Dinosaurs Return
Opens daily, 9:30 AM to 5 PM (last trail admission at 3:30 PM).
Holderness, NH — Visitors to Squam Lakes Natural Science Center will see life-size dinosaurs similar to the way they lived during prehistoric times, at Dinosaurs Return. The temporary exhibit features five life-size dinosaurs. The dinosaurs look, move, and sound like the real thing.
The featured dinosaurs are Allosaurus, Baryonyx, Diabloceratops, Dimetrodon, and aParasaurolophus. The dinosaurs range in size from the 23’ fish-eating Baryonyx, to the 9’ Parasaurolophus, located just beyond the Science Center’s Admissions area, that can be climbed upon for photos. Dinosaurs Return is every day from July 1 through November 1, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last trail admission at 3:30 PM. Dinosaurs Return is included with regular trail admission (free for members).
Dinosaurs Return is generously sponsored by Meredith Village Savings Bank, NH Trust, Miracle Farms Landscape Contractors, Meredith Landing Real Estate, Meredith Rotary, and The Common Man.
Cost: Dinosaurs Return is included with regular trail admission.
Trail rates are $26 for adults; $24 for seniors (age 65+); $20 for youth (ages 3-15); free for children 2 and under and Science Center members.
For details about this event, upcoming programs, and membership, go to www.nhnature.org or call 603 968-7194.
Lecture: Climate Up Close
Friday, August 2, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Holderness, NH — Squam Lakes Natural Science Center holds a lecture for adults about climate change. Climate Up Close is a group of climate scientists committed to making the essentials of climate science accessible to a broad audience.
The scientists address: Where is the boundary of climate knowledge? How has climate change impacted extreme weather? What does the future hold? Have we triggered a climate “tipping point”?
In addressing these questions, scientists develop a Landscape of Climate Knowledge, categorizing climate impacts by whether they are highly confident or still uncertain. The presentation is non-partisan and non-prescriptive. Speakers include Dr. Aaron Match, New York University; Dr. Jake Seeley, Harvard University; Dr. Nathaniel Tarshish, Harvard University; Dr. Andrew Williams, Princeton University.This event is co-hosted by Squam Lakes Association, Squam Lakes Conservation Society, and Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.
Cost: No charge but reservations are required.
Advance registration required. To register for this event, and learn about upcoming programs and membership, go to www.nhnature.org or call 603 968-7194.
Lecture: Bats of the White Mountain National Forest
Thursday, August 8, 6 to 7 PM
Holderness, NH – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center holds a lecture for adults about Bats of the White Mountain National Forest, with Leighlan Prout, of the US Forest Service. Bats across North America have been devastated by a disease called White-nose Syndrome. Learn how White Mountain National Forest biologists have been surveying for bats over the last 15 years, what they’ve discovered, and the conservation strategies that may be part of future management.
Cost: No charge but reservations are required.
Advance registration required. To register for this event, and learn about upcoming programs and membership go to www.nhnature.org or call 603 968-7194.
Growing a Garden for Pollinators with Lead Horticulturist Emma Erler
Wednesday, August 14, 9:30 to 11:30 AM
Holderness, NH – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center offers a garden program for teens and adults about gardening for pollinators. Lead Horticulturist Emma Erler will lead this two-hour workshop and show participants the basics of attracting pollinators to their gardens.
Participants will learn who the pollinators are, the best host plants and nectar sources to attract pollinators, how to provide shelter and water, and how to build a simple solitary bee nesting box. Whether someone has a large sunny garden or a small patio, participants will come away with the knowledge and tools to create and enhance habitat for pollinators.
Cost per session: $25 member/$30 non-member
Advance registration required. To register for this event, and learn about upcoming programs and membership go to www.nhnature.org or call 603 968-7194.
Annual Meeting for Members
Thursday, August 22, 4:30 to 5:15 PM
Holderness, NH – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center holds its Annual Meeting for Members on Thursday, August 22, at 4:30 PM, at Kirkwood Gardens. Business includes electing officers and trustees, honoring retiring trustees, recognizing employee service, and presenting the Horizon Award. The election slate and biographies of nominees will be posted at nhnature.org/programs/annual_meeting.php.
Members are invited to purchase tickets to the Garden Party to Support the Science Center following the Annual Meeting (5:30 to 7:30 PM).
Cost: No charge to attend but reservations are required. Please email info@nullnhnature.org.
View the full calendar of events at nhnature.org.
Garden Party to Support the Science Center, at Kirkwood Gardens
Thursday, August 22, 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Holderness, NH — Join fellow Science Center supporters for a Garden Party at Kirkwood Gardens to celebrate the wonders of nature. This exclusive event promises an evening of camaraderie amidst the breathtaking beauty of Kirkwood Gardens. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, while mingling with other Science Center enthusiasts.
Take in the soothing melodies of live music from a string trio. Don’t miss the chance to participate in the exciting silent auction, featuring items highlighting the best of the Science Center. From unique experiences to exceptional treasures, there’s something for everyone to bid on and support the Science Center’s important work.
Limited tickets are available and go on sale August 1. Visit nhnature.org/gala.
Cost: Tickets are priced at $100 per person, with all proceeds going toward the Science Center’s programs and mission.
Kirkwood Gardens Guided Tour
Friday, August 23, 11 AM to 12 PM
Holderness, NH – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Lead Horticulturist Emma Erler leads a guided tour of beautiful Kirkwood Gardens for teens and adults. This is a great opportunity to learn about the incredible history of Kirkwood Gardens, identify what is in bloom, and ask any gardening questions on this personalized tour. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: $9/member; $11/non-member.
Advance registration required. To register for this event, and learn about upcoming programs and membership go to www.nhnature.org or call 603 968-7194.
ONGOING PROGRAMS
River Otter Feeding
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 11:30 AM, at the River Otter Exhibit
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center holds river otter feeding every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 11:30 AM. See the two playful resident river otters enjoy an early lunch. Expert volunteers tell visitors about otter biology and ecology, while also serving up a tasty treat or two.
River Otter Feeding is generously sponsored by Holderness School.
Cost: River otter feeding is included in regular trail admission.
To purchase tickets, learn about upcoming programs, and membership go to www.nhnature.org.
Turtle Talks
Tuesdays, 10 AM, outside the Webster Education Building
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center holds a fun session all about turtles every Tuesday in July and August. These volunteer-led talks are in-depth and there is always a live turtle visitor. Interactive discussions and questions are encouraged.
Cost: Turtle Talks are included in regular trail admission
To purchase tickets, learn about upcoming programs, and membership go to www.nhnature.org.
Up Close to Animals
Daily at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM at the Amphitheater
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center brings visitors Up Close to Animals every day during July and August. Meet live animals up close and learn about them from an experienced naturalist educator. These engaging talks at the amphitheater feature a variety of different animals, including birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Up Close to Animals presentations are generously sponsored by Rockywold Deephaven Camps, Squam Boat Livery, and TESco.
Cost: Up Close to Animals presentations are included in regular trail admission
To purchase tickets, learn about upcoming programs, and membership go to www.nhnature.org.
StoryWalkTM: Look and Listen by Dianne White, Illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford
Open Daily
At Curry Place in Holderness
Stroll along the channel as you read The Voyage of Turtle Rex by Kurt Cyrus posted one page at a time along the trail. The story chronicles the journey of a baby sea turtle in the oceanic world of the dinosaurs.
StoryWalk surrounds the Holderness Town Gazebo behind the Holderness Post Office at Curry Place. Presented in partnership with Holderness Library and Holderness Recreation Department. Open daily from June 28 through September 2. StoryWalk is generously sponsored by Meredith Village Savings Bank.
Cost: No charge and no reservations required.
It’s a Wild Life Exhibit
Daily on the live animal exhibit trail
Visitors will enjoy this interactive exhibit along the live animal exhibit trail. It’s A Wild Life is a visual project highlighting IF/THEN Ambassadors, women, and gender minorities, whose careers intersect with the natural world.
Cost: It’s A Wild Life is included in regular trail admission
To purchase tickets, learn about upcoming programs, and membership go to www.nhnature.org.
SQUAM LAKE CRUISES
Discover Squam Cruise
Daily 1 to 2:30 PM
Holderness, NH – This unforgettable guided tour has something new to delight everyone. Learn about the natural history of Squam Lake, look for majestic Bald Eagles, and listen for the haunting call of Common Loons. Hear about the people who have lived on its rocky shores surrounded by scenic mountains for over 5,000 years. Cruise on this pristine lake where nature reigns.
All Squam Lake Cruises are 90 minutes in length on canopied pontoon boats. Binoculars are available for viewing or bring your own. Cruises depart on Route 113 across from the Science Center.
Squam Lake Cruises are not recommended for children under age 5. Advance reservations required by purchasing tickets at nhnature.org.
Cost: $32/adult; $30 senior (age 65+); $28 youth (ages up to 15); members receive a $4 per person discount
To purchase cruise tickets and see the full cruise schedule visit nhnature.org.
Cruise with a Naturalist
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 4:30 PM
Holderness, NH – Learn about the rich natural history of Squam Lake with an experienced naturalist. See Common Loons and Bald Eagles and view their nesting sites. Watch for other wildlife too. You never know what you might see amid Squam’s scenic mountain ranges, charming islands, and quiet spots. The route is chosen to maximize wildlife observations; see something different on every memorable trip.
All Squam Lake Cruises are 90 minutes in length on canopied pontoon boats. Binoculars are available for viewing or bring your own. Cruises depart on Route 113 across from the Science Center.
Squam Lake Cruises are not recommended for children under age 5. Advance reservations required by purchasing tickets at nhnature.org. Cost: $32/adult; $30 senior (age 65+); $28 youth (ages up to 15); members receive a $4 per person discount. To purchase cruise tickets and see the full cruise schedule visit nhnature.org.
Loon Cruise
Mondays and Fridays from 3 to 4:30 PM
Holderness, NH – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center and the Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) are offering cruises that focus on the latest news about Common Loon conservation, biology, and monitoring. A Science Center naturalist joins an LPC biologist who guides the tour and discusses the work LPC does across the state and on Squam to protect these unique migratory birds, the only loon that breeds as far south as New Hampshire. The cruise route maximizes the likelihood of loon observations and changes weekly.
Part of the proceeds from Loon Cruises support the work of the Loon Preservation Committee.
All Squam Lake Cruises are 90 minutes in length on canopied pontoon boats. Binoculars are available for viewing or bring your own.
Cruises depart on Route 113 across from the Science Center. Squam Lake Cruises are not recommended for children under age 5. Advance reservations required by purchasing tickets at nhnature.org.
Cost: $32/adult; $30 senior (age 65+); $28 youth (ages up to 15); members receive a $4 per person discount
To purchase cruise tickets and see the full cruise schedule visit nhnature.org.
About Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
The mission of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world. Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, guided Squam Lake Cruises, public gardens, and a nature-based Montessori early learning center, the Science Center has educated audiences of all ages since 1966 about the importance of our natural world. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is Sensory Inclusive Certified by KultureCity.
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is located on Route 113 in Holderness, an easy drive from exit 24 off I-93, and public trails are open daily from May 1 through November 1 with programming throughout the year. For further information about the Science Center, call 603 968-7194 or visit www.nhnature.org.