May Programs and Events at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

TRAILS OPEN Wednesday, May 1, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last trail admission at 3:30 p.m.) Holderness, NH – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center celebrates the start of the public trail season on opening day, Wednesday, May 1. Regular hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last trail admission at 3:30 p.m.) Since 1966, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center has educated and enlightened visitors about the natural world through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, and lake cruises. The Science Center is the only institution in northern New England accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The 3/4 mile live animal exhibit trail features mountain lions, coyote, fisher, red and gray fox, bobcats, black bear, river otters, white-tailed deer, various owls and raptors, and more. Plan at least two hours to walk the animal exhibit trail, which meanders through open meadows, mature forests, and marsh boardwalks on a packed gravel path. Trail rates for 2019 are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors (age 65+), $15 for youth ages 3 to 15, free for children 2 and under and members. Visit www.nhnature.org for more information. New Hampshire Day Saturday, May 4, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last trail admission at 3:30 p.m.) Holderness, NH - Squam Lakes Natural Science Center invites New Hampshire residents to New Hampshire Day for a reduced trail admission of just $5 (regular adult admission is $20). Visitors will get nearer to nature on the three-quarter mile live animal exhibit trail featuring mink, turtles, frogs, fish, coyote, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, white-tailed deer, river otters, black bears, plus various owls, raptors, and much more. There will be live animal presentations at 11:00 a.m. (Porcupine), 1:00 p.m. (Great Horned Owl), and 3:00 p.m. (American Kestrel). Volunteer docents will be on the exhibit trail with live animals and props. The Howling Coyote Gift Shop holds its annual New Hampshire Day sale. Dead River Company will be onsite providing energy saving ideas. New Hampshire Electric Cooperative will provide free admission to New Hampshire Electric Co-op Members and employees on New Hampshire Day. NHEC members should mention that they are members at admissions. New Hampshire Day is generously sponsored by Dead River Company and New Hampshire Electric Cooperative Foundation. Cost: $5/ New Hampshire residents; $20/adult; $17/senior (age 65+), $15/youth (ages 3 to 15); Free for children 2 and under and members. For details about this event, upcoming programs, and membership go towww.nhnature.org or call 603-968-7194. Invasive Species Removal Work Day Wednesday, May 8, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Holderness, NH - Squam Lakes Natural Science Center invites the public to learn how to identify and remove invasive plant species. The program will begin with a brief introduction to an invasive species followed by going out onto Science Center grounds to learn and practice techniques for removing that species from an area. Participants will learn skills to apply to removing invasive species from their own property. Refreshments are provided to wrap up the session. Participants should wear long pants and sturdy shoes and to bring work gloves, water, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Cost: This program is free but reservations are required. For details about this event, upcoming programs, and membership go towww.nhnature.org or call 603-968-7194. Spring Birding Friday, May 10, 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. Holderness, NH – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center and Squam Lakes Conservation Society hold a beginner bird identification program for adults and youth ages 14 and older. Under the guidance of Iain MacLeod, participants will seek out the huge variety of birds that fill our woods, meadows, and wetlands each spring. Participants will explore a variety of habitats in the Lakes Region looking for birds identified by sight and sound. Cost per program: $12/Science Center or Conservation Society member; $15/non-member For details about this event, upcoming programs, and membership go towww.nhnature.org or call 603-968-7194. Vernal Pool Exploration Saturday, May 11, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Holderness, NH – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center explores vernal pools with adults and families with children ages 6 and older. Spring is an exciting time to be out and about. It is the time when vernal pools are coming to life. Participants will explore two different vernal pools at the Science Center to learn about the animals dependent on these predator-free, ephemeral pools. Waterproof boots are highly recommended. This program requires walking off trail through uneven and rough terrain. Cost: $8/member; $10/non-member For details about this event, upcoming programs, and membership go towww.nhnature.org or call 603-968-7194. Science Pub: Climate Change Solutions – Solar Shares Tuesday, May 14, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Holderness, NH -  The very popular Science Pub continues in May at Walter’s Basin Restaurant in Holderness. Climate change is affecting our human and natural environments. Hear from people taking action to mitigate climate change consequences at the individual and community levels. Take part in a lively discussion after the presentation to discuss solutions we can implement at home and in our communities. Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative will talk about the Solar Shares Community Funded Solar program. This program is sponsored by Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Squam Lakes Association, and Squam Lakes Conservation Society.  Cost: No charge to attend. Order and pay for food and drinks individually. Seating is lounge style. For dining with traditional seating, arrive early to eat in the dining room prior to the 6:30 p.m. presentation start time in the lounge. Advance registration requested by calling the Science Center at 603-968-7194. For details about this event, upcoming programs, and membership go towww.nhnature.org or call 603-968-7194. Spring Birding Friday, May 17, 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. Holderness, NH – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center and Squam Lakes Conservation Society hold a beginner bird identification program for adults and youth ages 14 and older. Under the guidance of Iain MacLeod, participants will seek out the huge variety of birds that fill our woods, meadows, and wetlands each spring. Participants will explore a variety of habitats in the Lakes Region looking for birds identified by sight and sound. Cost per program: $12/Science Center or Conservation Society member; $15/non-member For details about this event, upcoming programs, and membership go towww.nhnature.org or call 603-968-7194. Vernal Pool Exploration Saturday, May 18, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Holderness, NH – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center explores vernal pools with adults and families with children ages 6 and older. Spring is an exciting time to be out and about. It is the time when vernal pools are coming to life. Participants will explore two different vernal pools at the Science Center to learn about the animals dependent on these predator-free, ephemeral pools. Waterproof boots are highly recommended. This program requires walking off trail through uneven and rough terrain. Cost: $8/member; $10/non-member For details about this event, upcoming programs, and membership go towww.nhnature.org or call 603-968-7194. Invasive Species Removal Work Day Thursday, May 23, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Holderness, NH - Squam Lakes Natural Science Center invites the public to learn how to identify and remove invasive plant species. The program will begin with a brief introduction to an invasive species followed by going out onto Science Center grounds to learn and practice techniques for removing that species from an area. Participants will learn skills to apply to removing invasive species from their own property. Refreshments are provided to wrap up the session. Participants should wear long pants and sturdy shoes and to bring work gloves, water, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Cost: This program is free but reservations are required. For details about this event, upcoming programs, and membership go towww.nhnature.org or call 603-968-7194. Spring Birding Friday, May 24, 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. Holderness, NH – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center and Squam Lakes Conservation Society hold a beginner bird identification program for adults and youth ages 14 and older. Under the guidance of Iain MacLeod, participants will seek out the huge variety of birds that fill our woods, meadows, and wetlands each spring. Participants will explore a variety of habitats in the Lakes Region looking for birds identified by sight and sound. Cost per program: $12/Science Center or Conservation Society member; $15/non-member For details about this event, upcoming programs, and membership go towww.nhnature.org or call 603-968-7194. Spring Birding Friday, May 31, 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. Holderness, NH – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center and Squam Lakes Conservation Society hold a beginner bird identification program for adults and youth ages 14 and older. Under the guidance of Iain MacLeod, participants will seek out the huge variety of birds that fill our woods, meadows, and wetlands each spring. Participants will explore a variety of habitats in the Lakes Region looking for birds identified by sight and sound. Cost per program: $12/Science Center or Conservation Society member; $15/non-member For details about this event, upcoming programs, and membership go towww.nhnature.org or call 603-968-7194.

ONGOING EVENTS

River Otter Feeding Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11:30 a.m. beginning Wednesday, May 1 Holderness, NH – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center holds a special river otter feeding every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11:30 a.m. See the two playful resident river otters enjoy an early lunch. Expert volunteers tell visitors about otter biology and ecology, while also serving up a tasty treat or two. River otter feeding time is included in regular trail admission. Trail Rates: FREE/members; $20/adult, $17/senior (65+), $15/youth (ages 3 to 15), children 2 and under free. For details about this event, upcoming programs, and membership go towww.nhnature.org or call 603-968-7194. Discover Squam Cruise Daily at 1:00 p.m. beginning Saturday, May 18 Holderness, NH - This unforgettable guided tour has something to delight everyone. Learn about the natural history of the lake, the wildlife that makes Squam so special, and the people who have enjoyed these lakes for over 5,000 years. View locations where the movie On Golden Pond was filmed. Watch for Common Loons, Bald Eagles, and other wildlife. All Squam Lake Cruises are 90 minutes in length. Squam Lake Cruises are on canopied pontoon boats.  Binoculars are available for wildlife viewing at no additional cost. Cruises depart on Route 113 across from the Science Center parking lots. Park in designated lots and walk to Lake Cruise Headquarters using pathway. Cost: $27/adult; $25 senior (age 65+); $23 youth (ages up to 15); members receive a $4 per person discount To purchase cruise tickets and see the full cruise schedule visit nhnature.org.

About Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

The mission of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world. Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, guided Squam Lake Cruises, an informal public garden, and Blue Heron School, a nature-based Montessori early learning center, the Science Center has educated and enlightened visitors since 1966 about the importance of our natural world. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is located on Route 113 in Holderness, an easy drive from exit 24 off I-93, and public trails are open daily from May 1 through November 1 with programming throughout the year. The Science Center is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is the only AZA-accredited institution in all of northern New England. For further information about the Science Center, call 603-968-7194 or visit www.nhnature.org.