Skip to main content

DISCOVER THE POWER OF PARKS

Discover the Power of Parks


Come explore the natural heritage of New Hampshire with us!
 
The Discover the Power of Parks, ​a partnership between the Student Conservation Association (SCA), AmeriCorps, and NH State Parks, is a program ​that connects participants with nature and builds appreciation for New Hampshire's unmatched natural heritage. Programs are offered statewide in the parks starting in late June and are offered through October. 

Check this page in late June of 2026 for new rangers and schedules. 

For more information please contact, Johanna Lyons at:  Johanna.Lyons@dncr.nh.gov 

Check out the educational and very interesting illustrated Blogs written by the SCA Rangers over the past summers, and the new ones being added by the 2025 Rangers. You are sure to learn something new!  Read the Blogs

Discover the Power of Parks Nature Programs 2025

Bear Brook State Park

Programs have concluded for the 2025 season.
Check back late June of next year for new rangers and schedules. 

About Bear Brook State Park 
 

Echo Lake State Park

Programs have concluded for the 2025 season.
Check back late June of next year for new rangers and schedules. 

About Echo Lake State Park

Ellacoya State Park

Programs have concluded for the 2025 season.
Check back late June of next year for new rangers and schedules. 

About Ellacoya State Park

Franconia Notch State Park

Programs have concluded for the 2025 season.
Check back late June of next year for new rangers and schedules. 

About Franconia Notch State Park

Great North Woods - Jericho - Milan Hill - Mollidgewock State Parks

Programs have concluded for the 2025 season.
Check back late June of next year for new rangers and schedules. 

Greenfield State Park

Programs have concluded for the 2025 season.
Check back late June of next year for new rangers and schedules. 

About Greenfield State Park

Miller State Park

Programs have concluded for the 2025 season.
Check back late June of next year for new rangers and schedules. 

About Miller State Park

Monadnock State Park

Programs have concluded for the 2025 season.
Check back late June of next year for new rangers and schedules. 

About Monadnock Lake State Park

Mt. Sunapee State Park

Programs have concluded for the 2025 season.
Check back late June of next year for new rangers and schedules. 

About Mt. Sunapee State Park 

Pawtuckaway State Park

Programs have concluded for the 2025 season.
Check back late June of next year for new rangers and schedules. 

Pawtuckaway State Park

Pillsbury State Park

Programs have concluded for the 2025 season.
Check back late June of next year for new rangers and schedules. 
About Pillsbury State Park

Seacoast Parks

Programs have concluded for the 2025 season.
Check back late June of next year for new rangers and schedules. 


 

Umbagog Lake State Park

Programs have concluded for the 2025 season.
Check back late June of next year for new rangers and schedules. 

About Umbagog Lake State Park

White Lake State Park

Programs have concluded for the 2025 season.
Check back late June of next year for new rangers and schedules. 

About White Lake State Park

2025
INTERPRETIVE RANGERS 

Anna_Beaudette-web.jpg

Anna – Franconia Notch State Park

Hi, my name is Anna, and I am an Interpretive Ranger at Franconia Notch State Park. I am from southern NH and I studied Environmental Conservation and Sustainability at the University of New Hampshire. I am super excited to teach you all about Franconia’s beautiful ecosystems and how we can practice environmental stewardship together! 

Elise_Eisenberg-web.jpg

Elise – Echo Lake State Park & White Lake State Park 
Hi, my name is Elise! I am a native Texan who’s excited to be spending the year here in beautiful New Hampshire. I can’t wait to experience White Lake and Echo Lake this summer! 


Josh_Leary-web.jpg

Josh – Monadnock State Park
Hi, I’m Josh—a New Hampshire native and Interpreter Ranger at Mount Monadnock. I’m passionate about sharing the hidden stories of this mountain, from its rich history to the quiet magic of its forests. Whether you're chasing a summit or just a moment of peace, I’m here to help you see Monadnock with fresh eyes and open heart.


Ella_Selden-web.jpg

Ella - Bear Brook State Park & Seacoast State Parks
Howdy, I’m Ella, and I am from Austin, Texas! I graduated from the University of North Texas with a BS in Geography (Go Mean Green), and I’m super excited to host programs at Bear Brook State Park and the Seacoast this season! I am a huge fan of historic geology, hiking, music, and breakfast tacos. If you would like to learn about historic geology, the CCC, paddling, indigenous culture, animal tracks, and more, come visit the parks this summer! See ya out there!


Evan_Walsh-web.jpg

Evan – Umbagog & Great North Woods State Parks
Hello there! Ever wonder what happens North of the mighty White Mountains? Join me in the Great North Woods this summer and explore some “spruce and moose” habitats! Through a variety of programs spotlighting the area's ecology, wildlife, and indigenous history, we will discover what makes New Hampshire's panhandle so unique! 


 

Bridget_Dempsey-web.jpg

Bridget – Franconia Notch State Park
Hello! My name is Bridget! I am one of two Interpretive Rangers at Franconia Notch State Park for 2025. I am originally from Madison, Wisconsin. I enjoy all kinds of outdoor recreation, and my love for hiking is what drew me to Franconia Notch. This season, I hope to enrich your Franconia Notch experience through programming that ignites a sense of wonder and a passion for the great outdoors!

Ellie_Holter-web.jpg

Ellie – Pawtuckaway & Seacoast State Parks
Hi! My name is Ellie. I am the Interpretive Ranger at Pawtuckaway State Park and the Seacoast Parks this summer. I am originally from Virginia and earned a B.S. in Applied History from Appalachian State University, so I am excited to learn more about New Hampshire's rich history. I enjoy spending time outdoors having fun and learning new things, and I hope to inspire others to do the same! I hope you consider joining some of our Discover the Power of Parks programs this year!

Amelia_Paine_SCA_Ranger

Amelia - Ellacoya, Sunapee & Pillsbury State Parks
Hi, I’m Amelia, and I’ll be the interpretive ranger at Ellacoya, Sunapee, and Pillsbury this summer! I’m originally from southwest Michigan and I went to Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota for Environmental Studies, Geography, and Urban Studies. Before this, I have worked at Zoo Miami in Florida, Chugach National Forest in Alaska, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Arizona, and now New Hampshire State Parks! I’m excited to teach and learn about New Hampshire’s history, ecology, and outdoor activities this summer. See you all at the parks!


Janiah_Watkins-web.jpg

Janiah – Greenfield, Monadnock & Rhododendron State Parks
Hello, my name is Janiah and I hope you are ready to get your roots soiled with knowledge about our state parks. This summer I will be stationed between Monadnock, Greenfield, and just a bit of time in the beautiful bloomin’ Rhododendron State Park . Although I am originally from the finger lakes region of New York, I have fallen in love with the natural charm of New Hampshire. I am so excited to share my knowledge and passion for environmental science, ecology, and botany with you! I hope to see you soon!


 
sca_rangers_10-2025-4.jpg sca ranger at echo lake franconia notch state parksca ranger building fire in fire ringsca ranger pond life education with kids     
campfire_stories_sca_rangerssca_rangers_wildlife_educationsca_rangers_tree_ID_walk
sca ranger in tent for nature programsca ranger in park building for nature programsca ranger pond life education with kids using nets

    

DPP Quest


Do you want to learn more about the natural and cultural history of New Hampshire State Parks? Join the Discover the Power of Parks (DPP) Quest! Participate in five different Discover the Power of Parks programs and you will receive a complimentary patch in recognition of your accomplishment. For more information email Johanna.Lyons@dncr.nh.gov
 


Discover the Power of Parks is presented by New Hampshire State Parks in collaboration with the Student Conservation Association. The Discover the Power of Parks program is made possible by generous financial support from Eversource.

 

Seal of the State of New Hampshire © NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
172 Pembroke Road Concord, NH 03301