Forest Society Blog - News & Features

If you’ve noticed more fireflies than usual lighting up New Hampshire’s summer nights, you’re not imagining things. A wet spring created ideal conditions for firefly larvae to thrive underground, leading to a noticeable surge in adult fireflies this season. In this episode of Something Wild, discover the fascinating lifecycle of these glowing insects and learn how you can help protect their habitat.

We celebrate the American beech — a majestic, smooth‑barked tree that makes up nearly 40% of northern hardwood forests and supports wildlife with its nuts and canopy. However, this iconic species is now facing serious threat from Beech Leaf Disease, which could leave up to 40% of forests in central New Hampshire standing dead if not addressed.

Dive into New Hampshire’s hidden history and unfolding environmental story. In this episode, we uncover the remnants of a once-submerged forest now exposed along the coast. Leveraging cutting-edge research and emerging technologies, they explore how this drowned woodland uncovers clues about New Hampshire’s ancient coastline — and how those same insights are guiding our understanding of rising seas and climate resilience. Join us for a journey through time, nature, and hope.

Every spring for the past 25 years, raptor biologist Chris Martin of New Hampshire Audubon has banded peregrine falcon chicks atop Manchester’s 13-story Brady Sullivan Tower, part of a successful effort to monitor and support the local falcon population. This year, he and NHPR’s Something Wild team documented the careful process of banding this year’s three chicks.

Turtles are on the move in New Hampshire this time of year, in search of nesting grounds. It's a high risk time for pregnant females if they have to cross roads to find a good spot. Dave Anderson talks with Drew Stevens and Dallas Huggins, founders and licensed wildlife rehabilitators with New Hampshire Turtle Rescue, based in Nottingham.

That buzz? It is everyone’s favorite bug to hate this time of year: the black fly. As hours of daylight increase, temperatures start to rise, making conditions just right for black flies, and surprisingly, that’s worth celebrating!

The Something Wild hosts put their bird nest knowledge to the test! Play along and see if you know your wildlife. 

Have you ever walked or paddled along a riverbank, and noticed a towering tree with deeply-furrowed gray bark and huge bright green leaves that flutter in the breeze like butterfly wings? If so, you’ve probably met the Eastern Cottonwood.