UNH Extension - Merrimack County

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

05/14/2026

CONTACT:Becky Fuda: (603) 744-5470Danielle Beard: (603) 271-2461May 14, 2026 Concord, NH – In the coming weeks, deer will begin giving birth around the Granite State, with most deer fawns being bor…

05/12/2026

Gardens across New Hampshire are starting to grow. Here are a few seasonal reminders from UNH Extension:

Protect yourself from ticks when spending time outdoors by wearing long sleeves, tucking pants into socks, and choosing light-colored clothing to help spot ticks more easily. Treating clothing with permethrin can provide additional protection.

Hold off on planting warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, squash, and cucumbers until the risk of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F. In New Hampshire, that’s usually mid-to-late May.

Prune spring flowering shrubs like lilac and forsythia soon after they finish blooming. Pruning too early can remove flower buds.

Keep an eye out for invasive plants. Many leaf out earlier than native vegetation, making spring a good time to control them before they go to seed.

Find more seasonal gardening tips at the link in the comments.

UNH Extension Yard & Garden

05/11/2026

04/29/2026

The wait is over—the week is finally here! 🌻🌱🎉

We’re so excited for this year’s annual 𝐍𝐇 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦, 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 & 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨 at the Deerfield Fairgrounds, happening May 1–2!

Please note that our office will be closed on Friday, May 1—but you can find us at the Expo instead! Come visit the 𝐔𝐍𝐇 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐘𝐚𝐫𝐝 & 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 booth in Building A—this is a great chance to meet our Education Center staff and Extension volunteers in person.

Be sure to stop by our 𝐼𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐿𝑖𝑣𝑒! event on Saturday at 10:30 AM, where a panel of UNH Extension staff and Education Center Volunteers will answer your pressing yard and garden questions—bring them all! 🌼🌿

Explore incredible exhibitors, workshops, and presentations throughout the Expo—you won’t want to miss it.

𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://www.nhfarmandforestexpo.org/

We hope to see you all there! 💙

04/28/2026