Forest Society Blog - News & Features

Conservation doesn’t stop at the edge of the woods. The Forest Society works alongside policymakers, researchers, landowners, and partners to help shape the policies and public investments that protect New Hampshire’s forests, clean water, wildlife habitat, and communities for generations to come.

Every spring, thousands of white-tailed deer fawns are born across NH, adding to one of the state’s most abundant and influential wildlife populations. While deer are a familiar and cherished part of the landscape, their growing numbers can significantly shape forest health, native plant communities, and even the spread of tick-borne diseases.

This episode looks at the hidden impacts of rodenticides on owls, hawks, foxes, and other wildlife across New Hampshire. Learn how poisons meant for rats and mice move through the food chain, why simple prevention steps matter, and what we can all do to help protect the predators sharing our neighborhoods and forests.

The Something Wild team recently joined a micro-exploring outing at Willard Pond Sanctuary led by Phil Brown and Ignacio Oreamuno. Discover how slowing down and exploring close to home can deepen our connection to the natural world.

The Forest Society has permanently conserved 53 acres in Goffstown, New Hampshire, completing the protection of the historic Sugar Bush Farm with the Shost family and safeguarding important farmland, wildlife habitat, and water resources in the Merrimack River watershed. This project supports the town’s goal of preserving productive agricultural land and was made possible through the generosity of the Shost family and a partnership of public and private funders.

As part of Land Trust Alliance Advocacy Days 2026, Forest Society leaders met with New Hampshire’s congressional delegation and U.S. Forest Service officials to advance key conservation priorities, including Farm Bill programs, a proposed Forest Conservation Easement Program, and the value of open space. These conversations also addressed concerns about the Forest Service’s proposed reorganization, reinforcing the importance of strong federal partnerships and scientific capacity to support forests and communities.

The Forest Society joined a roundtable with New Hampshire’s congressional delegation to discuss the U.S. Forest Service’s proposed reorganization, raising concerns about cuts to research capacity, loss of scientific expertise, and potential impacts to state and private forestry programs. As the proposal evolves, we’re urging public engagement to help ensure decisions support healthy forests, strong communities, and a resilient forest-based economy.

Sixteen new volunteer Land Stewards spent a full Saturday in early spring with Forest Society staff at the Conservation Center in Concord for our annual Land Steward Field Day. After two months of virtual training sessions, the Field Day allowed new Stewards from across the state to meet in-person, hone their stewardship skills, test their knowledge, and—as a bonus celebration to fete the organization’s 125th anniversary—nosh some cupcakes and raise a glass.