Guided Hike Workshop

photo: M. Clyde

The Forest Society has been running a "Field Trip 101 - How to Lead a Guided Walk" workshop in conjunction with UNH Cooperative Extension for several years now.  We've trained dozens of people in how to plan, advertise, and implement a successful and safe guided hike or nature walk on conservation land.  And it's definitely starting to pay off- hundreds and hundreds of people have been reached through the many nature walks that participants have led on Forest Society lands and other conservation properties around the state.  We feel this is vitally important work- engaging people in their own communities on conservation land, so that they can understand the direct benefits of conserving land- for their families and their communities.

Dave Anderson leads a small group in the outdoor exercises (photo: M.Clyde)

In late July, we held another Field Trip 101 session on a very hot day at the Conservation Center.  Ten new "trip leaders" participated, and all were very tolerant listening to me, Dave Anderson, Malin Clyde, and Emma Carcagno go through the steps of leading a hike while fans whirred away in the conference room and everyone was sticky with perspiration.  The highlight of the workshop (as it usually is) was the outdoor exercises at the end of the day, where we break into teams and have a little friendly competition.  It's a fun way to spend a day... and one that will keep giving back to conservation in NH for years to come!

Photo: M.Clyde

Photo: M.Clyde