Geocaching is an outdoor hobby using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to find a "geocache" (or "cache"). Caches are typically small, waterproof containers with a "treasure" and a log book inside. A geocache has been placed at The Fells. Visit www.geocaching.com to download the coordinates for this digital age treasure hunt.
Trail-walk: Introduction to Geocaching
Monday, April 26, 10am-noon
Join Tom Stark and learn about the high-tech global treasure hunting game of Geocaching. Participants learn to download web-based geocache hunts onto their own GPS units and practice using GPS navigational techniques to discover a number of geocache sites at the Fells. Participants must have their own GPS unit and beginner level GPS navigation skills. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Members free, nonmembers $6. Call 603-763-4789 x3 for reservations. Rain or Shine. Meet at The Fells Gatehouse.
Valley Quest Season Kick-off Party
Saturday, May 1, 10am-noon
Learn about Valley Quests--treasure hunts that celebrate community, natural history, cultural sites, stories and special places! Join us at The Fells as Valley Questing season begins. Carve Quest stamps, complete the garden and woodland-based Fells Quest and learn about other exciting quests throughout the Upper Valley. Fun for the whole family. Meet at The Fells Gatehouse. Refreshments provided. Free.
Trail-walk: Discovering Vernal Pools: A Walk for Families
Saturday, May 1, 1-2:30pm
The peep-peep-peep of Spring Peepers and the quacking of Wood Frogs can be heard in vernal pools when the woods awake in the spring! Bring the whole family for a learning adventure at one of The Fells vernal pools and discover who lives there and why these temporary habitats are so important. Follow Lake Sunapee Protective Association Education Director Kathleen Stowell into The Fells woodlands to explore this unique phenomenon. Waterproof footwear recommended. Fells and LSPA members free, nonmembers $6, families $15 for 2 adults and 2 children. No registration required. For additional information call 603-763-4789 ext. 3 or visit www.thefells.org. Rain or shine. Meet at The Fells Welcome Kiosk.
Organic Lawn Care
Tuesday, May 18, 6:00-7:15pm
In this program presented by the Merrimack County UNH Cooperative Extension, UNH Agricultural Educator Amy Ouelette discusses choosing the right grass for your lawn, soil health, how to avoid common lawn problems, providing natural sources of nutrients, mowing and irrigating. Free. Limited seating, call for reservations. Meet at The Fells Gatehouse.
Trail-walk: Wildflowers
Tuesday, June 1, 1-2:30pm
Explore The Fells with trail guides Lynn Johnson and Emma Crane in search of wildflowers--both common and uncommon. You will be surprised to discover a vast variety of plants under your very feet. Learn to identify shrubs, trees, and ferns and meander along the new woodland Wildflower Loop. Bring cameras, field guides and notebooks. Sturdy shoes and insect repellant recommended. Members free, nonmembers $6. Reservations not required. Rain or shine. Meet at The Fells Welcome Kiosk.
Trail-walk: Birding
Wednesday, June 2, 8-10am
Explore the woods and fields at The Fells with Diane and Jack Kreager in search of returning breeding birds and migrants passing through our area. Learn about new electronic bird identification tools that supplement the traditional guidebooks. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring insect repellant, binoculars and your favorite field guide. Members free, nonmembers $6. Reservations not required. Rain or shine. Meet at The Fells Welcome Kiosk.
Trail-walk: Good Bugs, Bad Bugs
Sunday, July, 11, 10-11:30am
Most of the insects that call your yard home are beneficial or benign--they pollinate plants, aerate the soil and consume debris. But there are also bad bugs lurking in your gardens like white grubs, scale, aphids and the invasive Hemlock Wooly Adelgid and Asian longhorn beetle. A walk through The Fells gardens with Fells Assistant Gardener Tressa Gaffney will teach you how to identify some common New Hampshire bugs and how to naturally create a healthy balance in your garden. Members free, nonmembers $8. Rain or shine. Meet at The Fells Welcome Kiosk.
Trailwalk: Family Night Hike
Friday, October 1, 7-8:30pm (Rain date October 8)
Experience the adventure of a night-time walk on the trails at The Fells. Dave and Fay Barden guide you in exploring the mysteries of the night according to Native American legend. Tom Vannatta will conduct a brief session in astronomy, skies and weather permitting. Conclude the evening with refreshments at the Gatehouse. Reservations not required. Meet at The Fells Gatehouse. Members free, nonmembers $6.
Introduction to Mushroom Hunting and Identification
Sunday October 3, 1-4pm
Trail-walk leaders and amateur mycologists George and Jill Montgomery provide a brief introduction to mushroom identification followed by a trail hike to collect various species in The Fells woodlands. Finish up by classifying your collected specimens. Sturdy shoes, a knife, and basket are recommended. Members $16, nonmembers $20. Rain or shine. Meet at The Fells Welcome Kiosk.