a maple tree when it is without leaves. Each class enjoys tapping their own tree, and a taste of one of New Hampshire's finest products.
FALL COLOR FEST:
During the Fall Color Fest, students will learn how leaves change color, what New Hampshire's animals do during the fall months, and what role fungus plays in decomposing all the leaves that fall to the forest floor at the end of foliage. In addition participants will also have an arts and crafts time.