We are still adding events to our 2024 schedule.
Stay tuned for more events as we add them.
“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” Socrates
View our 'Events Collection for 2024' on Eventbrite
We are having two family friendly work/pizza parties at Distant Hill Nature Trail on Saturdays, April 20 and April 27 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Everyone can help, from toddler to adult, and every age in between!
Come to one or both events if you like, but please make sure you register each person in your family for each day.
Both events will start at 9:30 followed by pizza and drinks at 11:30!
Please Register so we know how many pizzas to buy!
Join Harris Center teacher-naturalist Jazimina Creamer-MacNeil to ramble along Distant Hill Nature Trail searching for signs of spring, listening to bird songs, and sniffing the first flowers of the year! This hike was designed for parents and caregivers with babies in packs and toddlers and siblings in tow. A great way to connect with other families and children who like to spend time outside.
Meet at Distant Hill Nature Trail, 66 March Hill Road, Alstead, NH
Space is limited and Registration is Required
Distant Hill Nature Trail is stroller friendly!
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In an effort to create more belonging and inclusivity in the Monadnock Region, this outing has been designed with a specific group of people in mind. Learn more on the Harris Center Affinity Groups page.
Co-sponsored by the Harris Center for Conservation Education
and Distant Hill Gardens & Nature Trail
GREETINGS ROCK HOUNDS!
Get ready for a fun-filled day exploring the world of rocks and minerals with your family at an abandoned feldspar mine just a short distance from Distant Hill Gardens.
Join us on Sat May 04 2024 at 10:00 AM for this exciting in-person free event.
Embark on a thrilling journey to discover different types of rocks and minerals with hands-on activities suitable for all ages. Learn about the fascinating history of the mine and uncover the hidden treasures waiting to be found!
NOTE: This outing is for families with elementary-aged children and up .
All children must be accompanied by an adult. Free of charge.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to bond with your family while exploring the wonders of geology. Come prepared for an adventure like no other! Registration is Required
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Co-sponsored by the Harris Center for Conservation Education
and Distant Hill Gardens & Nature Trail
Join Richard Doherty (he, him) and Hunter Kirschner (he, they) for an LGBTQ+ community hike at Distant Hill Nature Trail. Our 2-mile route will take us along smooth gravel trails featuring gentle grades where we'll explore vernal pools, a geology trail, and a boardwalk over a quaking bog. Service pets are welcome. Bring a snack and water, and come prepared for spring conditions, including insects.
We'll meet at Distant Hill Gardens at 507 March Hill Road in Walpole, NH, which is located 200 feet west of the parking area for Distant Hill Nature Trail.
Registration is Required
For questions about this outing please contact Richard or Hunter -
RICHARD DOHERTY - rcharddoherty@gmail.com
HUNTER KIRSCHNER - hunter.j.kirschner@gmail.com
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In an effort to create more belonging and inclusivity in the Monadnock Region, this outing has been designed with a specific group of people in mind. Learn more on the Harris Center Affinity Groups page.
Co-sponsored by the Harris Center for Conservation Education
and Distant Hill Gardens & Nature Trail
Distant Hill has been working with National Grid, the company who owns and manages the 1,600 feet of transmission line right-of-way that crosses their property in an attempt to increase the biodiversity of the corridor.
Ecologically the open scrubland beneath transmission lines can support a rich and complex menagerie of life if managed correctly. New England's transmission line corridors are know to harbor populations of over 200 species of rare or protected plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
THE WORKSHOP AGENDA
Mariclaire Rigby, the lead vegetation strategy specialist for National Grid, will begin the workshop with a brief history of National Grid's Biodiversity Projects and Initiatives.
Next, Dr. Anand Persad , the director of research, science, and innovation at ACRT Services, will talk about his work studying the biodiversity on transmission line corridors, including the plant, invertebrate, and migratory bird populations found there. Dr. Persad will also discuss the Buckthorn Study Trials he is conductiong at Distant Hill.
And lastly, Richard Hendlar, an IVM specialist with ACRT Services, will discuss the management tools available in transmission corridors and the use of Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) to promote desirable, stable, low-growing plant communities along utility rights-of-way.
ENOUGH TALKING! ... INTO THE FIELD WE GO
We will then head out into the field to take a look at the 'Buckthorn Study Trial' site and the transmission line ROW in person.
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Co-sponsors: National Grid, ACRT Services, & Distant Hill Gardens & Nature Trail
You are invited to do some late spring birding at Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail on Saturday, June 15th from 8-10 am. Avid birders Wendy Ward from NRCS, and Nate Marchessault from the Harris Center, will be co-leading this birding event exploring the forests, fields, and wetlands of Distant Hill. We will be looking for interesting species, as well as learning to identify the birds by their songs and calls.
With over 100 species of birds documented at Distant Hill, there is a good chance you may see or hear a species or two that are new to you!
Beginning birders welcome! And don't worry if you don't have binoculars.
We have a few extra pairs you can borrow!
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Co-sponsored by the Harris Center for Conservation Education
and Distant Hill Gardens & Nature Trail
EXTRACTING SMALL SCALE FOREST PRODUCTS FROM YOUR WOODLOT
This will be an all outdoor workshop. We will be joined by licensed forester and experienced logger, Peter Renzelman, who will discuss the tools and skills needed to extract firewood from your woodlot safely and efficiently, including basic chainsaw maintenance and care, personal protective equipment, hazard and situational awareness, chainsaw safety best practices, and a felling and limbing demonstration.
There will also be a demonstration by Jan Galloway of Far Hills Forest Products of a portable Wood-Miser sawmill. She will be milling both hemlock logs into lumber for Leopold benches, and re-sawing large white pine timbers into boards and smaller dimension timbers.
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This Workshop is part of the 'Summer Land Stewardship Series' cosponsored by:
UNH Extension - Natural Resources / Forest and Trees
Get ready to witness an incredible event where an all volunteer crew of experienced timber framers and carpenters will be raising a beautiful 22' x 36' timber frame structure at the picturesque Distant Hill Nature Trail. This in-person event is a unique opportunity to see skilled craftsmen at work and learn about the art of timber framing.
The wheelchair accessible timber frame pavilion will serve as a beautiful and important addition to Distant Hill Nature Trail. It will be used for classes, community events, school groups. picnics, and more!
The event kicks off at 8:00 AM and is expected to continue throughout the day. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to get a good viewing spot and to bring their enthusiasm and curiosity. Bring your own chairs or blankets for comfortable viewing.
In addition to the timber frame raising, attendees will have the chance to explore the stroller and wheelchair-accessible trails of Distant Hill, perfect for a day out in nature.
This family-friendly event is free to the public, and all ages are welcome.
TEDDY BEARS PICNIC' PARADE
A Holiday based on the song “The Teddy Bears Picnic”, this day is all about spending time picnicking with friends, family... and teddy bears!
Bring your favorite teddy bear or other stuffed animal, lunch or a snack, and join us at the new pavilion at Distant Hill Nature Trail .
We will be decorating wagons and strollers for a special 'Teddy Bears Picnic' Parade. Bring your own wagon, or borrow one of ours if you don't have one. Decorating supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring some of your own decorations if you want!
'Miss Julie' of The Walpole Town Library (aka Julie Rios), will be reading a story and leading the kiddos in some songs and merriment after the parade.
Distant Hill was listed as one of the Top 10 Places to Visit in New Hampshire!
Friends of Distant Hill (dba Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail) is a nonprofit,
tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Tax ID# 84-3765898
or send a check via Snail Mail to:
Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail, 507 March Hill Road, Walpole, NH 03608