NH Maple Producers  

Open House Weekend   

March 23 & 24, 2013

2013 Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year  

   Ned and Jean Therrien, owners of the Ames Road Forest in Canterbury, are the 2013 N.H. Outstanding Tree Farmers.

   Over the last 33 years, they've managed their 118 acre tree farm carefully and thoughtfully. Ned's meticulous records show 12,298 hours spent caring for his property since purchasing it in 1980. Ned and Jean are interested in multiple use management-timber, wildlife, recreation, water, aesthetics, soil, and historical features. They are committed to keeping the Ames Road Forest free from development.   

   Ned manages the property sustainably. Ned has a forestry degree and developed his own stewardship plan and updates it yearly. Close to 400,000 board feet of sawtimber and 1200 cords of low grade material were cut in four timber harvests. His current inventory shows close to 600,000 board feet of sawlogs and 617 cords still growing. Ned knows what is growing on the tree farm since he inventories every ten years using a system of 58 permanent plots he established. (Full Article)

Click here for more information on the NH Tree Farm Program.   

Starting Your Garden Right   

  Now that the days are getting a little bit longer and warmer, many people's thoughts turn to gardening. Of course, it's still going to be a while before you can head out there and start tilling the soil, but it's not too early to get started. Now is an ideal time to study those catalogs that have been arriving in your mailbox, make some informed choices, and maybe start growing some crops. The following are some considerations for the best success.

   High-quality seed is the first step to having a successful garden, so start by doing business with a company that has a reputation for good products. The improved varieties and hybrids they offer cost more, but the increased plant vigor and crop production is well worth it. Johnny's, Burpee, or Stokes is just a few examples of the good companies out there. If you buy your seed from a bin at the dollar store, you'll get what you pay for.  (Full Article)   

"I Don't Like That Yet..."

A Story About Positive Thinking from the Front Lines of Nutrition Education

   In my recent work with children I have  heard a frequent comment from even the youngest students. "It takes ten times for someone to like a new food," is what they usually tell me. It is exciting to know that a simple message about the value of trying an unfamiliar food more than once, rather than making a hasty judgment, has become so widespread. After being duly impressed by their knowledge, I tell them it sometimes takes even longer, and that they should never give up.

   I had a teaching experience just this week in which another food tasting message fell naturally from the lips of a young student. A group of first graders at Winchester Elementary School helped me prepare a stir fry of brown rice and snow peas seasoned with fresh ginger and garlic. We spent a long time exploring the fresh ingredients-smelling, touching, and finally tasting each.   We even practiced using chopsticks while the rice and vegetables sizzled away at the stove. (Full Article)

• Together Let's Try New Foods
•  Early Sprouts