 This
past Saturday, August 1st over 300 people joined Moose Mountains
Regional Greenways and UNH Cooperative Extension at the seventh
annual Woods, Water and Wildlife Festival.
Participants enjoyed a beautiful summer’s day taking hayrides to the Salmon Falls River, where Dave Kellam explained what a healthy river is and how to keep it that way. Many also learned how to can and preserve fresh foods with Ann Hamilton of UNHCE as she prepared bread and butter pickles and raspberry jam. Kids of all ages asked questions of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center’s Dave Erler as he showed a woodchuck, a beaver and a barred owl and explained the different needs each animal has.
The Geddes Road Band entertained the crowd with a variety of bluegrass tunes and the Cub Scouts of troop 198 and caterer Sue Everett served up delicious food. Children explored the sunflower/flag maze and then played on the hay pyramid. Guided walks were taken learning how to identify trees and shrubs with Deb Goard of UNHCE and photographer Dave O’Conner led groups on his popular Nature and Photography workshop.
 A well attended event was Ruth Scruton’s traveling barnyard where children interacted with all sorts of animals. The Farm Museum shared farm facts and all could experience hands-on corn grinding. The kid’s crafts tent was very busy with children decorating tree cookies that they cut themselves using a cross-cut saw. Sawyer Mike Lebrecque was busy cutting logs into lumber using his portable hydraulic band saw. The Piscataqua Hounds took advantage of the beautiful day to ride a course on the conserved land of Branch Hill Farm. Teneriffe Mountain Blueberries was selling fresh blueberries and the Milton Mills Public Library had many books for sale.
The winner of the 50/50 raffle was George Smith of Rochester. Photographs of the day may be purchased by viewing Carol Martin’s website www.memoriesbymartin.com; 50% of the photo proceeds will be given to MMRG.
 This family-friendly day is designed to bring together MMRG members and the community. MMRG would like to thank the many volunteers and presenters who donated many hours. This event would not be possible without the contributions of our sponsors and supporters: D.F. Richard Inc; Kari Lygren, Trager Practioner; Eastern Boats Inc; Proulx Oil and Propane; Liberty Mutual Insurance; Meredith Village Savings Bank; Piscataqua Hounds; Devonshire Realty; Moose Mountain Public Accounting; Massage Therapy and Acupuncture of Wolfeboro; EOS Research; Teneriffe Mountain Blueberries; Index Packaging; Forest Pump and Filter; The Law Office of James H. Schulte, Wolfeboro Oil, Middleton Building Supply, Wentworth Hunt and Charles Moreno, Consulting Forester. The Frank Massin Agency, C. Boyen Thompson, PC, McKenzie’s Farm, Spider Web Gardens, Dave Hutchins Builders, MW Designs with All About Kitchens, Milton Hardware, Robert and Judith Page, Jim Smith Horseshoeing, Lakeview Marble and Granite and Steve Royle Timber Harvesting. This event is underwritten by the Siemon Company and Branch Hill Farm.
MMRG holds this fund raiser annually to be able to conserve
and connect important water resources, working farm and forest
lands, wildlife habitats and recreational land. Throughout
the year MMRG also offers many educational opportunities to
inform all ages about the benefits of our region’s natural
resources.
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