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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. The 2025 program year has ended and programs will return in late June, 2026.


For more information please contact 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:
Blogs & Field Notes

Discover the Power of Parks Nature Programs & Schedules

Bear Brook State Park

August Program Schedules

August Program Descriptions

About Bear Brook State Park 
 

Echo Lake State Park

August Program Schedule

August Program Descriptions

About Echo Lake State Park

Ellacoya State Park

August Program Schedules

August Program Descriptions

About Ellacoya State Park

Franconia Notch State Park

August Program Schedules

August Program Descriptions

About Franconia Notch State Park

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

Great North Woods Program Schedule

Great North Woods Program Descriptions

Greenfield State Park

July Program Schedules

July Program Descriptions

About Greenfield State Park

Miller State Park

Programs begin in the fall. Check back for schedules. See you then!

About Miller State Park

Monadnock State Park

August Program Schedules

August Program Descriptions

About Monadnock Lake State Park

Mt. Sunapee State Park

August Program Schedules

August Program Descriptions

About Mt. Sunapee State Park 

Pawtuckaway State Park

August Program Schedules

August Program Descriptions

Pawtuckaway State Park

Pillsbury State Park

August Program Schedules

August Program Descriptions

About Pillsbury State Park

Seacoast Parks

August Program Schedules

August Program Descriptions


 

Umbagog Lake State Park

August Program Schedules

August Program Descriptions

About Umbagog Lake State Park

White Lake State Park

August Program Schedules

August Program Descriptions

About White Lake State Park

MEET THE 2025
INTERPRETIVE RANGERS 

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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! 

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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! 

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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.

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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!

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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! 

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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 ranger at echo lake franconia notch state parksca ranger building fire in fire ringsca ranger pond life education with kids sca ranger pond life education with kids    
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.
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172 Pembroke Road Concord, NH 03301