Earlier this month, MMRG hosted its much anticipated annual Woods, Water, and Wildlife Festival at the scenic Branch Hill Farm in Milton Mills, NH. The Festival is an extremely popular local favorite, and this year was no exception, with nearly 450 people joining the festivities! Each year, the Festival offers interactive activities and learning experiences for all ages about New Hampshire’s many natural resources. By offering nature-themed entertainment, the Festival is a unique and fun way for local community members to get involved in MMRG’s conservation work.
Cheryl Giguere, Festival volunteer and planning committee member, said:“ This year’s WWW Festival was a wonderful success. How exciting it was to see children and adults learning about and exploring the natural world around them here in NH. We are so lucky to be able to come together with Branch Hill Farm and the over 100 volunteers and presenters who made this possible — we couldn’t do it without their tremendous support. ”
Many favorite activities from past years returned, including the extremely popular live presentation by Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, highlighting their work rescuing and rehabilitating native animal species. Children enjoyed fishing in the Branch Hill Farm pond, guided by NH Fish and Game’s “Let’s Go Fishing” program. Families had the opportunity to visit farm animals while learning about local sustainable agriculture methods, and kids enjoyed chances to make nature crafts like DIY painted tree cookies.
MMRG Executive Director Jillian Eldredge added, “It was very gratifying to see a return to many of our pre-COVID activities, including food, face painting and hayrides. Many parents expressed to me during the day that they were so happy to have an event like this to share with their families, and that really made the effort of the day worthwhile.”
Many local organizations and businesses hosted booths that offered information and activities for both adults and children, including UNH Extension, the Carroll County Conservation District, Lonach Farm, and more. For organizations and businesses in attendance, the Festival offers a valuable opportunity to share their work with new audiences.
The Festival is also one of MMRG’s most important fundraisers – all Festival proceeds and business sponsorships went directly towards MMRG’s non-profit land conservation and educational outreach mission. MMRG is grateful to its Festival Underwriters the Siemon Company, and Branch Hill Farm/Carl Siemon Family Charitable Trust. We appreciate our Major Sponsors for their contributions: Wentworth Hunt Club, D.F. Richard Energy, Carl & Beth Ann Siemon, Hank & Junko Siemon, Cynthia Wyatt, Beverly Siemon, Janet Wyatt, Philip Zaeder, Margarete Hays Dombrower, Bruce and Jennifer Rich, Mary Ulinski, and many more local businesses and community members.
Photos by Kate Wilcox and Meag Poirier.
