Want to learn how to identify New Hampshire’s native trees? Join us for a tree identification walk on the Sawyer Brook Headwaters Conservation Area in Grantham, NH on September 12 from 1-3pm. The walk will be led by Dode Gladders, field specialist in natural resources in Sullivan County (also known as the Sullivan County Forester). Participants will learn about the different native tree species found on the property, tree terminology, and tips and tricks for identifying trees. Dode will also spend time talking about the diseases and pest that impact trees in New Hampshire.

Before starting with UNH Cooperative Extension in 2013, Dode managed the forest health program for the State of Delaware for nine years and taught Dendrology at Delaware State University. He also worked as a field forester in the timber industry for several years in the Pacific Northwest. He earned his M.S. degree in forest resources from the University of Georgia.

Purchased by the Town of Grantham in 2020, the Sawyer Brook Headwaters Conservation Area (SBH) is around 385-acres in size and is characterized by forested and open space areas with a beaver pond and streams and includes areas that are ranked among the highest-ranked wildlife habitat in the state. For this event only, cars may park at the log landing off the Old Dunbar Hill Road. This walk is being held as part of the 2021 NH BioBlitz, an effort to get community members out exploring species on town-owned lands all over New Hampshire during the month of September. Attendees are invited to participate in the BioBlitz effort by submitting their tree species observations to iNaturalist. To learn more about the NH BioBlitz, visit: https://extension.unh.edu/programs/nh-bioblitz.

This event is free, but space is limited due to current UNH COVID-related policies.

Registration is required.

COVID-19 Safety Precautions: Group size is limited and the entire program will be held outdoors. Participants will be required to complete a simple online health screening before leaving home. Additional information will be sent upon registration.

Sponsoring Organizations: UNH Extension, Grantham Conservation Commission