Discover the Power of Parks!

The weather is warm, the kids are out of school, so it’s the perfect time to once again Discover the Power of Parks, presented by New Hampshire State Parks in collaboration with the Student Conservation Association (SCA), and made possible by financial support from PSNH. Programs include guided hikes, interpretive tours, and imaginative environmental workshops for children and families at Monadnock, Franconia Notch, Greenfield, and White Lake state parks.

This year’s programs kicked off with a special afternoon event at Bear Brook State Park that highlighted the SCA student interpreters as well as the public/private partnerships essential to the stewardship of New Hampshire’s special outdoor places. “We’ve reached the five-year mark for Power of Parks, and PSNH has tallied donations of $100,000. We couldn’t do it without them,” said Phil Bryce, director of NH State Parks.

The event included a hands-on breakout session that highlighted what the program is all about: Some guests dabbled in water sampling, others in wild indigenous foods, and others in CCA history (Civilian Conservation Corps). The enthusiasm of the interpreters was contagious.

The SCA is celebrating 55 years of protecting and restoring national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces in all 50 states. Its mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.

Programs are offered free to guests with paid park admission fee. No pre-registration is required. Discover Power of Parks programs run through September 3. (Programming will continue in Franconia Notch through October 8.) 

Pictured above: Power of Parks interpreter Jonathan Rager teaches his group about the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps.