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Page 20 NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM April 2026 Community
Slim Baker Foundation to Host Educational Programs on Invasive Plants and Forest Ecology
BRISTOL — The Slim Baker Foundation will host two upcom- ing educational events this April, offering community members opportunities to learn more about New Hampshire’s natural environment.
On Wednesday, April 15, from 6 to 7 p.m., the foundation will present a Fireside Chat fo- cused on upland invasive plant species in New Hampshire. The program will be led by Doug Cygan, an Invasive Species Co- ordinator with the New Hamp- shire Department of Agriculture.
The discussion will provide an in-depth look at some of the Granite State’s most aggressive non-native plants. Attendees will learn about identification tech- niques, environmental impacts, state rules and regulations, and methods for controlling invasive
species.
The event will take place at
the Slim Baker Foundation, lo- cated at 301 New Chester Moun- tain Road in Bristol. Admission is free and open to the public, though registration is required due to limited seating.
Later in the month, on Satur- day, April 25, the foundation will host a guided outdoor program titled “Forest Stories” from 9 to 10 a.m. Participants will join board member Heather Huck- ins and Craig Cadieux for a walk through the reservation to ex- plore how to interpret the history and ecology of local forests.
The program will incorpo- rate elements of land-use history, wildlife observation, and forest “forensics,” drawing in part from concepts in Reading the Forested Landscape by Tom Wessels.
The walk is free and open to all ages, though participants should be prepared to hike up to 1.5 miles and are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and attire. Attendees will meet at the
foundation’s Bristol kiosk.
Both programs have the goal to connect residents with the natural world while promoting environmental awareness and stewardship. By offering both an
indoor educational session and an outdoor, hands-on experience, the events provide opportunities for participants of all ages to learn more about local ecosys- tems.
Bristol Events Committee Announces 2026 Summer
The Bristol Events Committee is excited to announce a lineup
of beloved community events returning to Bristol this summer.
From community gatherings to family-friendly celebrations, these events bring residents, local organizations, and visitors to- gether to celebrate everything that makes Newfound special.
The summer season kicks off with Community Night Out on Thursday, June 25, from 5:30– 8:00 PM at Kelley Park. This evening event highlights local or- ganizations, nonprofits, and first responders while providing a fun opportunity for families to con- nect with the people and groups that serve the community.
This year’s 4th of July Parade will celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary. The parade will be held on July 4 and kicks off at 10:00 am. Community members are invited to take part - gather your friends, decorate a float, walk in the parade, or hop on your bike and join the celebra- tion. Set up for the parade is at 8 am at Freudenberg Bristol. Reg- ister to join the parade at Bris- tolNH.gov.
The Bristol Summer Concert Series will also return to Kelley Park, with free concerts held on
Thursday evenings at 6:30 PM throughout the summer. This year’s lineup includes:
•July 2 – Red Daisy Revival
• July 9 – Morgan Nelson
• July 16 – Rebecca Turmel
• July 23
– Voices
Against
Violence - Dancing with the Stars
• July 30 – Freese Brother Big Band
• August 6 – North River Music • August 20 – Club Soda Band
Later in the summer, Old Home Day will return on Sat- urday, August 29, from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Kelley Park. A long-standing Bristol tradition, Old Home Day offers a full day of family activities, games, en- tertainment, and community fun for all ages. To register as a
vendor, contact the at TTCC at TTCCReq.org.
The Bristol Events Com- mittee is currently seek- ing volunteers for all of these events. Volunteer op- portunities in- clude assisting with setup and cleanup, help- ing run activ- ity booths and games, support- ing vendors or orga- nizations, and helping the events run smoothly. The committee welcomes individuals, families, businesses, and commu- nity groups who want to be part of making these events memora- ble for Bristol residents and visi-
tors alike.
Anyone interested in volun-
teering can learn more and sign up here: https://www.bristolnh. gov/1617/Volunteer-With-Us
For more information about volunteering or upcoming events, please contact BristolEvents@ BristolNH.gov.
Events and Seeks Volunteers