Merrimack Conservation Commission

10/19/2026

As autumn foliage reaches its peak across New England, American witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.) offers a unique splash of color in the woodland understory. Unlike most plants, which flower in spring or summer, this small, spreading tree produces its crinkly yellow flowers in fall, brightening the landscape as many other plants prepare for winter. Its unusual blooming season is a wonderful reminder to slow down and appreciate the colors, textures, and subtle details of the changing season.⁠

Inspired by the beauty of autumn in the woodland garden, join us on Saturday, October 24, from 1–4 PM for Autumn Watercolor, a special workshop at Garden in the Woods taught by artist Heidy Sumei Chuang. Participants will practice capturing the light and colors of fall foliage through wet-on-wet watercolor techniques, experimenting with warm and cool earth tones and layering paints to bring the woodland landscape to life. No previous painting experience is necessary, and beginners are warmly welcomed.⁠

Register here: https://nativeplanttrust.org/class/autumn-watercolor/

Photo: American witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.)

10/18/2026

Name that bird.

If you guessed dark-eyed junco, you are correct. As the days cool, dark-eyed juncos arrive in Merrimack from their breeding grounds in the northern forests of New England and Canada. You might spot these small, slate-gray birds hopping beneath your feeders or along the edge of the woods. Many people call them “snowbirds” because they show up as winter approaches.

Juncos are ground foragers who spend the colder months hopping and scratching through leaf litter in search of seeds from grasses, weeds, and wildflowers like ragweed and chickweed. In summer, their diet shifts to include insects, which are especially important when feeding their young.

Juncos favor forest edges, brushy fields, and backyards with plenty of low cover. Leaving the leaves, keeping a brush pile, and letting seed heads stand in your garden gives them both food and shelter; no feeder required. If you do put out seed, sprinkle it on the ground, they prefer it there!

10/14/2026

Thanks to scouts and volunteers, three bridges and boardwalks at Horse Hill have been replaced this year!

10/14/2026

🌍🌳🐢🌊 Earth Month Feedback Needed!

The Merrimack Conservation Commission--in collaboration with the library and parks and rec-- is planning an Earth Month for spring 2027. We'd like ideas from you! What conservation and earth-related topics or activities would you like to see?
Please
1. add your ideas in the comments!
2. "like" other people's ideas so we can note ideas with a lot of interest
3. let us know if you would like to support efforts by volunteering!

We'll add our ideas too! Please 👍 if you're a fan!

10/13/2026

It's native here too!

Say Hello to this autumn-staple, Indiangrass! This plant can grow 3-8ft tall, and is best planted with buddies. The golden stalks and reddish seeds are sure to make you want to put on a sweater and jump into a pile of leaves! Indiangrass is a host plant for many bugs and butterflies, and birds will eat the seeds. Look for it this week!

10/11/2026

Keep it safe this year for wildlife with pumpkin painting. Create paint out of flour, water and foodcoloring. It won't last forever, but it also won't kill the wildlife 🤷 and it'll decompose in the end. ​
Note that raw flour is not considered safe to eat, for people (despite all the raw dough we eat while baking 😅), so this is not a finger paint for toddlers.

10/10/2026

Here's another berry we'd like to burn and destroy. Japanese and European Barberry are invasive species that cause so much trouble. ​
Not only do they spread to where they're not wanted, and out-compete valuable native species, but they also harbor tick populations 😣 they're a great place for ticks to hide from predators.
If you've got it, cut, dig, and bag it.

Always dispose of invasive species in the trash to prevent spread, never in town compost or brush.