Great Bay Stewards

09/03/2026

Timing is everything at Great Bay! With one of the largest tidal ranges in the Gulf of Maine, the difference between high and low tide here isn't subtle — it can be several feet of water rising and falling twice a day.

At low tide, wide mudflats are exposed, revealing a world of life that's invisible when the water's up: worms, snails, crabs, and shorebirds probing the mud for a meal. At high tide, that same spot is submerged, and fish move in to feed in the shallows.

Pro tip: Low tide is best for spotting shorebirds and exploring mudflats. High tide is better for kayaking close to the marsh edges.

09/02/2026

For 30 years, Great Bay Stewards has been powered by people who care deeply about this special place.

In this video, Karen Benedetti, an active member on the Board of Trustees, talks about what makes Great Bay so special!

Visit the link in our bio to make a $30 donation in honor of our 30th anniversary and help us continue protecting, restoring, and connecting people to Great Bay for years to come!

09/01/2026

National Estuaries Week, Great Bay 5K, Our Annual Meeting, and More! - https://mailchi.mp/aa79d3f551ff/october-10365559

08/23/2026

As summer begins to fade, Great Bay starts preparing for a new season.

Many birds begin their fall migration, fish become more active as water temperatures cool, and salt marsh plants shift from vibrant greens to shades of gold and brown. These natural changes help wildlife prepare for the months ahead and keep the estuary's ecosystem in balance.

Whether you're birdwatching, kayaking, or simply taking in the view, late summer and early fall are a beautiful time to experience the changing rhythms of Great Bay.
What seasonal changes have you noticed around the Bay lately? Share your observations in the comments!

08/22/2026

Great Bay is one of New Hampshire's most productive ecosystems—and it's all thanks to its unique mix of freshwater and saltwater.

As rivers flow into the Bay and tides bring in seawater from the Atlantic Ocean, they create nutrient-rich conditions that support an incredible variety of life. Salt marshes, eelgrass beds, mudflats, and tidal creeks all work together to provide food, shelter, and nursery habitat for fish, birds, shellfish, and countless other species. From tiny plankton to great blue herons, every part of the food web depends on this thriving estuary!

08/21/2026

Trees do much more than provide shade—they're one of Great Bay's first lines of defense.

Their roots help hold soil in place, reducing erosion along streams and shorelines. Trees also filter rainwater before it reaches the Bay, trapping excess nutrients and pollutants that can harm water quality. Plus, their canopy helps keep nearby streams cooler, creating healthier habitat for fish and other wildlife.

Every tree planted and protected helps keep Great Bay healthier for people, plants, and animals alike.

Healthy forests mean a healthier estuary!

08/20/2026

You don't need a lab coat to make a difference!

Citizen science gives everyone the opportunity to contribute to real environmental research. Whether you're spotting wildlife on a walk, participating in a community bird count, reporting invasive species, or volunteering at a local conservation event, your observations can help scientists better understand and protect Great Bay.
Every photo, sighting, and volunteer hour adds to our knowledge of this incredible estuary and helps guide future conservation efforts!

Have you spotted something interesting around Great Bay? Share your photos and observations in the comments below! We'd love to see what you've discovered, and your sightings help inspire others to explore and appreciate this special place.

08/19/2026

Over the past two decades, sea level in the Great Bay region has risen by about 4 inches, increasing the frequency of coastal flooding and putting added stress on salt marshes, eelgrass beds, and shoreline habitats.

Higher water levels can flood salt marshes more often, reduce habitat for wildlife, and increase shoreline erosion. These changes don't just affect plants and animals—they also impact the communities that surround the Bay.

The good news? Healthy marshes, eelgrass beds, and other coastal habitats act as natural buffers, helping absorb floodwaters, reduce erosion, and provide essential habitat for countless species.

What changes have you noticed around Great Bay over the years? Share your photos, memories, or observations in the comments—we'd love to hear what you've seen!

08/18/2026

Be sure to check out what biologist Chris Peter had to say when he was interviewed for the New Hampshire Bulletin!

His take: the lobster may no longer be the "king crustacean" of the New Hampshire coast. As warming waters push lobsters north, new arrivals like blue crabs, fiddler crabs, and lady crabs are showing up in Great Bay — and reshaping the marsh food web as they settle in.

Visit here to read the full story:
https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/08/12/new-faces-cause-a-stir-in-the-new-hampshire-crustacean-community/ utm_source=newsletters.newhampshirebulletin.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=the-bulletin-week-in review&_bhlid=969d19d1f9c462a6b9343d1c778a694508f48517

Lobsters have long reigned as king among New Hampshire's shelled sea creatures, but the chances of a coup are growing — and climate change is tipping the scales.