"The people in New Hampshire care deeply about conserving their environment. By coming to Discover Wild New Hampshire Day, they can have fun finding out how they can help maintain the wildlife, natural places and outdoor activities that add to our quality of life," said event coordinator Judy Silverberg, a wildlife educator at the Fish and Game Department. 

Discover Wild New Hampshire Day draws dozens of representatives from outdoor, wildlife and conservation groups from throughout the state. They will bring exhibits and demonstrations to help you appreciate all that is WILD about New Hampshire. More than 35 exhibitors will be on hand this year, including the Loon Preservation Center, Seacoast Science Center, Trout Unlimited of N.H., N.H. Wild Turkey Federation, Great Bay Discovery Center, Elaine Connors Wildlife Center and the New Hampshire Audubon Society. Event-goers will meet Smokey the Bear and learn about New Hampshire forests. You can also find out how you can help protect our air and water quality at N.H. Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) booths and check out their cool alternative fuel vehicles on display.

Special presentations will go on throughout the day, including some with live animals. They are:

   • 10:15 a.m. - Wildlife Photography Basics, with professional photographer Alan Briere.
   • 11:00 a.m. - Amazing Mammals - Squam Lakes Natural Science Center New Hampshire.
   • 11:45 a.m. - 2006 Conservation Awards of Excellence - N.H. Fish and Game Commission.
   • 12:30 p.m. - Alien Invasion! - Invasive species are at our door - Rundlett Middle School.
   • 1:15 p.m. - What’s A Raptor? - New Hampshire Audubon Society.
   • 2:00 p.m. - Reptiles and Amphibians of N.H. - Mike Marchand, N.H. Fish and Game Dept.

Wildlife walks and demonstrations will continue throughout the day also, including:

   • 10:30 a.m. - Basic Birding - Emily Brunkhurst, N.H. Fish and Game Dept.
   • 11:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. - Ways of Wildlife - Judy Tumosa, N.H. Fish and Game Dept.
   • 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - Landscaping for Wildlife - Marilyn Wyzga, N.H. Fish and Game Dept.
   • Air Quality Monitoring Station Tour (NHDES): On-going.
   • Retrieval Dog Demonstrations: On-going.
   • Basic Compass Instruction: On-going.
   • Casting Practice with "Let’s Go Fishing" experts: On-going.
   • Discovery Room & Junior Duck Stamp Art Exhibit: Headquarters building - lower level.

You can also help support Fish and Game by purchasing your fishing and/or hunting license. The license office will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Also, visitors will want to stop by the merchandise table where, for the first time, the Department offers its new line of hats, shirts and other items featuring the N.H. Fish and Game Department logo.

Discover Wild New Hampshire Day is a rain or shine event. A food concession will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 2007 marks the 19th year that Fish and Game has held Discover Wild New Hampshire Day. This event began in 1989 as an observance of Earth Day and a celebration of the state’s wealth of natural resources and outdoor opportunities. More than 5,000 people attended last year’s event. This is truly a great event for families to attend.

For further information about Discover Wild New Hampshire Day, readers may call Public Affairs Division, N.H. Fish and Game Department at: (603) 271-3211, or visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2007/News_2007_Q2/DWNH_Day_040507.htm.

Bob Harris can be reached via e-mail at: outwriter2@aol.com