Social Committee – Squam Lake Natural Science Center & Cruise

Monday, June 12 (sign ups open May 22nd, 8am) – PLEASE DO NOT BUY YOUR CRUISE TICKET UNTIL YOU ARE SIGNED UP ON OUR GSA CALENDAR!!

Eligibility: Open to all active GSAs

The Social Committee is excited about our next social adventure, an outing to the Squam Lake Nature Science Center (nhnature.org)  on Squam Lake in Holderness on Monday June 12th. It will include time to explore the interactive natural exhibit trails (if desired), lunch (purchase or bring your own) and a Squam Lake Cruise (discounted tickets you will need to purchase in advance). Signups open Monday May 22nd.

Squam Lake Nature Science Center (nhnature.org) is a well known destination for visitors to enjoy animals, hiking, and cruises on Squam Lake, Holderness, NH. Granite State Ambassadors have the opportunity to enjoy all of these on Monday, June 12, at a social get-together. We have 20 openings. From Route 93 North, take Exit 24, bear right off the exit thru Ashland to Holderness, take a left at Route 113, the Center is located about a mile down on the left. Proceed up and turn left into one of the parking lots. The Center hours are 9:30 am – 5:00 pm.

The exhibit trail includes open meadows, mature forests, and marsh boardwalk which connect interactive natural exhibits where native animals reside: black bear, mountain lion, raptors, river otter, bobcat and more. Walk at your leisure or select specific exhibits for viewing. Several school groups will be enjoying the trail on this day with us.

Colorful blooming plants bring the Kirkwood Gardens, an informal garden, to life with naturally attracting bees, butterflies and birds of many species. It contains a beautiful wooden pergola covered with a variety of vines which is located at the west end of the lower gardens. There is a patio on the west side of the historic Holderness Inn which provides a scenic view of the gardens or a place to sit in the shade and have lunch.

The Mt. Fayal Trail is about 1 mile long with an elevation of 1,067 feet. It takes about an hour to hike up to the top with great views of Squam Lake. Along the way you will see old cellar holes from the Piper Homestead’s barn and farmhouse. Enjoy the stonewalls along your hike.

Please purchase your discounted cruise ticket for $20 by calling and making a reservation for the 1:00 pm “Discover Squam” cruise. (603.968.7194) AFTER YOU SIGN UP ON THE CALENDAR. After you hear the menu, select #7 to speak with someone. Identify yourself as a Granite State Ambassador booked on the 1:00 pm cruise. This receipt for the ticket will allow you to take advantage of the Center’s activities for the entire day. Make sure to bring it with you.

On the cruise we will learn about the history of Squam Lake, listen for the songs of the Loon, look for bald eagles, and enjoy seeing some areas were “On Golden Pond” was filmed. The 90-minute cruise leaves the Lake Cruise area at 1:00 pm. We need to be near the Lake cruise dock area by 12:45 pm to board our canopied pontoon boat. Walk down a path from the parking lots and across Route 113. Be sure to wear weather-appropriate clothes. It can be cooler on the lake.

For lunch we suggest you bring your own or order a sandwich ahead of time from the Squam Lake Market Place (1.603.968.8588). In Holderness, The Market Place is located on Route 3, just before you turn left to go to the Science Center on Route 113. You can pick it up before you enter the Center. There is a designated picnic area within the Center or maybe in the Gardens. Let’s meet at the Center’s picnic area at 11:30 for lunch. We can walk down to the dock together.

Note that the time for this event is set from 9:30am to 3pm. However, the time between 9:30am and 11:15 am is on your own to explore. Feel free to adjust your arrival time accordingly.

These outings are a great way to spend time with other GSAs, experience places around NH and have fun! We hope you can join us! If the tour is full, please email socialcommittee@nhgsa.com to get on the waiting list.

Let’s hope for great weather.

Location: Squam Lake Nature Science Center (nhnature.org)

Lunch: 11:30am Bring your own or order/pick up from Squam Lake Market Place in Holderness (1.603.968.8588)

Cruise: Meet at 12:45pm, 90 minute cruise at 1pm. MUST call ahead and buy tickets!!

Date: Monday June 12th

Time: Arrive between 9:30am and 11:15am (adjust according to how much exploring you want to do)

Location: Squam Lake Nature Science Center (nhnature.org)

Address: 23 Science Center Rd, Holderness, NH 03245

Number of GSAs: 20

Dress: Dress for the weather

Sign up: Open on Monday May 22nd