UNH Extension - Merrimack County

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!

06/08/2026

Exciting opportunity to hear Temple Grandin live in Durham, NH! 🐄🐖🐎

Join us for The Grandin Papers: Over 50 Years of Research on Animal Behavior and Welfare that Improved the Livestock Industry and learn from one of the world’s leading experts in animal science and livestock welfare.

Dr. Grandin will share insights from more than five decades of groundbreaking work in animal behavior, humane livestock handling, environmental enrichment, horse training, and more. Whether you work in agriculture, veterinary medicine, animal science, or simply care about animal welfare, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

06/05/2026

June is here, and gardens across New Hampshire are growing fast.

Here are a few seasonal reminders from UNH Extension:

Plant summer-flowering bulbs like cannas, dahlias, and gladiolus in a sunny location with well-drained soil.

Set your lawn mower to at least 3 inches. Taller grass is more resilient to pests, diseases, and drought, while also helping to suppress weeds.

Harvest asparagus and rhubarb through the end of June, then allow plants to grow and store energy for next year's harvest.

Prune and stake tomato plants to improve airflow, reduce disease pressure, and make harvesting easier later in the season.

Thin excess fruit from overloaded fruit trees to encourage larger fruit and reduce stress on branches.

Move houseplants outdoors once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F, gradually introducing them to brighter sunlight.

Water gardens in the morning to allow the foliage to dry before nightfall and help reduce disease issues.

Read more seasonal gardening tips at the link in the comments. ☀️🌱

06/02/2026

05/22/2026

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Got bats? Help us count them! Landowners, homeowners, and other volunteers can help keep track of New Hampshire’s bats by conducting “emergence counts” at bat roosts throughout the state.

05/21/2026

UNH Extension’s own John Christ, Community & Economic Development Field Specialist in Merrimack County, is featured in NH Business Review! In the article, John highlights how small, thoughtful improvements—like better public spaces, creative partnerships, and community‑driven projects—can spark big gains in downtown vibrancy. His insights show how even modest steps can help New Hampshire’s downtowns become more welcoming, lively, and economically resilient. Check out the full story and see how local communities are making meaningful change. Read Small Steps https://read.nhbr.com/nh-business-review #2026/05/08/?article=4393511

05/21/2026

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Looking to make your garden more impactful this season? Consider becoming a certified pollinator-friendly garden.

On World Bee Day, it’s a good reminder that supporting pollinators starts close to home. 🐝

New Hampshire is home to a wide range of pollinators, from bees and butterflies to lesser-known species like wasps, flies, and beetles. Unfortunately, many of these species are declining due to habitat loss.

We are currently relaunching our pollinator certification program, which will begin accepting applications on June 6.

Once certified, you’ll receive a certificate and have the option to purchase a Pollinator-Friendly Garden sign to display.

It’s a simple way to support pollinators and make a difference right at home.

If you want to learn more and meet our Master Gardeners, come to the Pollinator Fest at New Hampshire Audubon! More details in comments.

05/19/2026

Thinking about No-Mow May? Here’s what you should know.

Letting the lawn grow in May can offer short-term support for bees and other pollinators, but the bigger benefit comes from how we manage our landscapes all season long. 🐝🦋

A few simple ways to create better habitat beyond May:

Mow less often: Consider mowing every other week.

Leave a small section of your yard unmown all season.

Eliminate chemicals.

Reduce the lights: Outdoor lights impact bird migration and prevent fireflies from seeing each other’s flashes.

Clean up less: Fewer clean-ups provide food and shelter for all kinds of creatures.

Good stewardship provides much-needed habitat for pollinators, insects, birds, amphibians and other animals, while rewarding us with more biodiversity in our own yards.

Read full article at the link in comments.

05/17/2026

🌿 Take Charge of Your Health — Free Online Workshop Series! 🌿

Living with a chronic condition like diabetes, asthma, arthritis, COPD, depression, or high blood pressure? This 6-week virtual workshop is designed to help you build confidence and learn practical skills to live a fuller, healthier life.

🗓️ Starts June 17 | Weekly through July 22
🕐 Wednesdays | 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. | Online Only
💬 Topics include managing fatigue and pain, healthy eating, medication use, physical activity, and improving communication with loved ones and healthcare providers.
✨ Connect with others, share experiences, and get support from trained leaders.

👉 Learn more and register: https://extension.unh.edu/event/2026/06/take-charge-your-health

05/16/2026

🌟 Ready to put life back into your days? 🌟

Living with chronic pain is hard—but you don’t have to do it alone! Join our 6-week online workshop to learn practical strategies for managing pain, improving strength, pacing activities, and boosting confidence.

✅ Create action plans
✅ Gain real-life skills
✅ Connect with others for support
🗓️ Weekly sessions | 💻 Evidence-based program

👉Register today and start living the life YOU want!
https://extension.unh.edu/event/2026/06/living-well-chronic-pain-june-16-1-pm-330-pm