2025 PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
Links to events that have taken place throughout the year.
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12/06 December Activity - Breakfast with Santa
12/12 December Program - Holiday Workshop
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DECEMBER PROGRAM
Posted 11/12/2025
Our thanks to Kristina Cole and Terri Munson for coordinating this wonderful program!
ATTENTION ALL ELVES ATTENDING THE 2025 CENTERPIECE WORKSHOP!
Mark your calendars for December 12th as the day to spread holiday cheer for the 3rd year in a row! At this year’s elf workshop, we’ll assemble holiday mugs filled with fresh evergreens and tiny ornaments for Meals on Wheels recipients who receive services through the Newport Senior Center and Sullivan County Nutrition Services.
Last year’s elf squad used all the supplies we had on hand so now we need to replenish our stock of mugs and decorations. If any elves reading this have some supplies to donate, please bring holiday mugs and small ornaments to our next elf meeting on December 12th when we'll be creating our mug masterpieces!
Last year’s elf squad used all the supplies we had on hand so now we need to replenish our stock of mugs and decorations. If any elves reading this have some supplies to donate, please bring holiday mugs and small ornaments to our next elf meeting on December 12th when we'll be creating our mug masterpieces!
PROS AT SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER!
OUR ELF SQUAD CAN SPREAD EVEN MORE HOLIDAY CHEER THROUGH DONATIONS TO THE GRANTHAM FOOD PANTRY!
Our lead food pantry elf is asking you to please bring donations when you attend the centerpiece workshop.
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These are the main items needed to restock the food pantry shelves!
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After the workshop, some extra elf squad assistance will be needed to transport the donations over to the food pantry!
NOVEMBER PROGRAM
Posted 11/20/2025
Our thanks to Emma Kalaidjian, Program Team Leader, for organizing this program.
Special thanks to GGC President Bill Weeks for preparing this presentation.
We were treated to a fascinating presentation Friday morning on Native Bees,
given by Master Gardener and GGC President, Bill Weeks.
given by Master Gardener and GGC President, Bill Weeks.
You are probably familiar with Honeybees and Bumble Bees, but do you know anything about native bees?
Well, we learned an astonishing amount about these tiny, obscure creatures who number about 20,000 worldwide, share 60% of our genes (Bill calls them “our long-lost cousins”) and who are critical for providing about 30% of the food we humans need!
There are several species including Miner Bees, Leafcutter Bees, Carpenter Bees, Mason Bees and Squash Bees. For the most part they are very social, do not live in colonies, but live in cavity dwellings or in the ground like the Miner, who hang out in one-foot-deep holes in the ground. They are all highly effective pollinators and Bill finds them to be very gentle beings, not interested in stinging, unless severely threatened. The male Carpenter may try to head-butt you but not hurt!
Well, we learned an astonishing amount about these tiny, obscure creatures who number about 20,000 worldwide, share 60% of our genes (Bill calls them “our long-lost cousins”) and who are critical for providing about 30% of the food we humans need!
There are several species including Miner Bees, Leafcutter Bees, Carpenter Bees, Mason Bees and Squash Bees. For the most part they are very social, do not live in colonies, but live in cavity dwellings or in the ground like the Miner, who hang out in one-foot-deep holes in the ground. They are all highly effective pollinators and Bill finds them to be very gentle beings, not interested in stinging, unless severely threatened. The male Carpenter may try to head-butt you but not hurt!
Natives have different personalities, for example, in terms of their preferences in how they forage. Some are known as “specialists” who feed only on certain plants where as “wanderers” are not picky about what they feed on as long as they can access pollen and nectar.
Not a lot was known about native bees until they began to be studied in the ‘60s. They have been gaining more attention recently as previously unknown and amazing attributes and capabilities are being discovered. For instance, they can capture information about your entire face and then recognize you. Their antennae are essential for their survival, enabling them to taste, smell, sense wind, and together with their brain can learn and remember.
They are quick to learn new behaviors and problem solve. Studies have shown that they can perform two-step problems such as moving barriers and pushing them aside to obtain a reward. Even more interesting is that other bees that have observed this problem-solving activity can duplicate it themselves just from watching. Bill said that they have been observed to like to play. In a study, a bee was introduced to some tiny yellow and blue balls with which it frolicked, rolling the balls around and onto its stomach. Some even have been found to be able to sniff out bombs!
They can see yellow, blue, green and violet colors. While they are color blind to red, they can still recognize red-colored plants by their scent and other characteristics. They are even able to manipulate plants causing them to bloom up to 30 days earlier than usual! And, the plants can sense the bees’ wing vibrations and produce nectar early to attract the bees.
Not a lot was known about native bees until they began to be studied in the ‘60s. They have been gaining more attention recently as previously unknown and amazing attributes and capabilities are being discovered. For instance, they can capture information about your entire face and then recognize you. Their antennae are essential for their survival, enabling them to taste, smell, sense wind, and together with their brain can learn and remember.
They are quick to learn new behaviors and problem solve. Studies have shown that they can perform two-step problems such as moving barriers and pushing them aside to obtain a reward. Even more interesting is that other bees that have observed this problem-solving activity can duplicate it themselves just from watching. Bill said that they have been observed to like to play. In a study, a bee was introduced to some tiny yellow and blue balls with which it frolicked, rolling the balls around and onto its stomach. Some even have been found to be able to sniff out bombs!
They can see yellow, blue, green and violet colors. While they are color blind to red, they can still recognize red-colored plants by their scent and other characteristics. They are even able to manipulate plants causing them to bloom up to 30 days earlier than usual! And, the plants can sense the bees’ wing vibrations and produce nectar early to attract the bees.
One of the most important attributes of native bees is that they are highly efficient pollinators and therefore are critical to natural ecosystems as well as important for supporting agricultural crop yields. According to Bill’s research, one acre of apple trees requires a hive of 20,000 Honeybees; whereas, 250 Mason Bees can pollinate that same acre yielding a higher amount and better-quality apples. Leafcutter Bees are essential for alfalfa crops and can increase yields exponentially.
Unfortunately, the use of pesticides and insecticides, whether sprayed on plants or embedded in seeds, such as with neonicotinoids (or “neonics”), and the loss of habitat are endangering bees. Neonics make plants, including their nectar, pollen, leaves, stems and fruit, toxic, killing off increasing numbers of bees as well as other beneficial pollinators and insects. It is strongly recommended to always purchase your plants from local growers or sellers whose plants are not treated with neonics. The use of products such as Bobbex and others that contain natural ingredients are okay to apply on nearby plants to ward off pests such as deer and rabbits. (See the following slide of recommended native plant sources.)
Unfortunately, the use of pesticides and insecticides, whether sprayed on plants or embedded in seeds, such as with neonicotinoids (or “neonics”), and the loss of habitat are endangering bees. Neonics make plants, including their nectar, pollen, leaves, stems and fruit, toxic, killing off increasing numbers of bees as well as other beneficial pollinators and insects. It is strongly recommended to always purchase your plants from local growers or sellers whose plants are not treated with neonics. The use of products such as Bobbex and others that contain natural ingredients are okay to apply on nearby plants to ward off pests such as deer and rabbits. (See the following slide of recommended native plant sources.)
Bill encouraged members to support native bees by making native beehouses or nests using removable hollow paper reeds of proper sizes, placing the houses or nests in a sunny location near clumps of 3-5 native pollinator plants, and mounting them about 5 feet off the ground to protect them from predators. Provide water, for example, in a nearby bird bath but put in small stones or marbles for the bees to perch because they can’t swim and will otherwise drown. And, help them winter over in mesh bags containing the reeds or cocoons sheltered in a cool dark place.
Program Summary by Emma Kalaidjian.
Thanks to Marty Gearhart, GGC member and member of the Grantham Conservation Commission, for providing information on Neonicotinoids as a supplement to the “Native Bees” presentation.
Neonicotinoids (neonics) are termed “Systemic Pesticides” because they are absorbed into the plant itself as the seed grows. They may also be applied directly onto plants as well as onto livestock and pets for the control of insect pests. They are the most commonly used class of insecticides in the world.
Introduced in the 1990’s, they were hailed as an improvement in any integrated pest management program due to their safety profile for mammals. Perhaps more importantly to their wide adoption, broad application by spraying is not necessary for all crops as the insecticide is absorbed into the plant as it grows. When applied to seeds, the product does not drift. This lessens waste and soil contamination. Most corn, soybeans, and wheat in the US are seed treated. Since corn and wheat are wind pollinated, bees and other pollinators are not particularly affected by neonic-treated corn and wheat.
There are many economic benefits to the use of these products, so their use spread rapidly to pollinator-associated crops like sunflowers, mustards, and canola. Consequently, horticultural plants also began to be treated in this way. The neonic Imidacloprid is an approved treatment for fleas on our pets, flies on our cattle, and Emerald Ash Borers in our infected Ash Trees.
Unfortunately, within a decade, it became evident that neonics do not degrade in the environment very rapidly, leading to soil and water contamination even from seed-treated crops. Worse, neonics are highly water soluble, so the products move easily through the soil and into waterways and ground water.
In addition, while low levels of neonics in the environment don’t seem to kill pollinators outright, these chemicals do affect their health. Studies have shown decreased fertility, increased birth defects, and abnormal behavior to pollinators consuming nectar and pollen from plants seed-treated with neonics since the insecticide is incorporated into all parts of the plant as it grows.
In 2018, the European Union banned the use of neonics completely for all outdoor uses. USA farmers dependent on a European market must certify that their crops are free of neonics. In 2018, Maryland became the first US State to restrict their use, and now at least nine other states have done this, including New York, Vermont, and Maine.
Since New Hampshire has not banned neonics from routine home and garden use, it is easy to accidentally buy it if you use any insecticides for any reason. The greatest non-agricultural use of neonics is grub control in lawns, golf courses, and turf farms.
If you would like to know what alternatives exist for various garden pests including lawn grubs, here are two links:
If you would like to know more about neonics from Xerces, the organization that is dedicated to conservation of invertebrates, here is a link:
If you would like to know more about the efforts made to ban neonics from extensive environmental use, here are two links, including one from the European Union:
Introduced in the 1990’s, they were hailed as an improvement in any integrated pest management program due to their safety profile for mammals. Perhaps more importantly to their wide adoption, broad application by spraying is not necessary for all crops as the insecticide is absorbed into the plant as it grows. When applied to seeds, the product does not drift. This lessens waste and soil contamination. Most corn, soybeans, and wheat in the US are seed treated. Since corn and wheat are wind pollinated, bees and other pollinators are not particularly affected by neonic-treated corn and wheat.
There are many economic benefits to the use of these products, so their use spread rapidly to pollinator-associated crops like sunflowers, mustards, and canola. Consequently, horticultural plants also began to be treated in this way. The neonic Imidacloprid is an approved treatment for fleas on our pets, flies on our cattle, and Emerald Ash Borers in our infected Ash Trees.
Unfortunately, within a decade, it became evident that neonics do not degrade in the environment very rapidly, leading to soil and water contamination even from seed-treated crops. Worse, neonics are highly water soluble, so the products move easily through the soil and into waterways and ground water.
In addition, while low levels of neonics in the environment don’t seem to kill pollinators outright, these chemicals do affect their health. Studies have shown decreased fertility, increased birth defects, and abnormal behavior to pollinators consuming nectar and pollen from plants seed-treated with neonics since the insecticide is incorporated into all parts of the plant as it grows.
In 2018, the European Union banned the use of neonics completely for all outdoor uses. USA farmers dependent on a European market must certify that their crops are free of neonics. In 2018, Maryland became the first US State to restrict their use, and now at least nine other states have done this, including New York, Vermont, and Maine.
Since New Hampshire has not banned neonics from routine home and garden use, it is easy to accidentally buy it if you use any insecticides for any reason. The greatest non-agricultural use of neonics is grub control in lawns, golf courses, and turf farms.
If you would like to know what alternatives exist for various garden pests including lawn grubs, here are two links:
- https://a405abfc-cc29-4d83-80dc-8317bff89633.filesusr.com/ugd/507894_9e18376115e944da858392acfefea04b.pdf
- https://ucanr.edu/blog/stanislaus-sprout/article/neonicotinoid-pesticides-no-longer-available
If you would like to know more about neonics from Xerces, the organization that is dedicated to conservation of invertebrates, here is a link:
If you would like to know more about the efforts made to ban neonics from extensive environmental use, here are two links, including one from the European Union:
OCTOBER PROGRAM
Posted 10/13/2025
Our thanks to Emma Kalaidjian, Program Team Leader, for organizing this field trip.
SEPTEMBER ACTIVITY
Posted 09/20/2025
Our thanks to Sue Berg, Fundraising Team Leader, for organizing this sale.
Snow Crocus Classic Mixture Bulb size 5 cm/up late March/early April HZ 4-8 Ht 4”
Blooms 2 weeks before Large Flowering Crocus, these bee-loved deer-resistant varieties are prized for lawn tapestries. This classic mixture is equal parts white, blue, yellow and violet varieties.
Muscari armeniacum (Blue Grape Hyacinth) Bulb size 9 cm/up April/May HZ 4-8 Ht 6”
Referred to as Blue Grape Hyacinths for their form and sweet grapes fragrance. These deer-resistant and bee-loved Muscari naturalize well with a succession of composite flowering stems that last for weeks. They are wonderful when planted as thick borders along garden beds, in front of or under Narcissi, and in rivers meandering through dappled woodlands.
Allium Gladiator (Giant Allium) Bulb size 18 cm/up May/June HZ 5-8 Ht 36”–48”
Alliums are rabbit, rodent, and deer resistant, and are adored by bees, butterflies, and pollinators. They extend the spring flowering season with bold, dramatic color and statuesque garden architecture, and make valuable cut and dried flowers. Once their flowers die back, they create a formidable presence with dried seed orbs that extend their weeks-long show. Require full sunlight and a rich, well-draining soil with a neutral pH. A. Gladiator is a 1981 cross of A. Aflatunense and A. Macleanii. This long-lasting award-winner has dense, 6”–wide, rose-purple globes comprised of starry florets dotted with green eyes. Its low, scrappy foliage starts to brown out prior to flowering. (Photos & descriptions courtesy of Van Engelen)
Blooms 2 weeks before Large Flowering Crocus, these bee-loved deer-resistant varieties are prized for lawn tapestries. This classic mixture is equal parts white, blue, yellow and violet varieties.
Muscari armeniacum (Blue Grape Hyacinth) Bulb size 9 cm/up April/May HZ 4-8 Ht 6”
Referred to as Blue Grape Hyacinths for their form and sweet grapes fragrance. These deer-resistant and bee-loved Muscari naturalize well with a succession of composite flowering stems that last for weeks. They are wonderful when planted as thick borders along garden beds, in front of or under Narcissi, and in rivers meandering through dappled woodlands.
Allium Gladiator (Giant Allium) Bulb size 18 cm/up May/June HZ 5-8 Ht 36”–48”
Alliums are rabbit, rodent, and deer resistant, and are adored by bees, butterflies, and pollinators. They extend the spring flowering season with bold, dramatic color and statuesque garden architecture, and make valuable cut and dried flowers. Once their flowers die back, they create a formidable presence with dried seed orbs that extend their weeks-long show. Require full sunlight and a rich, well-draining soil with a neutral pH. A. Gladiator is a 1981 cross of A. Aflatunense and A. Macleanii. This long-lasting award-winner has dense, 6”–wide, rose-purple globes comprised of starry florets dotted with green eyes. Its low, scrappy foliage starts to brown out prior to flowering. (Photos & descriptions courtesy of Van Engelen)
Posted 09/20/2025
Our thanks to Tina Gleich, Civic Gardens Coordinator, for organizing the autumn planting.
AUGUST FIELD TRIP
Posted 08/20/2025
Our thanks to Emma Kalaidjian, Program Team Leader, and club VP Ines Wishart, for organizing this field trip.
JULY & AUGUST ACTIVITY
GGC MEMBERS CAN PARTICIPATE BY BAKING, DRIVING,
or REPRESENTING OUR CLUB WHILE ENJOYING A CONCERT!
- VOLUNTEER BAKERS
- Prepare two (2) dozen goodies (bar cookies or regular cookies)
- Cut bar cookies into 24 servings & place into 24 baggies
- For regular cookies place 2 small OR 1 large cookie into 24 baggies
- Deliver bags to the Club’s booth at Grantham Rec Field on the designated night OR request a pick up by a Volunteer Driver
- VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
- Arrange to pick up baked goods on the designated concert date from bakers, as requested
- BOOTH VOLUNTEERS
- Handout the treats to hungry concertgoers and enjoy meeting and conversing with “Granthamites” about the club
- All monetary donations help to grow the club’s student scholarship fund
- Concert 1: Tuesday, July 22 - SIRSY - Sassy pop rock with folk intimacy. This crowd favorite duo of Melanie and Rich return for another high energy evening at Music in the Meadow.
- Concert 2: Tuesday, July 29 - The John Lackard Blues Band - Danceable rocking blues with a sound that could come from Memphis or Chicago, John and his band bring a uniquely Green Mountain twist to each show.
- Concert 3: Tuesday, August 5 - Bill Brink - Singer/Songwriter, Bill Brink, has been playing music for over 20 years. His show will include many different styles of music showcasing his 6 and 12 string acoustic guitars along with the bass and electric guitar.
- Concert 4: Tuesday, August 12 - The Wheelers - An Upper Valley based cover band throwing you your favorite dance tunes.
- Concert 5: Tuesday, August 19 - Scott Forrest - Scott Forrest is a singer/songwriter based in Vermont, with an opera trained voice, unique guitar style and award winning song writing.
- Concert 6: Tuesday, August 26 - Brooks Hubbard - One Man Band. A BIG voice backed by strong songwriting, rhythmic guitar, and electrifyingly powerful performances.
JULY FIELD TRIP
Posted 07/17/2025
Our thanks to Emma Kalaidjian, Program Team Leader, and club VP Ines Wishart, for organizing this field trip.
JULY ACTIVITY
Posted 07/17/2025
Our thanks to Marty Gearhart, for coordinating this activity.
JUNE ACTIVITY
Posted 06/30/2025
Our thanks to Team Leader, for coordinating this activity.
VOLUNTEERS
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WHO: 2 shifts of 2 club members each
WHAT: Community Meet & Greet information table WHEN: Saturday, June 28th WHERE: Grantham Recreation Park, 19 Shedd Rd. WHY: To promote this great club! TIME: 10am to Noon & Noon to 2pm |
JUNE FIELD TRIP
Posted 06/27/2025
Our thanks to Emma Kalaidjian, Program Team Leader, and club VP Ines Wishart, for organizing this field trip.
JUNE FIELD TRIP
Posted 06/18/2025
Our thanks to Emma Kalaidjian, Program Team Leader, and club VP Ines Wishart, for organizing this field trip.
MAY ACTIVITY
Posted 05/10/2025
Our thanks to Diane Bilotta for organizing this community activity for the 5th year in a row!
Despite the rain, several hearty members of our community showed up for this activity and Diane Bilotta was at the Grantham Town Hall lower-level parking lot at 8:30am to greet them! Diane encouraged everyone who wanted to participate, just not in the rain, to swing by to register and pick up 2-3 blue litter bags, and then wait for a sunny day to kick into action because the Grantham transfer station will accept blue litter bags as long as your vehicle has a yellow town sticker. Mark your calendars now for the second Saturday in May, 2026 to participate next year, and let's all hope for a lovely sunny day!
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MAY FIELD TRIP
Posted 05/09/2025
Our thanks to Betsy Fowler for organizing this field trip.
APRIL PROGRAM
Posted 04/01/2025
Our thanks to Emma Kalaidjian, Program Team Leader, for organizing this program.
MANAGING OUR AGING NEW HAMPSHIRE FORESTS – Program Summary
Posted 05/06/2025
Our thanks to Forestry Field Specialist, Dode Gladders, for sharing his knowledge of forest ecology and management practices with us. The following summary of the program has been provided by Emma Kalaidjian.
At our April 11 member meeting, we enjoyed a most enlightening presentation by Dode Gladders, Sullivan County Forester and UNH Extension Forestry Field Specialist, on forest ecology and management practices. Aging forests can be managed to restore species that have been lost to poor management, or no management, creating a more resilient biodiverse environment for trees, plants, wildlife habitat and us.
A bit of History
We learned that deforestation peaked in New Hampshire in the 1840’s when 75-85% of forested land was cleared for farming, timber harvesting and large-scale sheep farming, especially merino wool sheep. Stone boulders and walls were ubiquitous, placed in the landscape for managing large flocks and supporting the sheep industry that can still be found today. Farms in New Hampshire were abandoned between the Civil War and WWI and the forests quickly grew back, starting mainly with White Pines.
A bit of History
We learned that deforestation peaked in New Hampshire in the 1840’s when 75-85% of forested land was cleared for farming, timber harvesting and large-scale sheep farming, especially merino wool sheep. Stone boulders and walls were ubiquitous, placed in the landscape for managing large flocks and supporting the sheep industry that can still be found today. Farms in New Hampshire were abandoned between the Civil War and WWI and the forests quickly grew back, starting mainly with White Pines.
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Forest Succession
Dode explained that a key concept in forest ecology and forest succession is shade tolerance. Trees are always competing for light. And their capacity to compete for light and to survive will result in changes in forest communities overtime. For example, the taller the canopy grows, the more competition for light, and trees like Birch that can’t thrive in shade will be overtopped by Maple and Beech and will eventually die. This competition must be considered in adopting forest management goals and practices.
“Shade intolerant” trees, such as Aspen, White Birch, Black Cherry, and Red Pine grow quickly, up to 40-80 feet, but are short-lived and can’t reproduce. These are referred to as “early successional trees.” Oak, Hickory, Red Spruce, Eastern Hemlock, American Beech, Balsam and Fir are examples of ”old growth,” “late successional,” or “climax trees”. Some may live from 200-300 years with no natural or other “disturbances.” Dode said that many of the stands around Grantham are “even-aged” stands and most forests in this area are around 100 years old. He also informed us that Sullivan County’s Red Oak is considered “the best Red Oak in the world.”
Dode explained that a key concept in forest ecology and forest succession is shade tolerance. Trees are always competing for light. And their capacity to compete for light and to survive will result in changes in forest communities overtime. For example, the taller the canopy grows, the more competition for light, and trees like Birch that can’t thrive in shade will be overtopped by Maple and Beech and will eventually die. This competition must be considered in adopting forest management goals and practices.
“Shade intolerant” trees, such as Aspen, White Birch, Black Cherry, and Red Pine grow quickly, up to 40-80 feet, but are short-lived and can’t reproduce. These are referred to as “early successional trees.” Oak, Hickory, Red Spruce, Eastern Hemlock, American Beech, Balsam and Fir are examples of ”old growth,” “late successional,” or “climax trees”. Some may live from 200-300 years with no natural or other “disturbances.” Dode said that many of the stands around Grantham are “even-aged” stands and most forests in this area are around 100 years old. He also informed us that Sullivan County’s Red Oak is considered “the best Red Oak in the world.”
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Forest Disturbances
Natural or human-made disturbances will also affect succession. Tornados, hurricanes, floods, drought, disease, pests and logging are examples. Dode mentioned that Nematodes, or beech leaf disease, are killing Ash and Beech trees in the southern half of NH. Perhaps fortunately, the damage done by certain pests and diseases is limited to certain species, e.g. Chestnut blight, beech leaf disease and Dutch Elm disease attack only those trees, and the Emerald Ash Borer will kill only Mountain Ash. Endangered bird species
Since about 1960, there has been a decline in young forest or shrubland habitat that has resulted in a significant decline in “shrubland birds.” Particularly affected are the eastern towhee, field sparrow, blue bunting, blue-winged warbler, brown thrasher, prairie warbler, chestnut-sided warbler, and gray catbird. |
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Silviculture and Forest Regeneration
The U.S. Forest Service defines silviculture as “the art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests and woodlands to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society on a sustainable basis “(Helms 1998, USDA Forest Service 2004). More specifically, it uses one or more systems of “a planned series of treatments for tending, harvesting, and reestablishing a stand” (Helms 1998).
To encourage forest regeneration, foresters employ various methods of silviculture depending on the goals of harvesting, which species are present, which species need restoration, and what are the existing site characteristics and light conditions. Dode discussed five basic methods for even-aged stand regeneration and some specific to the Grantham Town Forest:
The U.S. Forest Service defines silviculture as “the art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests and woodlands to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society on a sustainable basis “(Helms 1998, USDA Forest Service 2004). More specifically, it uses one or more systems of “a planned series of treatments for tending, harvesting, and reestablishing a stand” (Helms 1998).
To encourage forest regeneration, foresters employ various methods of silviculture depending on the goals of harvesting, which species are present, which species need restoration, and what are the existing site characteristics and light conditions. Dode discussed five basic methods for even-aged stand regeneration and some specific to the Grantham Town Forest:
- “Clearcutting” allows for the most light, enabling forbes, grasses, shrubs like blackberries and raspberries, shade intolerant trees and seeds on the wind to establish a young forest habitat supporting birds and other wildlife.
- “Seed-Tree Cutting” allows 5-10 desired trees to remain, and the harvested terrain looks similar to a savannah, encouraging the establishment of new early successional plants.
- “Patch cuts” are used to regenerate a diverse portfolio of trees and shrubs, for early succession habitat, including those that require full sun, like White Birch and Black Cherry, usually on plots smaller than 10 acres.
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TNC Green Hills climate-adaptive silviculture
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is leading an effort with several environmental partners to implement “climate-adaptive” silvicultural approaches in a 1,328-acre project area within the TNC managed Green Hills Preserve spanning over 5,500 acres in east-central NH. According to TNC, the project is intended “to promote the co-benefits of climate resilience, diverse wildlife habitat, forest carbon sequestration and storage, and sustainable forest products.” Carbon storage is the highest in older forests.
Seasonal climate extremes such as heat, drought and flooding, as well as forest pests and diseases are creating a challenge to maintaining native tree species diversity.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is leading an effort with several environmental partners to implement “climate-adaptive” silvicultural approaches in a 1,328-acre project area within the TNC managed Green Hills Preserve spanning over 5,500 acres in east-central NH. According to TNC, the project is intended “to promote the co-benefits of climate resilience, diverse wildlife habitat, forest carbon sequestration and storage, and sustainable forest products.” Carbon storage is the highest in older forests.
Seasonal climate extremes such as heat, drought and flooding, as well as forest pests and diseases are creating a challenge to maintaining native tree species diversity.
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In addition to employing silvicultural methods mentioned above to foster early successional species, recruit shade intolerant tree species, accelerate the growth of native species, restore and maintain species that can cope with warmer, drier conditions, and develop new age classes, the project participants will also plant some other tree species from farther south, warmer regions, species expected to be adapted to future climate conditions and some not currently established at the site, in a process called "forest-assisted migration." Those include Black Birch, Chestnut, White Oak, Eastern Hemlock, Beech, Red Pine and Shagbark Hickory.
Dode informed us that there will be a tour about the project in North Conway in July.
Dode informed us that there will be a tour about the project in North Conway in July.
MARCH PROGRAM
Posted 02/10/2025
Our thanks to Emma Kalaidjian, Program Team Leader, for organizing this program.
THE ART OF A NATURALIST – Program Summary
Posted 04/06/2025
Our thanks to artist Daisy Hebb for sharing her spectacular artwork and knowledge with us.
The following summary of the program has been provided by Emma Kalaidjian. Artwork provided by Daisy Hebb.
On an uncharacteristically sunny and mild March 14, with the promise of spring on the way, we were treated to a most informative and enjoyable talk with Daisy Hebb, artist and naturalist. She delivered a magnificent compendium of pollinators and their symbiotic relationships with native plants and trees that are essential to a healthy ecosystem, all conveyed through her beautiful art.
The Unequal Cellophane Bee on a Red Maple
Daisy studied geography, ecology and cartography at the University of Montana where the idea first dawned on her that, as she says, “one should try to manage people to manage wildlife through teaching awareness about wildlife”. She determined that she could promote such awareness through her art. And teaching she has! Her elegant graphic art offers colorful portraits of the various types of bees and lepidoptera (moths, butterflies, and caterpillars) and what they need for nourishment as well as what they can nourish higher up on the food chain.
Daisy’s colorful and informative calendars, note cards and prints can be found on Etsy at Green Blossom Painting.
Daisy presented images from both her “Native Plants and their Pollinators” and “Keystone Species” art series. The pictures and graphics demonstrate that native plants are vital to support diverse, well-functioning ecosystems, and especially vital are those Keystone plant species. These plants, like the center stone that supported the Roman arch, were found in the research of Desiree Narrango, Douglas Tallamy and Kimberly Shropshire to be the most effective in supporting significantly more lepidoptera (moths, butterflies, and caterpillars) , approximately 75% more in landscapes with them. Without them, bees, butterflies, and birds cannot thrive.
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Since the 1970s, over 3 billion North American birds, or about 30%, have been lost resulting primarily from both food source and habitat loss. This is why it is so important to include masses of native plants in our landscaping, including the Keystones, as well as “community corridors” that provide food and cover for wildlife enabling them to move safely from one place to another. These efforts can support their migration and generally help to support the delicate balance of nature.
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Keystone Trees and Plants
The Keystone trees include oak (the king of Keystones), maple, cherry, pine, aspen, birch and cottonwood, to name a few. Oaks are the most powerful hosts supporting 400+ caterpillar species. Maples support more than 275 species of lepidoptera (moths, butterflies, and caterpillars) and birch support over 400 species.
Blueberry bushes, Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susans), Helianthus (Sun flowers), Solidago (Golden Rod), Viola (Violets) and Aster are examples of Keystone plants.
These trees and plants are critical to the food web by providing both food and habitat for the most important species of pollinators - bees, caterpillars, butterflies and moths - and for other wildlife like birds (baby birds need lots of soft, protein and fat rich caterpillars!) and useful insects.
Blueberry bushes, Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susans), Helianthus (Sun flowers), Solidago (Golden Rod), Viola (Violets) and Aster are examples of Keystone plants.
These trees and plants are critical to the food web by providing both food and habitat for the most important species of pollinators - bees, caterpillars, butterflies and moths - and for other wildlife like birds (baby birds need lots of soft, protein and fat rich caterpillars!) and useful insects.
Two Classes of Pollinators
The most prolific pollinators are, of course, bees. Daisy emphasized that “pollen is rich baby bee food, containing protein and fats. Keystone pollen plants significantly outperform others at serving up pollen”. There are two classes of pollinators, “generalists” and “specialists”, in terms of their natural or required host plants. Generalists enjoy a wider variety of native plant food. Specialist bees, caterpillars and butterflies can eat only one or two types of leaves or pollinator plants. Two examples of pollinators who can survive only on one type of plant are the Monarch who require milkweed and the Karner Blue butterfly whose larva and caterpillar can eat only wild blue lupines. The Karner Blue cannot survive on any other type of lupine.
Another example of a specialist butterfly is the Great Spangled Fritillary whose larval and caterpillar host plants are native violets. Examples among bees are the Blueberry Cellophane that feed on the blueberry plant genera such as common low bush blueberry, Trout Lily Miner bees that feed on trout lily, and Honey Banded Mining bees that feed on goldenrod and asters. Of peculiar interest, Blueberry Cellophane bees also emit strong sound waves that have the effect of casting off more pollen. Most specialist bees are solitary ground-nesting or are found in bare sandy soil, dried leaves or rotting wood.
Landscaping Strategies
Daisy offered illustrated strategies for using native plants in landscaping that can provide shelter, conserve water and help support the local food web. First, reduce or eliminate lawns. Lawns have very little ecosystem value. Create paths to delineate clumps of plants that replace the lawn. Use rocks of varying sizes for interest and for wildlife hiding places, tall sculptures or frames for vines to climb. Start removing invasives. Not only do they take up ground, but they also take up needed “solar space” for soil warmth and microbial activity especially in the spring. Try using boiling water instead of chemicals to get rid of invasives and consider mock hornets’ nests to deter predators. Reserve some areas of dry sandy soil for the ground nesting bees. Another suggestion, create “bee hotels”. Leave plant stems 1½ -2 feet tall (24 inches) in the spring after snow melt into May or June. Bees will chew out the center, lay eggs and leave pollen nectar. This can also feed overwintering and migratory birds.
Daisy recommends establishing a structure of low and medium growing native plants and bushes and one or a few indigenous trees that support numerous species of pollinators. Examples of these might include low growing violets, ephemerals, low bush blueberry and wild strawberry, medium height viburnum, rudbeckia, echinacea or monarda, and trees such as oak, pine, black cherry, maple or birch. Daisy recommends a good mix of natives, up to 20, but mass is more important than the number of plants. With an additional 10 Keystone plants new species will arrive for the larger food supply. Also, having a diversity of plants increases the likelihood that the specialists can thrive. (With the Keystones, you have to appreciate that your plants will be eaten!)
Provide “soft landing zones” in the fall, particularly under canopies of trees, or inside defined borders, such as a container or a stacked stone circle, with plenty of dried leaves and some decomposing wood. These can also incorporate native plants. Most caterpillars will pupate after falling into these cozy, safe zones.
Endangered species: the big leaf lupine on the right is native to the western United States and comes in blue, purple, pink, and white. It is becoming prolific in the North-East, which is endangering the Karner Blue butterfly by crowding out its only host, the wild blue lupine (referred to as the Sundial Lupine in Daisy's print).
Daisy recommends establishing a structure of low and medium growing native plants and bushes and one or a few indigenous trees that support numerous species of pollinators. Examples of these might include low growing violets, ephemerals, low bush blueberry and wild strawberry, medium height viburnum, rudbeckia, echinacea or monarda, and trees such as oak, pine, black cherry, maple or birch. Daisy recommends a good mix of natives, up to 20, but mass is more important than the number of plants. With an additional 10 Keystone plants new species will arrive for the larger food supply. Also, having a diversity of plants increases the likelihood that the specialists can thrive. (With the Keystones, you have to appreciate that your plants will be eaten!)
Provide “soft landing zones” in the fall, particularly under canopies of trees, or inside defined borders, such as a container or a stacked stone circle, with plenty of dried leaves and some decomposing wood. These can also incorporate native plants. Most caterpillars will pupate after falling into these cozy, safe zones.
Endangered species: the big leaf lupine on the right is native to the western United States and comes in blue, purple, pink, and white. It is becoming prolific in the North-East, which is endangering the Karner Blue butterfly by crowding out its only host, the wild blue lupine (referred to as the Sundial Lupine in Daisy's print).
FEBRUARY PROGRAM
Posted 02/10/2025
Our thanks to Emma Kalaidjian, Program Team Leader, for organizing this program.
The Love of Farming in Grantham – Program Summary
Posted 02/10/2025
Our thanks to Jeff and Susan Figley, owners and operators of the King Blossom Farm, for sharing their time and expertise with us.
The following summary of the program has been provided by Emma Kalaidjian. Photos were provided by King Blossom Farm.
We had a big turn-out on a bitter cold Valentine’s Day for our February program speakers, Jeff and Susan Figley, owners and operators of King Blossom Farm, one of the last operating farms in Grantham. They are growers of heirloom apples, some over 135 years old, and heirloom tomatoes, and a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, as well as purveyors of preserves, jellies, butters, syrups, seasonings and honey from the bounty of their farm and orchard.
They named their farm King Blossom after the central bud surrounded by a circle of five buds on the fruiting spur of the branch that is the first to blossom.
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Throughout their presentation, we were treated to a multitude of pictures of fruits, vegetables and herbs from their various plots that made us yearn for warmer days of summer!
The farm and orchard is over 135 years old and is located on just about 6 acres on Dunbar Hill Road. When the Figley’s bought it in 1983, it had been unattended for over 10 years. The transformation of the property from 1983 to its current orchard and farm is amazing, showing the tremendous labor and care that the Figley’s have devoted in reviving and stewarding it.
We learned about their heirloom apples that many of us had never seen before, in colors, shapes and sizes that we were unaccustomed to. Two of Jeff’s favorites apples are shown in these next two pictures.
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Varieties of Apples
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One is the Cox Orange English dessert apple (left) that is a light orange-red in color with light red striping and has a sweet and tart taste. The other is the Hudson's Golden Gem apple (right), pale yellow with a little brown russet, elongated in shape, that looks and tastes like a combination of an apple and a Bosc pear, very sweet.
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Other heirlooms offered are the Black Oxford (left), a deep purple with light russeting, dense white flesh and sweet, and the Blue Pearmain (center), sweet and crunchy. The Winter Banana (right) is similar to a Granny Smith.
Varieties of Tomatoes
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Their heirloom and other tomatoes, including Costoluto heirlooms that Susan recommends for a rich, meaty BLT, or with fresh mozzarella and basil, are Red and Green Zebras for gazpachos, Atomic Grape tomatoes growing 10-12’ high in a variety of colors, green, purple, red, yellow, striped, great for snacking, and last, but not least, the big, two-handed Big Boy!
Other Interesting Varieties and Gardening Practices
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The Lemon Cukes picture was really cool. They look like little yellow gourds and we were told that they are great sliced, in some adult beverages!
We also learned that the male specie of asparagus is much larger and tastier that the skinnier female that one finds in grocery stores! The farm’s “high tunnel” style greenhouse allows seeds and plants to grow faster and profusely in a protected, weed free space. Inside, tall trellis systems are used for tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans and eggplants to grow vertically for increased yield. It’s a veritable veggie jungle! |
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The HEIRLOOM Gourmet Shop
Susan transforms much of this bounty into preserves and jellies, butters, over two dozen simple syrups and relishes and a variety of dried herbs and seasonings all available at the farm and at The Heirloom Gourmet Shop on Etsy. She also makes a delicious golden light honey from her beekeeping with her friends at Daisy Hill Farm. She is expanding those operations at Stocker Pond.
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And, oh her orchids are gorgeous!
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There are a number of herbs to be had at the farm, including 5 varieties of basil, oregano, dill, thyme, mints, chamomile, lemon balm. If you grow your own basil, Susan recommends letting some flower as pollinators love them.
The Figleys have plenty of pests to contend with
Fencing around the fruit trees is a must for grazing deer as are rodent guards for porcupines and other critters. Aphids, apple scab, curculios beetles, worms and fire blight must all be managed. They consult with the Network for Environmental and Weather Applications, a part of the New York State Integrated Pest Management program at Cornell University, that offers weather and science driven integrated pest management tools.
The Figleys are not only good stewards of their land, but also of the community. As an example, they donate from one to two tons of apples to Willing Hands for gleaning each year.
See you at the farm this summer!
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