MMRG’s Family Activities Focus on Nature
Thanks to Amy Gardner for these photos of our Bonfire Evening!
We offer a series of six family activities per year, called ‘MOOSE-ies for Families,’ for children and their families to have fun together outdoors while learning about the natural world. In October, a Family Bonfire Evening at McKenzie’s Farm in Milton featured songs and seasonal snacks next to their biggest bonfire ever. The next ‘MOOSE-ies for Families’ outing is a Natural Decorations Walk on private conservation land in New Durham on Sunday afternoon, December 1st.
At the Bonfire Evening, children tookadvantage of being out after dark to play flashlight tag in the field. Settlingdown around the fire, families joined in the music making, roasted marshmallowsfor s’mores, and munched popcorn and McKenzie’s fresh cider donuts. Farm ownerAnnie McKenzie was enthusiastic, exclaiming, “It was really fun; my threegrandkids had a great time!”
At the upcoming Natural DecorationsWalk, children and their families will take a guided walk in the woods and learnhow to select the best trees and sustainable ways to gather holiday greens. Usinggreens already collected, each family will use their creativity, seasonal spirit,and inspirations from nature to create a decorated evergreen spray to take home.Families are invited to bring natural objects or other favorite holiday itemsto add to their spray. Necessary supplies for building the sprays will beprovided. If time permits, families can also try making a bird feeder from naturalmaterials.
Led by our staff and volunteers, the Natural Decorations Walk will take place from 1 to 3 pm at WidowMaker Farm in New Durham. Children of all ages are welcome with their families but pre-registration is required. For directions and to register, call Educational Outreach Coordinator Kari Lygren at 603-978-7125 or email mmrgnh@gmail.com. ‘MOOSE-ies for Families’ stands for Members Only Outdoor and Social Events for Families and these activities are free for MMRG member households. Families can join for $25 per household per year, starting any time of year, at www.mmrgnh.org/become-a-member/. Scholarships are also available.
We would like to thank MRP Manufacturing, LLC in Pittsfield, NH for sponsoring the 2019 ‘MOOSE-ies for Families’ series, and the Dorr Foundation, which supported the program with a grant. MMRG is also grateful to McKenzie’s Farm for their venue, bonfire and donated refreshments and to landowners Victor Piekarski and Gloria Switalksi for sharing their land.