New Hampshire Rabbit Reports

Eastern Cottontail

NH Rabbit Reports (nhrabbitreports.org) is asking for citizen scientists to collect data, take photos, and report sightings of rabbits throughout New Hampshire this winter.

Anyone can participate, and rabbit sightings will help the NH Rabbit Reports team learn more about where rabbit species are located in the state.

Participants can use a smartphone or computer to submit a sighting information and photograph to NH Rabbit Reports, and no species identification skills are required.

New Hampshire is home to two species of rabbits, the Eastern cottontail and the New England cottontail, as well as one species of hare, the snowshoe hare.

NH Rabbit Reports sighting information helps researchers understand the distribution and potential abundance of these species. By understanding the relationship between the distributions of the two rabbit species, organizations and state agencies can make informed decisions about habitat management.

This is vital for rabbit species, particularly for the New England cottontail, which is classified as a state-endangered species in New Hampshire.

The New England cottontail is native to New Hampshire, but has seen dwindling population numbers over the last several decades throughout its range, mostly due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The species requires large areas of early-successional habitat to avoid predators, and they typically don’t venture far from thick shrubs and young trees.

Meanwhile, eastern cottontails are able to venture farther from protective cover and are better equipped to survive in the human-dominated habitats of New England.

N.H. Fish and Game coordinates a comprehensive effort to survey for the presence of New England cottontail rabbits in and around the areas where they are known to be present. However, less is known about where and in what numbers eastern cottontails are found in the state.

“We have received hundreds of sightings from people in New Hampshire reporting the rabbits they see,” said Heidi Holman, a wildlife biologist who coordinates N.H. Fish and Game’s New England cottontail restoration efforts. “The Rabbit Reports website gives us the opportunity to build a map and database of all this information to collect distribution information about eastern cottontail rabbits in one place.”

NH Rabbit Reports is sponsored by UNH Cooperative Extension and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, with support from the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire.

For more information, visit the project website at nhrabbitreports.org

source: New Hampshire Fish and Game Department

Related Information

Wildlife in New England

Ice Fishing Information

Lake Trout | credit: USFWS

Ice fishing is one of the most popular winter time outdoor activities in New England. This article includes a brief overview of the sport and provides a variety of resources for ice fishing enthusiasts.

Unlike many other forms of freshwater fishing, this pastime can be enjoyed by novice anglers of varying ages and skill levels.

Ice Fishing Safety

For anglers, safety is of utmost importance. A basic knowledge of ice conditions and winter weather is essential before venturing out.

For beginners and others, a variety of excellent resources are available online. Mass Wildlife offers tips on how to stay safe on the ice. New Hampshire Fish and Game has online resources including ice fishing in New Hampshire as well as a printable safety on ice brochure. Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD) provides a webpage on ice fishing basics.

Gear, Techniques, Locations

In addition to safety and ice fishing basics resources, most state fish and game agencies offer fishing guides or other publications with information on license requirements, fishing regulations, species identification, equipment, fishing techniques, locations, maps, and other subjects.

Free Fishing Weekends

Several New England states offer free fishing days during the ice fishing season:

Maine will offer a free fishing weekend February 15-16, 2020

New Hampshire offers two free fishing days each year, on the first Saturday in June, and the third Saturday in January.

Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife usually hosts a free ice fishing day on the last Saturday in January.

Local and Regional New England Blogs - blogspot, wordpress

 This list includes a sampling of local and regional blogs related to New England USA, listed alphbetically.

Blogs included in this list range from small to mid-sized independent projects. Please comment to suggest additional blogs.

Boston 1775
http://boston1775.blogspot.com/

Boston Restaurant Talk
http://bostonrestaurants.blogspot.com/

Cape Ann Images
http://capeannimages.blogspot.com/

Carol's View Of New England
http://carolsviewofnewengland.blogspot.com/

Col's Creations
http://colscreations.blogspot.com/

Connecticut Explorer
http://connecticutexplorer.blogspot.com/

Downeast Denizen
http://downeastdenizen.blogspot.com/

Exploring Western Massachusetts
http://explorewmass.blogspot.com

Ghosts of New England
http://ghostsofnewengland.blogspot.com/

Irish Boston History & Heritage
http://irishboston.blogspot.com/

Irish Massachusetts
http://irishmassachusetts.blogspot.com/

Jericho, Vermont Photos
http://jerichovermont.blogspot.com/

Massachusetts
http://tjsbaystate.blogspot.com/

NEW ENGLAND FOLKLORE
http://newenglandfolklore.blogspot.com/

New England Lighthouses
http://nelights.blogspot.com/

New England Photos
http://newenglandphotos.blogspot.com/

New England Travels
http://newenglandtravels.blogspot.com/

New England USA
http://new-england-usa.blogspot.com/

New Hampshire Wine-man
http://nhwineman.blogspot.com/

Newburyport ArtWalk
http://artwalknewburyport.blogspot.com/

NH Sustainable Marine Fisheries
http://nhsustainablefisheries.blogspot.com/

P.E.I. Heritage Buildings
http://peiheritagebuildings.blogspot.com/

Recreational Kayaking in Maine
http://kayakinginmaine.blogspot.com/

Rhode Island Carp Fishing
http://ricarpfishing.blogspot.com/

Rhode Island Striped Bass
http://ristripedbass.blogspot.com/

Rocky Coast News
http://rockycoastnews.blogspot.com/
   
Saltwater News
http://saltwater-news.blogspot.com/

Sea Kayak Stonington
http://seakayakstonington.blogspot.com/   

Ship Movements at St. John's and other ports
http://wwwshipshots.blogspot.com/
   
Shipfax
http://shipfax.blogspot.com/

Shiphotos...by Paul Beesley
http://shiphotos.blogspot.com/

Simply Cape Ann
http://simplycapeann.blogspot.com/

Springfield Vermont News
http://springfieldvt.blogspot.com/
   
State Library of Massachusetts
http://mastatelibrary.blogspot.com/

Stay at a Lighthouse
http://stayatalighthouse.blogspot.com/

Strange Maine
http://strangemaine.blogspot.com/

The Narwhal's Left Tooth
http://narwhalslefttooth.blogspot.com/

THE OLD COLONY GRAVEYARD RABBIT
http://oldcolonygraveyardrabbit.blogspot.com/

The Rhode Islander
http://oceanstater.blogspot.com/
   
Tugfax
http://tugfaxblogspotcom.blogspot.com/

tugster: a waterblog
https://tugster.wordpress.com/

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region
https://usfwsnortheast.wordpress.com

New England Food Adventures
http://newenglandfoodadventures.blogspot.com/

Maritime Shows In New England 2020

Boston MA | credit: USCG

A number of shows, expos, and other events in New England will spotlight maritime issues such as fishing, seafood, boating, equipment, education, and much more. This post lists a few events that will be held in and around New England in 2020.

Rhode Island Boat Show
January 3 - 5, 2020
Rhode Island Convention Center
One Sabin Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
www.riboatshow.com

The RI Boat Show features all types of watercraft. Many dealers and exhibitors offer boat show specials and Rhode Island does not tax boat sales.

2020 Progressive Insurance New England Boat Show
February 8 through February 16, 2020
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
415 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
www.newenglandboatshow.com

Now in its 65th year, the 2020 Progressive Insurance New England Boat Show will be held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, February 8-16, 2020. The New England Boat Show showcases more than 700 boats and watercraft, along with electronics, and other marine accessories.

45th Maine Fishermen’s Forum
March 5-7, 2020
Rockport, Maine
mainefishermensforum.org

The 45th Maine Fishermen’s Forum will be held March 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2020 in Rockport, Maine. The Fishermen’s Forum hosts fishermen, gear suppliers, scientists, government, and other stakeholders. Each year the Forum provides three days of free seminars for fishermen covering a wide range of topics.

Offshore Wind Seminar
The public is invited to attend a one-day seminar on offshore wind energy development in the Gulf of Maine. The seminar will be held on Thursday March 5 from 10:00-4:00 at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum.

For more information, visit www.mainefishermensforum.org

Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America
March 15-17, 2020
Boston, USA
www.seafoodexpo.com

In Boston, buyers and suppliers from around the world will meet, network and do business at Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America.

The exposition is sponsored by the National Fisheries Institute. Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America is North America’s largest seafood exposition.

For more information, visit: www.seafoodexpo.com/north-america source: www.seafoodexpo.com

Please add a comment to suggest additional maritime events in 2020.

First Day Hikes in New England 2020

First Day Hikes will be held Throughout New England to celebrate New Year's Day 2020. This article includes a partial listing of First Day hikes, walks, and other events in the region, listed by state.

Connecticut

State Park First Day Hikes

Burr Pond State Park,Torrington, CT

Candlewood Hill WMA, Groton, CT

Hammonasset Beach State Park (Meigs Point Nature Center), Madison, CT

James L. Goodwin Conservation Center, Hampton CT

Kettletown State Park, Southbury, CT

Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, Burlington CT

Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden, CT

Topsmead State Forest,  Litchfield, CT

For more infomation, visit www.ct.gov/deep.

Maine

State Park First Day Hikes

Bradbury Mountain State Park, Pownal, ME

Lake St. George State Park, Liberty, ME

Lily Bay State Park, Greenville, ME

Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, Freeport, ME

Massachusetts

State Park First Day Hikes

White-tailed Deer | credit: USFWS

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) has scheduled First Day Hikes in several state parks throughout the Commonwealth.

CENTRAL
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Uxbridge, MA
Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston, MA

NORTH
Walden Pond State Reservation, Concord, MA
Breakheart Reservation, Saugus, MA
Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover, MA
Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, MA

SOUTH
Nickerson State Park, Brewster, MA
Shawme Crowell State Forest, Sandwich MA
Nantasket Beach, Hull MA

WEST
Great Falls Discovery Center, Turners Falls, MA
Granville State Forest, Granville, MA
Mount Greylock State Reservation, Lanesborough, MA

For more information, visit www.mass.gov/dcr.

More First Day Hikes in Massachusetts


Rocky Woods, Medfield, Massachusetts

The Rocky Woods ranger will lead a guided hike on the property.

National Park Service Regional Visitor Center, Salem MA

The National Park Service, the City of Salem, Essex National Heritage Commission, and the Salem Historical Society invite locals and community members to participate in First Day Hike 2020. This year’s hike will focus on the importance of the Custom House to Salem’s history. For more information, visit thingstodoinsalem.com.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire State Parks and its partners will host First Day Hikes this New Year’s Day.

Milan Hill State Park, Milan, NH

Monadnock State Park, Jaffrey, NH

Odiorne Point State Park, Rye, NH

Franconia Notch State Park, Flume Gorge, Lincoln, NH

Bear Brook State Park, Allenstown, NH

For more information, visit www.nhstateparks.org/news-events/first-day-hike.

Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is hosting free guided walking tours at Colt State Park, in Bristol, on New Year's Day. The one-and-a-half-mile hike offers panoramic views of Narragansett Bay.

For more information, visit ri.gov.

Vermont

On New Year's Day, a variety of free, guided, family-friendly First Day hikes will be taking place at state parks and forests across Vermont. Entry to Vermont's state parks is free on New Year’s Day and all winter long.

State Park First Day Hikes

Button Bay State Park, Ferrisburgh VT

Barnes Camp, Stowe, VT

Holbrook State Park, Sheffield, VT

Gifford Woods State Park, Killington, VT

First Day Hikes Resources

America's State Parks - First Day Hikes

American Hiking Society - First Day Hikes

Wildlife in New England

Moose | credit: USFWS

Some of North America's most iconic wildlife can be found in the New England Region.

Its mountains and forests are inhabited by black bear, moose, deer, beaver, marten, weasels, rabbits, hares, foxes, bobcat, lynx, eagles, hawks, owls, turkey, grouse, songbirds, and others.

Along the coast and out at sea, there are whales, porpoises, seals, sea turtles, waterfowl, sea birds, and other marine life.

Maine

With an abundance of sparsely populated woodlands and miles of rugged coasts, Maine is one of the best states for wildlife watching.

The moose is the largest of Maine's land animals and one of its most popular wildlife attractions. Other mammals seen in backwoods Maine include white-tailed deer, black bear, red fox, bobcats, beaver, and others. Maine is one of the few U.S. states where Canada lynx and American marten can be seen in the wild.

Winding through wilderness areas, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail offers miles of areas for wildlife watching. In the Highlands Region, Moosehead Lake is a popular destination for wildlife watching and other recreational activities.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is known for its rugged mountains and extensive woodlands, where human populations are not a major stress on wildlife. While exploring the state's wild areas, visitors may encounter moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, red fox, bobcats, and others.

Vermont

Spruce Grouse | credit: USFWS

Vermont is home to a variety of wildlife. Many species can be observed along the state's designated byways as they wind through mountains, valleys, forests, farmland, and other habitats.

Vermont's extensive forests are home to an array of birds. Woodland birdwatchers encounter ruffed grouse, American woodcock, gray jay, woodpeckers, chickadees, thrushes, flycatchers, numerous warblers, hawks, wood ducks, cedar waxwings, pine siskin, and other forest-dwelling birds.

Northern Vermont is one of the few places in the USA where birdwatchers may encounter spruce grouse. Northern Vermont is also a good area to encounter mammals such as snowshoe hare, beaver, American marten, red fox, gray fox, eastern bobcat,and others.

In Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, bogs and wetlands are prime areas for moose watching. Moose are spotted at West Mountain, Wenlock WMA, Victory Basin WMA, Conte National Wildlife Refuge, and Victory State Forest.

In southwestern and central Vermont, the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) is a popular area for wildlife watching. The forest is known for its moose and black bear, as well as smaller species of wildlife.

Massachusetts

Seals at Nantucket beach | credit: USFWS

Massachusetts is famous for its coastal habitats where enthusiasts may encounter marine mammals.

Cape Cod, one of the state's most popular areas, is known for its seals.

Off the coast, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard provide unique habitats for marine mammals, sea birds, and other wildlife.

In western Massachusetts, the Berkshire Mountains region is popular for wildlife watching and other outdoor recreation.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island has a wealth of natural resources including 400 miles of coastline, state parks, trails, and other areas where wildlife can be enjoyed.

Birdwatchers will find year round opportunities in Rhode Island. During the spring and fall migrations, the state is visited by a wide range of birds. In summer, resident birds are jointed by breeding populations of ospreys, shorebirds, and others. In winter, Rhode Island is visited by ducks, geese, bald eagles, hawks, falcons, and others.

Connecticut

Connecticut has a variety of wildlife watching areas such as the Litchfield Hills, Connecticut River Valley, Eastern Highlands, and Long Island Sound.

Hikers and wildlife watchers are sometimes surprised by a black bear encounter. According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), black bears are becoming increasingly common in Connecticut.

In the mountains, forests and backwoods of Connecticut, nature enthusiasts may also see white-tailed deer and a variety of smaller mammals.

Along the coast, seals, porpoises, whales, waterfowl, and marine birds are sometimes spotted.

Species of Concern

The New England cottontail lives in parts of New England and New York. Over the last 50 years, New England cottontail populations have declined sharply.

Loss of habitat is cited as a major factor in the decline of New England cottontails. Development has taken much land once inhabited by cottontails and other wildlife.

Currently, New England cottontails occupy less than 1/ 5th of their historical range. These unique rabbits are found in southern Maine, southern New Hampshire, and parts of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York east of the Hudson River.

For more information about New England cottontails, visit newenglandcottontail.org.

Related Information

Posts labeled wildlife

New Hampshire Rabbit Reports

Where is New England?

Mayflower Voyage - Plymouth Colony 400th Anniversary

Mayflower Replica Attribution:

User: Stilfehler at wikivoyage shared [CC BY-SA 3.0]

Massachusetts will host a series of events in 2020 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of two historic events that helped shape the United States of America; the Mayflower voyage and the founding of Plymouth Colony.

Selected by the state’s Plymouth 400 Commission, the events will highlight the historical significance of the English Pilgrims who landed in Plymouth in 1620, and interactions with the Native American Wampanoag people.

The series of 400th anniversary events will showcase Massachusetts’ vibrant culture, cuisine, history and natural beauty.


400th anniversary activities for 2020 include:

• official Plymouth 400 opening ceremony in Plymouth


• the sailing of the Mayflower to Boston, Provincetown and Plymouth


• a maritime festival hosted by Mayflower Sails 2020 in Boston Harbor alongside the USS Constitution and Mayflower


• a homecoming festival in Plymouth with visiting ships and maritime activities


• Wampanoag Ancestors Walk, led by the Wampanoag tribes of Massachusetts


• Official State House Salute to the 400th Anniversary


• Embarkation Festival


• Indigenous History Conference and Powwow


• Illuminate Thanksgiving 2020


• a moving exhibit entitled “Our Story: 400 Years of Wampanoag History", is traveling around Massachusetts and New England in 2020


• the United Kingdom and The Netherlands are also participating by sending official delegations to Massachusetts

In preparation for 400th anniversary celebrations, the Plimoth Plantation has completed a three-year, $11.2 million restoration of the historic wooden sailing ship Mayflower.

For information about visiting Massachusetts, go to massvacation.com.

sources: Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, plymouth400inc.org, Plimoth Plantation

Boston Christmas Tree - A Gift in Rememberance of the Halifax Explosion

The City of Boston's annual holiday display includes the official Christmas tree from Nova Scotia and trees throughout Boston Common.

The 60-year-old white spruce tree is a thank you to Boston for its support following the 1917 Halifax Explosion. Every year, Nova Scotians and Bostonians celebrate the lighting of the Nova Scotia tree gifted to Boston.

Nova Scotia's Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine was among a delegation of Canadians that visited Boston to witness the 2019 tree lighting ceremony on the Boston Common.

"This special tree is for the generosity shown to us after the Halifax Explosion and I am honoured to witness it light up the City of Boston," said Mr. Glavine.

This is the 48th year that Nova Scotia has given a tree to the people of Boston as thanks for relief efforts following the December 6, 1917, explosion of a munitions ship in Halifax Harbor.

Within 24 hours of the disaster a train loaded with supplies and emergency personnel was making its way from Boston to Nova Scotia.

sources: City of Boston, Province of Nova Scotia

Camden Winterfest 2020

The annual Camden Maine Winterfest will be held from January 31 – February 9, 2020.

The multi-day festivities will include snow sculptures and ice carving contests, as well as the U.S. National Toboggan Championships at the Camden Snow Bowl.

A polar plunge and freestyle skiing competitions are also part of the event, not to mention a snow-plow parade, a concert and dance, and a Maine Mardi Gras theme.

The 2020 Winterfest will include outdoor and indoor activities throughout downtown Camden, the Camden Public Library and the Camden Snow Bowl, including ice carving, a polar plunge, CamJam competition, concert, movies and more.

Started in 2013, Camden Maine's Winterfest is a weeklong celebration of winter.

For more information on the Camden Winterfest, visit www.camdenmaineexperience.com.

Maine Wild Blueberries - 2018 Production

Maine wild blueberry growers saw an increase in value of the 2018 wild blueberry crop, according to King Whetstone, director of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Northeastern Region.

Total production dropped to 50.4 million pounds, down 26 percent from 2017 production.

The price growers received for processing berries in 2018 averaged $0.46 per pound, up $0.21 from 2017.

Value of production of 2018 wild blueberries is $23.155 million, up 32 percent from the previous year.

Maine is the largest producer of wild blueberries in the United States.

Wild blueberries from Maine are smaller, sweeter, and firmer than cultivated varieties. They have a purplish hue rather than the familiar blue color of cultivated blueberries.

Wild blueberries are prepared into jams, cobblers, pies, and other dishes. They are also used to flavor syrups or ice cream.

Related Information

New England Local Foods

Iconic New England Local Foods

Lobsters

Ask anyone about life in New England and most likely, the conversation will include local foods. From Maine lobsters to Vermont maple syrup, each state has its own list of iconic local foods.

Maine

Maine is most of all, famous for its lobsters. Maine is the number one producer of wild caught lobsters in the U.S. Maine is also known for its bay scallops, sea scallops, mussels, oysters, fish, and other delicacies.

In addition to its seafood, Maine is known for its wild blueberries which are made into pies, jams, and other foods. Not to be forgotten are Maine potatoes and other cool climate vegetables.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a wealth of foods. Like Maine, Massachusetts is known for its seafood. American lobsters are abundant although not comparable to Maine. A lesser known crustacean, the Jonah crab is caught together with lobsters. From the Atlantic, fishermen harvest Atlantic sea scallops, sea clams, fish, and other foods.

Vermont

Vermont is the nation's number one producer of maple syrup. Vermont is famous for its sugar maples, the source of high quality syrup. In addition maple syrup, Vermont producers offer a variety of local foods including cheese, honey, and others.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire's most valuable agricultural product is maple syrup. New Hampshire farms also produce milk and other products. Along the coast, fishermen land a variety of seafood while aquaculturists produce oysters, clams, and other foods.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island is another state that is known for its abundant seafood. Quahog clams are the state shellfish. Squid is one of the state's most valuable fisheries.

Connecticut

Connecticut is one of several New England states with vinticulture. Connecticut's Wine Trail includes over 40 vineyards and wineries. Connecticut farms also produce beef, poultry, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, honey, and other foods.

Acadia Annual National Park Pass December Special Pricing

Acadia National Park Annual Passes will be on sale for $28 during most of the month of December. Passes must be obtained in person. No phone orders will be taken.

On December 6, during Bar Harbor’s Midnight Madness event, passes will be available at the Village Green from 8 pm to midnight.

There are several locations to purchase your Acadia Annual Pass for “almost-half-price.” Local Chambers of Commerce will be selling the “almost-half-price” passes at Bar Harbor, Ellsworth, and Southwest Harbor/Tremont (sold at Harbor House, Southwest Harbor).

Local Town Offices will also be selling the half-price passes at Gouldsboro, Mount Desert, Tremont, and Winter Harbor. The Schoodic Institute, located at the Schoodic Education and Research Center will have passes for sale at the Rockefeller Hall Welcome Center.

Shoppers are advised to check individual hours of operation on websites or by calling ahead to ensure these independent businesses are open when planning a visit. Methods of payment may vary by business, some may only take cash while others may accept check or credit card.

Also, note the Acadia National Park Headquarters contact station on Eagle Lake Road (Route 233) closed permanently on May 1, 2017 and will not be open for information, pass sales, or restrooms.

Through the authority of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, the National Park Service retains 80 percent of the fees collected from annual pass sales to invest in critical improvements that directly benefit visitors at Acadia National Park, including maintaining and enhancing visitor facilities.

Entrance pass revenues are essential for funding the operation of the Island Explorer bus system, which serves Acadia and its surrounding communities.

The National Park Service uses the remaining 20 percent to benefit other sites in the National Park System.

source: National Park Service

UMass Boston Senior Economic Security Research

Massachusetts leads the nation with the highest level of elder economic insecurity for older adults living alone, according to a recent UMass Boston study.

The research suggests that economic insecurity is a problem throughout New England and in much of the U.S. Massachusetts,Vermont Maine, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire were among the 10 states with high rates of economic insecurity.

Seven of the top 10 states in that economic insecurity category, including New York and New Jersey, were located in the Northeast.

Researchers tracking the economic security of America’s older adults have found that half who live alone and nearly a quarter of those living in two-person households where both are age 65 or older are unable to afford basic necessities without extra assistance.

The 2019 Elder Index^TM and a companion report, Insecurity in the States 2019, calculates the elder economic “insecurity rate” both nationally and on a state-by-state basis.

The new index data and report were produced by the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston’s McCormack Graduate School.

The index estimates the cost to adults age 65 and older for basics such as food, housing, health care and transportation in every county in the United States. Researchers match income data with the index results to determine state and national rates of elder economic insecurity.

On average across the country, 18.2 percent of older adults living alone have income below the Federal Poverty Level. Another 32.1 percent live “in the gap,” with income that exceeds the poverty line but falls short of covering their actual cost of living.

Key findings in the Insecurity in the States 2019 report include:

• National averages suggest 50 percent of older adults living alone and 23 percent of elder couples have annual incomes below the Elder Index.


• Nationwide, 32 percent of single elders and 18 percent of elder couples fall into the gap between the Federal Poverty Level and the income required for realistic economic security.


• At least 40 percent of adults age 65 or older in every state are at risk of being unable to afford basic needs and age in their own homes.


• More than half of older adults living below the Elder Index rely on Social Security for at least 90 percent of their incomes.

The elder index calculated a realistic national average annual cost of living of $25,416 for renting elder singles and $36,204 for older couples who rent. The 2019 federal poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states are $12,490 per year for singles and $16,910 annually for couples.

Looking to individual states, the percentage of single older adults living below Federal Poverty Level ranged from 12.8 percent in New Hampshire to 25.8 percent in Mississippi.

The percentage of older adults living alone “in the gap” ranged from 41.1 percent in Nevada to 61.1 percent in Massachusetts.

Complete state rankings and other details are available in the Insecurity in the States 2019 report.

The Elder Index is a free online resource available for anyone to look up customized information about the cost of elder living in any county, state or the country. Its redesigned website can be found at a new location, www.elderindex.org.

The Gerontology Institute conducts research and policy analysis in the field of aging, and offers lifelong learning and pension protection services to older adults. The institute’s priorities include income security, long-term service and supports, healthy aging, age-friendly communities and social and demographic research on aging.

Recognized for innovative research, the University of Massachusetts Boston serves 16,000 students while engaging local and global constituents through academic programs, research centers, and public service. To learn more, visit www.umb.edu

Vermont Christmas Trees - 2019

In November, Governor Phil Scott and Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts visited the Werner Tree Farm in Middlebury to pick out trees and mark the beginning of the 2019 Christmas season.

The trees cut during the visit will decorate the Pavilion Building in Montpelier, which houses the Governor’s Office.


“As we enter the holiday season, Vermont and its people, including our farmers, offer so many reasons to celebrate,” said Governor Phil Scott.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates the value of the Christmas tree industry in Vermont at more than $2.6 million. A 2017 USDA Census indicated there were 3,650 acres in Christmas tree production in Vermont across 70 farms.

Vermont Christmas trees decorate homes in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and other cities each year, with thousands of Green Mountain trees going to urban pop-up markets. Another popular option is to make the trip to Vermont and return home with freshly cut trees.


Werner Tree Farm is a family run farm open November-December in Middlebury, Vt. that sells Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, kissing balls, maple syrup, honey, and other products.

The Werner Tree Farm began farming Christmas trees in 1986. The Werner family encourages the public to visit and cut their own tree or choose a pre-cut tree, ready to go.

Vermont is home to many tree farms with cut-your-own tree options. Most operations offer a wide variety of natural trees and other products for the Christmas season.

Christmas trees thrive in the cool, moist climate of northern New England. Christmas trees are expertly grown and shaped to perfection by local farmers.

For a full listing of Christmas Tree Growers open to the public visit the Vermont and New Hampshire Christmas Tree Association (www.nh-vtchristmastree.org).

Untold Secret Maine Public Lands Video

The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) recently announced the launch of Untold Secret, a short film showcasing Public Lands of Maine, USA.

Created to introduce viewers to over 600,000 acres of Maine Public Lands,Untold Secret is available as a full-length (21-minute) version, or a series of three-minute segments.

The film features commentary from BPL leaders and state of the art cinematography, including breathtaking drone footage. The result is an incredibly detailed and birds-eye view of some of the most spectacular Maine Public Lands.

"Experiencing and preserving the outdoors is an integral part of our heritage, it is who we are as a people, and it is a cornerstone of our state's economy. Untold Secret builds on that legacy and encourages more people, visitors and Mainers alike, to explore our states public lands and to witness firsthand the unrivaled beauty of Maine." said Governor Janet Mills.

Aspects of the Maine Public Lands shared through Untold Secret range from wildlife habitat and timber management, to outdoor recreation, ecological sensitivity, and unfettered public access.

Untold Secret was paid for by a Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund grant and produced by 360 Media Ventures, a Portland, Maine, based content marketing company specializing in action and adventure videos. Recently retired BPL forester Vern Labbe spearheaded the project, with assistance from BPL staffers Doug Reed and Rex Turner.

Untold Secret can be viewed by visiting www.parksandlands.com. The full-length film and segments are available for free use by conservationists, producers, school systems, economic development offices, libraries, and anyone else wishing to share and educate others about this natural and cultural resource.

BPL provides environmental and economic benefits for the people of Maine by protecting and managing its most valued natural and cultural resources and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

With over 1.5 million acres in its care, including 48 state parks and historic sites, the Maine Public Lands, and conservation easements, BPL protects thousands of miles of hiking and multi-use trails, ocean and lake beaches, swimming, camping areas, picnic sites, shelters, and other resources.

New Hampshire Duck Banding 2019

Black Ducks

Hunters, birdwatchers, and naturalists in southern New England and along the Atlantic Flyway should be on the lookout for banded ducks this winter.

New Hampshire Fish and Game (NHFG) wildlife biologists recently attached hundreds of metal bands to ducks throughout the state.

The annual pre-hunting season banding effort is conducted in US states and Canadian provinces throughout the Atlantic Flyway in August and September.

Data from duck band sightings and recovery are used in survival-rate predictions. Along with breeding-plot data, parts collection data, and HIP (National Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program) survey data, band information is included in the model used to determine annual season regulations in the spring.

Each metal band has a unique sequence of numbers, and biologists record the species, age, and sex of each duck before it is released.

At the end of the season, all the data are submitted to the Bird Banding Lab at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland.

When a hunter harvests a duck with a metal band, or a wildlife viewer reads the band through a spotting scope, they are asked to report the information to a website provided on the band (www.reportband.gov).

Bands may also be reported via traditional mail to: Bird Banding Lab, 12100 Beach Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708.

A phone number may be inscribed on the band also, but the call center supporting the toll-free phone number has been discontinued.

This year, a total of 758 ducks were banded in New Hampshire during the pre-hunting season effort – the fifth highest total banded in the 31 years of the program. They included: 566 mallards, 175 wood ducks, 11 black ducks, and 6 mallard/black duck hybrids.

As a result of 31 consecutive years of pre-season duck banding, 12,694 ducks have now been banded in New Hampshire.

Waterfowl management is funded by Wildlife Restoration Grants administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Services, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program: Partnering to fund conservation and connect people with nature.

For more information, visit www.wildnh.com

source: New Hampshire Fish and Game

Wetland, Woodland, Wildland Guide to Vermont

Vermont contains a great diversity of wetlands, ranging from open water habitats to rich forested swamps.

Because of differences in hydrology, parent soil material, historical land use, topography and other factors, each wetland can be unique in appearance, biota, and function in the landscape.

Some general wetland types present in Vermont include open water wetlands, emergent wetlands, scrub-shrub wetlands, forested wetlands, wet meadows, fens, bogs, and vernal pools.

A great place to learn more about the different types of wetlands in Vermont is in Wetland, Woodland, Wildland: A Guide to the Natural Communities of Vermont.

A completely updated second edition, co-authored by Elizabeth Thompson of the Vermont Land Trust, and Eric Sorenson and Robert Zaino of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, incorporates recent scientific research about the state’s natural communities and includes descriptions of seventeen newly recognized natural community types.

With updated photographs, line drawings, and user-friendly writing, the guide is suitable for amateur naturalists as well as professional scientists.

The book is published by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, The Nature Conservancy, and the Vermont Land Trust, and it is distributed by Chelsea Green Publishing.

Wetland, Woodland, Wildland: A Guide to the Natural Communities of Vermont can be purchased in local bookstores or online (https://vtfishandwildlife.com/wetland-woodland-wildland).

source: Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

Christmas In New England

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse Maine | credit : NPS

Since the colonial period, Christmas has been a special time in New England. This article takes a brief look at Christmas traditions, events, things to do, and trip ideas for Christmas in New England.

Traditions

The region's natural beauty and wealth of resources have played a major role in shaping America's Christmas traditions.

Christmas traditions associated with New England include sleigh rides, ski retreats, Christmas tree farm tours, cranberry sauce, pies, seafood, and others.

Food and Drink

Food is a big part of Christmas in New England. There are usually plenty of main courses such as turkey, ham or even Maine lobster, accompanied by potatoes, winter squash, cranberry sauce, and other traditional foods. For dessert, pies are often served, especially apple, blueberry, and pumpkin. At breakfast, Vermont maple syrup is an essential topping for pancakes or waffles.

Outdoor Activities

During the Christmas season, there is no shortage of outdoor things to do in New England. Enthusiasts can enjoy skiing (downhill and cross-country), snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, hiking, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and other cold weather activities. Holiday train excursions are another option for seeing the outdoors.

Along the coast, winter boat excursions offer unique views of waterfronts, historic landmarks, wildlife, and other sites. For birdwatchers, there are numerous Christmas Bird Counts held throughout New England.

Destinations

New England's diversity is part of its attraction. There are so many unique areas that are unlike anything else nearby.

Maine, the largest New England state, offers an array of experiences. There are isolated wild lands, quaint coastal towns, and many other settings.

Nearby, Massachusetts is another state with a range of settings for Christmas. Visitors can enjoy an urban holiday in Boston, celebrate in a coastal town, or explore the western part of the state.

In Vermont and New Hampshire, visitors can enjoy incredible scenery and a quiet atmosphere. Vermont has winter attractions such as the Green Mountains, ski areas, hiking trails, Lake Champlain ice fishing, top notch spas, and more.

In New Hampshire, nature lovers and outdoor adventurers can explore the White Mountains or ski one of the most extensive networks of cross-country ski trails in the East. Located near Mount Liberty in Franconia Notch State Park, the Flume Gorge is one of the state's most popular natural attractions. In Portsmouth, the Festival of Trees includes a spectacular display of lights.

Rhode Island, the smallest New England state, has plenty of things to do during the Christmas season. Christmas In Newport, a month long celebration, includes traditional lighting, mansion tours, and much more. While in Newport, visitors can take a boat tour to see seals, lighthouses, and waterfront views. Rhode Island also has lots of beaches where families can enjoy a winter walk.

In Connecticut, there are plenty of cities and coastal communities to visit. Favorite destinations include Mystic, New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford, Greenwich, or other towns. Annual winter events include Winterfest Hartford, Holiday Light Fantasia (with more than 1 million lights), and the Gingerbread Festival in South Windsor.

Related Information

Where is New England?

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Local Foods

Amphibians of Rhode Island Book

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recently announced the publication of Amphibians of Rhode Island, an authoritative book of amphibians that are native to Rhode Island.

Written by longtime DEM natural heritage biologist Christopher Raithel, the book provides meticulous accounts of the state's native frogs, toads, and salamanders and their respective habitats, and includes crisp, vivid photography depicting the amphibians' multiple life stages.

Amphibians of Rhode Island combines an exhaustive search of the historical record and four decades of Raithel's intense personal study to present complete information on the statewide distribution, demography, seasonal movement, reproduction and development, research needs, and conservation status of each species.

One chapter is devoted entirely to conservation, detailing the threats faced by amphibians and the actions needed to safeguard them.

Raithel enjoyed a distinguished, 40-year career in DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife, where he served as the state endangered species biologist, herpetologist, and non-game bird biologist.

Amphibians of Rhode Island is a resource for scientists, students, and nature lovers. Published by DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife, the book is priced at $20 including tax.

Amphibians of Rhode Island may be purchased in person at the DEM Office of Boat Registration and Licensing in Providence by cash, check, money order, or credit card (credit card requires an extra fee) and at the Division of Fish and Wildlife Field Headquarters in West Kingston, by check or money order only.

The book can also be ordered online from: http://www.dem.ri.gov/bookorder.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and State Wildlife Grants Program provided funding for the book. All revenue generated by its sale will be directed toward wildlife conservation via the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Rhode Island is home to 18 species of amphibians. The eastern spadefoot toad and northern leopard frog are species of concern in the state.

source: Department of Environmental Management

New England Slang, Nicknames, and Acronyms

This article includes a few examples of slang, nicknames, acronyms, and local terms that are sometimes used in New England.

Slang - Nicknames

apizza - pizza

blinks - turn signal

brum - broom

bubbler - water fountain

bug - small lobster

camp (up camp) - a summer home, ski house or hunting lodge

cabinet - milk, flavored syrup, and ice cream

carriage - shopping cart

Cape Codder - a permanent resident of Cape Cod

chowderhead - stupid person

creemee - soft-serve ice cream in a cone. Vermonters are especially fond of maple creemees

cunnin - cute, adorable

door yard - front yard or yard nearest the main door of the house

down cellar - go down into the basement

Downeast - Maine coast from Penobscot Bay to the Canadian border. The term originates from sailing down wind, not down geographically

dungarees - denim pants

elastic - rubber band

fluffchucker - fly fisherman

frappe - milkshake

flatlander - city dweller, urban person

from away - tourist

frost heave - bulged road surface, caused by freezing

grinder - submarine sandwich

horsehead - gray seal

leafpeeper, leafer - out of state visitors who have come to enjoy the foliage

lobstah - American lobster (singular, plural)

Mainer - a native of Maine

mud season - early spring, sometimes known as "the fifth season"

nutmegger - a resident of Connecticut

packie - package store, liquor store

pissa - good

P-town - Provincetown, MA

quill pig - porcupine

regular coffee - with cream and sugar

rotary - traffic circle, roundabout

rubbish - trash

scrod - firm, white fish, usually cod, halibut, haddock, or pollock

scooch - squat, crouch
 
skishing - saltwater shorefishing where the angler wears a buoyant wetsuit and swims or wades out from shore to fish (primarily for striped bass in New England)

Southie - resident of South Boston

steamers - soft shell clams

(all) stoved up - bent

stuffie - quahog clam stuffed with cracker or bread crumbs and seasonings

sugarbush - sugar maple tree (source of maple syrup)

tag sale - yard sale, garage sale

the Cape - Cape Cod

the Sound - Long Island Sound

the T - the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; Boston subway

the Vineyard - Martha's Vineyard

noreaster (nor'easter) - a powerful storm with winds blowing from the northeast

u-ey - u turn

wicked - extraordinary, very

woodchuck - old timer from Vermont

Yankee - resident of New England

Acronyms

The region's state acronyms are well known; ME, MA, VT, NH, CT, and RI. The following list includes a few lesser known acronyms relating to New England:

ACK - Nantucket
AT - Appalachian Trail
BI - Block Island
BOS - Boston
CC - Cape Cod
GMNF - Green Mountain National Forest
GOM - Gulf of Maine
LIS - Long Island Sound
NEK - Northeast Kingdom (Vermont)
NET - New England National Scenic Trail
MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MWObs - Mount Washington Observatory
MV - Martha's Vineyard
SNE - Southern New England
URI - University of Rhode Island
WHOI - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
WMNF - White Mountain National Forest

Other Terms

401 -  area code for Rhode Island
802 - area code for Vermont. The letters are popular on t shirts and other apparel, most often followed by a Vermont shaped icon.


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New England Facts

New England Facts

This article includes a variety of facts, statistics, and trivia about New England.

The New England region consists of six U.S. states:  Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

Maine was part of Massachusetts until 1820. Maine is the largest New England state, Rhode Island is the smallest. Massachusetts has the highest population, while Vermont has the least residents.

New England is bordered by the U.S. state of New York. and Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec.

Several deep-draft commercial ports are located in New England including Boston, New Bedford, and Fall River, MA; Tiverton and Providence, RI; New London and Bridgeport, CT.

The Port of Boston is the busiest in New England. More than one million tons of cargo passes through the Port each year. The Port of Providence is New England's second biggest deep water port.

Portland Head Lighthouse Maine | credit: USCG

New England's maritime coast includes numerous estuaries and the North Atlantic Ocean.

Major New England estuaries include the Gulf of Maine, Buzzard's Bay, Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts Bay, Nantucket Sound, Narragansett Bay, and Long Island Sound.

Important rivers of New England include the Saint John, St. Croix, Penobscot, Kennebec, Charles, Merrimack, Salmon, Sakonnet, Providence, Mystic, and Connecticut.

Located in New England are several world-famous islands including Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and Block Island.

Off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island Wind Farm holds the distinction of being the first commercial offshore wind farm in the USA.

Rhode Island is one of the few states where public access to shorelines is granted by its constitution. In 2023, legislation clarified the law, setting the access line at six feet landward from the recognizable high tide line, also known as the 'wrack line'.

Boston Light is the oldest U.S. lighthouse station. Originally built in 1716, the lighthouse became a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The lighthouse is still an active aid-to-navigation. 

Located in the Maine Highlands Region, Moosehead Lake is the largest mountain lake in the eastern United States. The lake is the source of the Kennebec River.

Lake Champlain, the sixth-largest body of fresh water in the United States, separates Vermont from New York.

The New England Region is known for its natural beauty, especially its geography. Many of the largest ski mountains on the East Coast are located in New England.

In New Hampshire, Mount Monadnock is one of the most climbed mountains in the USA. With an elevation of 6,288.2 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States.

Touted as "Home of the World's Worst Weather", the Mount Washington Observatory (MWObs) is located on the summit of Mount Washington.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail, begins in Georgia and ends in Maine.

The New England National Scenic Trail (NET) is a 215-mile hiking trail route. The NET travels through 41 communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

The time in New England is equal to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) minus 5 hours. For Daylight saving time, clocks are advanced 1 hour on the second Sunday of March and are set back to standard time on the first Sunday of November.

Two of the most recognizable styles of American architecture originated in New England; Cape Cod and Saltbox. Both types of homes are common in New England.

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Where is New England?

New England Slang, Nicknames, and Acronyms

Where is New England?

This article provides a brief overview of New England USA. One of North America's oldest and most beloved regions, the area known as New England consists of six U.S. states: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

New England is bordered by the state of New York to the west and The Atlantic Ocean on its eastern shoreline. To the north are the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec.

New England has strong ties with surrounding regions. To the south is the Mid Atlantic Region. Just across the border is Maritime Canada.

Neighboring regions are important for commerce while sharing cultural influences and other assets.

Related Information

New England Facts

North America

Mid Atlantic