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Discover the Power of NH State Parks with SCA and PSNH!

Submitted by scommarto on Fri, 09/04/2009 - 09:16

Imagine the very first time you climbed a mountain, wandered into a forest, or sat by the shores of a pristine lake. Maybe the experience was adventurous, peaceful or awe inspiring. Many New Hampshire residents may have to reach far back to recall these memories, however many visitors to New Hampshire’s State Parks are doing these things for the very first time.

That is where the New Hampshire Conservation Corps steps forward: for the third year the NHCC has teamed up with New Hampshire State Parks and Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH) to provide the 2009 Discover the Power of Parks Program.

From June to October five Interpreter Corps Members are working in six New Hampshire State Parks and providing information, educational programs and other services to visitors of the most popular New Hampshire State Parks. Interpreters can be found at Monadnock State Park, Greenfield State Park, Pawtuckaway State Park, Bear Brook State Park, White Lake State Park and Franconia Notch State Park.

Interpretation serves to connect people -- trail greenhorns and expert adventurers alike -- to the special places they have come to visit. One way the Interpreters have been doing this is by sharing their knowledge through formal programs that are offered free of charge to the public. Visitors attending Discover the Power of Parks programs can explore the park using their senses, learn backcountry survival skills, meet the animals that share the parks, and discover the mysteries that dwell beneath the surface of a pond.

Visitors to Greenfield and Monadnock State Parks enjoyed learning about Bears. White Lake visitors explored it’s active beaver lodge by boat. Children at Pawtuckaway and Bear Brook took on the roles of their favorite animals to learn how they live in the wild.

Interpreters are also serving visitors in other ways, by providing information about park trails and attractions, staffing visitor centers, and providing assistance for lost and injured hikers. Interpreters have also taken an active role in educating visitors in Hike Safe and Leave No Trace principles, assuring the visitors can have a good time visiting the parks, and that they will continue to be preserved for future enjoyment.

Click through to learn more about Discover the Power of Parks or find Fall Programming opportunities.

 

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The mission of SCA NH is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the communities and land of New Hampshire through conservation service projects that enhance and protect natural areas and to provide environmental education to promote the understanding and stewardship of these natural areas. SCA New Hampshire (SCA NH) is one of SCA's oldest residential corp programs. The Interns are housed in historic cabins at Bear Brook State Park where they share the joys and struggles of rustic life while dedicating a year of their lives to performing direct service. These highly motivated 18-25 year olds enhance and protect the state’s natural areas as well as provide extensive environmental education. Benefits to corps members include a living allowance, health insurance, an AmeriCorps Education Award and the development of their own leadership and team-building skills. The overall experience develops a strong ethic of active citizenship and practical conservation techniques. Projects served by the SCA NH corps touch the lives of tens of thousands of people. Since its incepting SCA NH has been partnered with the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation and Volunteer NH (AmeriCorps). Over the years the partnerships have expanded throughout the state to include the White Mountain National Forest, St. Gaudens Historic National Park, conservation commissions, and more. Corps Members spend much of the winter months providing environmental education and service learning programs to elementary and middle school students in Manchester, NH as well as several community nonprofits. During the summer, the members are engaged in conservation service in the form of trail construction and maintenance, campground rehabilitation and historic preservation as well as further environmental education through the NH Park Interpretive program, Discover the Power of the Parks.

contact the SCA NH corps office at six-zero-three -485-2191

or email: Teresa McNamee

TMcNamee "at" thesca "dot" org