Distant Hill Events for 2024

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