UNH Extension - Merrimack County

08/27/2026

New Hampshire K–5 educators: bring more food, agriculture and nutrition education into your classroom with support from UNH Extension’s 4-H Farm to School Fellowship.

Throughout the 2026–2027 school year, 4-H Farm to School Fellows will use the Harvest of the Month curriculum to help students build food system literacy and learn more about nutrition.

Fellows will also receive professional development, monthly teaching resources and opportunities to connect and learn with other educators across the state.

Only 10 teachers will be selected for this year’s fellowship.

Applications close September 1. Learn more and apply to become a 4-H Farm to School Fellow at the link in the comments!

NH 4-H Program

08/26/2026

A Wildlife Habitat Management Walk at Messer Farm

🗓️ September 21, 2026
⏰ 5pm-7pm
📍 Messer Farm
✅ Registration Required

Join UNH State Wildlife Specialist Matt Tarr, Merrimack County Forester Tim Fleury, and Ausbon Sargent on an evening walk at Messer Farm. They will discuss wildlife habitat management, invasives and pollinators while walking along the edge of the agricultural fields. This will be a slow, easy walk on flat but uneven ground. Registration is required and will be followed by more details.

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Matt Tarr, UNH State Wildlife Specialist and Ausbon Sargent invite you to an evening walk at Messer Farm. We will discuss wildlife habitat management, invas ...

08/21/2026

Extension foresters help landowners achieve their goals and identify potential stewardship opportunities through site visits, workshops, educational materials, woods forums, and field days. We visit your property (approximately 10 acres or more) for free and help you achieve your goals for your property including forestry, recreation, wildlife habitat, water resources, scenic beauty, and more. Click the link in comments to learn more!

08/12/2026

Get ready to get your hands dirty! On September 23rd, join us for an all-day, outdoor workshop at the Grafton County Extension Office to learn all about the insects, diseases and pathogens impacting forest health in New Hampshire and Vermont.

Participants will rotate through seven hands-on stations, each will feature a unique set of insects, invasive plants, or diseases that a specialist will show you, let you handle, and then moderate a discussion of how these pests could influence your forest or habitat management.

Have a mystery pest or unusual forest damage? Bring it with you! Bring your own samples, photos, or examples of pests or damage you’ve spotted in the woods, and our experts will help identify them.

Think you’ve found something they’ve never seen? Bring it on. Come ready to learn, explore, and maybe even stump the experts! Click the link below to learn more and register.

08/07/2026

Discover the trees all around you! Join Extension Foresters from September 10th to November 18th for a fun, hands-on, seven-part Tree Identification Course. Participants will learn to recognize more than 50 tree and shrub species commonly found throughout New Hampshire.

The course includes, 2 indoor lab sessions (3 hours each) and 5 outdoor field sessions (2 hours each). Field sessions feature leisurely walks along hiking trails, so come dressed for the weather and wear comfortable footwear suitable for outdoor exploration.

Whether you're just getting started or want to sharpen your identification skills, this course is a great way to build your knowledge while enjoying New Hampshire's forests.

Space is limited for this course due to instructor-to-participant ratio, and priority will be given to those who can commit to all 7 sessions (or most of the sessions). Applications are due by August 28th. Click the link in the comments to learn more and apply!

08/07/2026

The current Cyclospora outbreak is a reminder that water used to grow and wash produce must be carefully managed. 💧🌱

There is no evidence linking a New Hampshire farm to the outbreak, and UNH Extension specialist Wendy Johnecheck says consumers should feel confident buying fresh produce from local farms.

New Hampshire growers continue to invest in the equipment, training and practices needed to reduce food safety risks. UNH Extension supports that work through online resources, farmer meetings and on-farm guidance.

Extension also helps farmers improve irrigation systems, understand agricultural water safety practices and create “water budgets” that estimate how much water their farms will need each year.

“We’re the support system. The farmers are front-and-center,” says Wendy Johnecheck, Associated Extension Professor.

By working together, farmers and UNH Extension are helping reduce food safety risks and support a strong local food system.

Read full story at the link in comments!

07/24/2026

Did you know your outdoor lighting choices can affect insects? 💡

Insects play important roles in our ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, and food sources for wildlife. Simple changes to outdoor lighting can help reduce their disruption.

Here are a few ways to make your outdoor lighting more insect-friendly:

Leave outdoor lights off when they aren't needed.

Consider motion-sensor lights that automatically turn off when no one is around.

Choose yellow outdoor bulbs, especially for fixtures that stay on after dark.

Small changes around your home can help support insects and the many ecosystem services they provide.

07/17/2026

🍳 Food Smarts Kitchen Connections 🥗

Join Our FREE 5-Week Online Cooking Club!

Looking to build confidence in the kitchen, learn simple healthy recipes, and connect with others? Join us Tuesdays at 5pm from home starting July 28 through August 25.

Learn practical cooking skills, nutrition tips, and ways to nourish both body and mind—all in a fun, supportive online group.

📱 Join from any device
✅ Free to attend

Register today and reserve your spot! We can't wait to cook with you!
👉 https://extension.unh.edu/event/2026/07/food-smarts-kitchen-connections

06/23/2026

WE'RE HIRING! 📣
🍀 UNH Seeks a full time 4-H Program Manager in Merrimack County 🍀

The 4-H program manager facilitates the growth of the Merrimack County 4-H program and life-skill development of 4-H youth.

06/10/2026

Nothing says summer in New Hampshire quite like fireflies.

If you'd like to see more of these familiar summer visitors, a few simple changes in your yard can help support their habitat.

Avoid chemicals targeting insects. Fireflies spend much of their life cycle in the soil and leaf litter, where their larvae feed on snails, slugs, and caterpillars.

Mow higher and less often. Fireflies are attracted to taller grasses and often rest on grass blades and shrubs. Maintaining a lawn at 3.5 to 4 inches can benefit fireflies while also promoting a healthier lawn.

Plant native grasses and shrubs. Native plants such as Pennsylvania sedge and little bluestem provide valuable habitat and shelter.

Reduce outdoor lighting. Artificial light can interfere with fireflies' ability to see each other's flashes, making it harder for them to communicate and find mates.

Small changes in your landscape can help support fireflies and other beneficial insects.

Read full article at the link in comments!