Manchester, NH

The SCA Manchester Conservation Leadership Corps members arose long before dawn to attend the 9th Annual Northeast Organic Farming Association's Winter Conference in Exeter, NH. This event brought home the themes of conservation and sustainability by focusing on something we can all relate to: what's on the dinner table! The volunteer work for the day began right away with Team Manchester helping to unload vendor materials from vehicles and set them up for the Green Market Fair. In addition to doing environmental education in the children's area and preparing the cafeteria for lunch, crew members were able to attend sessions, watch films, and meet local farmers and green producers. After a busy morning members were able to sit down for a well-earned organic feast with the conference's world-famous community potluck lunch. The whole day turned out to be a great success for Team Manchester. The crew enjoyed getting work done and having free time to explore their interests in a professional atmosphere.

1 - The SCA Manchester Crew and Team Leaders after a great day at the NOFA-NH Winter Conference.

2 - Crew member Mihn-Tam (Mia) explores the Green Market Fair.

Our second Saturday Event consisted of a beach cleanup at Jenness Beach followed by a visit to the Seacoast Science Center. We arrived at Jenness Beach to meet Patty, the Program Coordinator, for the Blue Ocean Society. She gave a short explanation about the Blue Ocean Society and how it relates to marine conservation, as well as how the beach cleanup benefits both the local community and ocean ecosystem as a whole. Following the cleanup, all the volunteers were able to debrief with the Blue Ocean Society. This gave us a good opportunity to ask questions, take pictures, and engage with professionals after the project.

After the cleanup we departed for our second destination, The Seacoast Science Center. Located about 10 minutes north towards Portsmouth, the center boasts interpretive exhibits, an interactive touch-tank, and seaside setting. Members were able to provide service to the center through various tasks needed to maintain a properly working facility. There were many exhibits illustrating the local history of the New England coast. In addition, there were many interactive engaging activities, such as a touch-tank with starfish, aquariums with various fish, and historical information.

The Manchester Conservation Leadership Corps members all seemed to have a great time, and thoroughly enjoyed their day by the ocean!

1 - Crew leader Sean and members Evan, Mihn-Tam, and Destiny begin the beach cleanup with Patty from the Blue Ocean Society.

2 - The windy day at the beach didn't stop the SCA Manchester crew from picking up 65 pounds of litter!

3 - Crew members Destiny, Mihn-Tam, Qi Qi, Weiman, and Evan enjoy one of the many interpretive exhibits at the Seacoast Science Center.

The SCA Manchester's members arrived at Bear Brook Friday afternoon excited for the weekend camping trip full of fun and service work. They geared up and hiked out to their campsite at Smith's Pond, complete with a rustic shelter which overlooks a tranquil and picturesque pond. It seemed that all of Bear Brook was excited for the members to be there, with close encounters with a turtle and a baby porcupine along the trail! The members were new to backpacking and to New Hampshire parks, all having recently moved to the United States from Nepal, but they quickly learned to set up camp and cook dinner by following Leave No Trace standards. The first evening went off without a hitch and to celebrate, SCA Manchester roasted marshmallows over the fire.

The next day was spent building a, much needed, bog bridge along a muddy trail. This was a big task and SCA Manchester conquered it! Moving the 12-foot, 18-inch diameter, White Pine log was just the start. Teaching the members that teamwork and communication were imperative to transport such a hefty load was the next step. The crew learned how to utilize a number of new tools and techniques throughout the project. They learned how to debark a tree with a draw-shave and spud bar and challenged each other to remove the largest portions of bark without breaking it. They learned how to remove wood wedges with a Pulaski, how to chisel, and so much more. At the end of the long day, they sat back satisfied and admired their work over a hearty meal and were surprised with doughnuts.

The crew woke up bright and early on Sunday and began breaking down camp. Following Leave No Trace principles they spent some time searching the site picking up any trash, their goal was: "Leave it better than you found it." Wrapping up the previous days work, the crew cleaned and sharpened the equipment used which they learned is the key to long lasting and effective tools. The day ended with a relaxing picnic at the beach before the drive back to Manchester. The SCA Manchester members left the weekend with a strong sense of accomplishment and with a great introduction to the New Hampshire wilderness.

The SCA Manchester crew stayed local for their final project of the event season. They arrived at Nutts Pond expecting a stormy day but instead found sunshine. The crew quickly geared up prepared themselves to take on the planting project to stabilize two of the pond's main banks. Nutts Pond is a small urban park located in southern Manchester which provides a great escape from the hubbub of the city life. The park is packed with families gathered on weekends and during the week people unwind in the fresh air during lunch.

Eight SCA Manchester members with their two crew leaders worked diligently alongside Rob Robinson, Manchester City Park's Manager, all day to till the soil in preparation for blueberry and dogwood plants. They planted nearly 50 plants on the banks and distributed mulch for further stabilization and visual appeal.

On a rainy Saturday the SCA Manchester crew arrived at Stark Park to lend a hand in keeping the park clean and safe for the neighboring community. The crew had an impressive turnout and was able to overhaul an entire slope of overgrown brush covered in leaves. Working diligently, the crew fought with tough rooted and thorny plants and was able to clear the slope and the sight lines. This was especially helpful to the park whose history of elicit behavior has been minimized during past years. Thanks to SCA Manchester's hard work, the sight lines opened up to deter any further elicit activity and to allow police to patrol the area more effectively.

Not only did the crew create this clearing, they collected many bags full of trash and making exciting finds at the same time! They ventured through the parks' extensive trail system collecting litter and searching out interesting fauna and wildlife when they stumbled across a giant, bright colored ball about five feet tall. So what could they possibly do with such a large ball? Have a good time and start a game with the ball? That's exactly what they did. And so the day ended with smiles and trip to a local pizzeria!