Options for Managing Old Fields for Wildlife

Options for Managing Old Fields for Wildlife

Learn some of the options for managing old abandoned hay fields for wildlife.

By Distant Hill Gardens & Nature Trail

Date and time

Thursday, July 17 · 9:30am - 12pm EDT

Location

24 Walpole Valley Rd

24 Walpole Valley Road Alstead, NH 03602

About this event

  • Event lasts 2 hours 30 minutes

Options for Managing Old Fields for Wildlife


📅 Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025, 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

📍 Location: 24 Walpole Valley Road, Alstead NH


Old fields, hedgerows, and field edges can provide unique habitats for many species of vertebrate and invertebrate wildlife. The specific wildlife that use these habitats is determined by many factors you can influence with careful management.

During this outdoor workshop, we will discuss examples of some of the most important factors influencing what wildlife species will use field and old field habitats and how to attract them.

We will also discuss the following topics:

  • If and how to add new plants to enhance wildlife habitat
  • How to turn a field into pollinator habitat
  • Common types of tools and equipment used to manage field and old-field habitats
  • Financial aid programs available to help landowners steward habitat

The following professionals will lead this workshop :

Amy Papineau (Landscape & Horticulture Field Specialist) and Matt Tarr (State Wildlife Habitat Specialist), as well as representatives from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Before attending the workshop, participants are encouraged to watch this presentation by Matt Tarr: Birds Of Fields, Forests & Shrublands - Encouraging Wildlife Diversity via Habitat Diversity

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What You’ll Learn:

✅ The importance of habitat size and shape.

✅ When and how frequently to mow fields and field edges.

✅ The ideal proportion and arrangement of woody plants, wildflowers, and grasses.

✅ The importance of vegetation height and density.

✅ If and how invasive plants should be managed to benefit wildlife.

Space is limited! Register now to secure your spot.

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Registration is Required

Registration enables us to reach out to you if the event must be canceled or postponed due to weather or other unexpected circumstances.

This Workshop is cosponsored by:

Frequently asked questions

Where should I park?

Park at the log landing at 24 Walpole Valley Road, Alstead, NH. The site is directly across Walpole Valley Road from Rust Farm Lane. Look for the giant Moose Sculpture across from the entrance.

Organized by

Distant Hill Gardens & Nature Trail

Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 'Environmental and Horticultural Learning Center' encompassing one hundred and fifty-five acres of forest, fields, and wetlands straddling the town line separating Walpole, NH, from Alstead, NH. Distant Hill is made up of two adjoining properties: Distant Hill Gardens in Walpole, and Distant Hill Nature Trail which is mostly in the town of Alstead.

Distant Hill Gardens is open to the public on the third weekend of May, the first and third full weekends June through September, the first full weekend of October, and for numerous educational workshops, talks, and special events throughout the year. We also offer guided tours for groups of an size by appointment, and self-guided tours by appointment or chance.

Distant Hill Nature Trail is a two-mile-long wheelchair and stroller accessible gravel trail just east of Distant Hill Gardens. It is open daily, dusk-to-dawn, free of charge. Trailhead parking and an information kiosk are available.

Distant Hill Gardens: 507 March Hill Road, Walpole, NH 03608

Distant Hill Nature Trail: 66 March Hill Road, Alstead, NH 03602

FreeJul 17 · 9:30 AM EDT