Squam Lakes Natural Science Center | Central NH

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is a renowned living museum and wildlife education facility located in Holderness, New Hampshire, on the shores of Lake Squam. It combines environmental education, wildlife conservation, and hands-on learning to provide visitors with an immersive experience in the natural ecosystems of New Hampshire. The center emphasizes native wildlife, habitats, and ecological understanding, making it both educational and engaging for families, students, and nature enthusiasts.

Geography and Landscape

The Science Center occupies a 65-acre property on the western shore of Lake Squam, with natural habitats carefully preserved for both wildlife and visitor exploration:

Forested Trails: Mixed hardwood and evergreen forests provide shaded paths for walking, hiking, and wildlife observation.

Wetlands and Lakeside Areas: Marshes, ponds, and lakeshore areas support amphibians, birds, and small mammals, providing naturalistic habitats for resident species.

Open Fields and Outdoor Exhibits: Grasslands and open spaces are used for interactive demonstrations and enclosures for larger animals.

Lake Squam Views: Some trails and exhibits overlook the lake, offering scenic vistas and context for studying aquatic ecosystems.

Wildlife and Exhibits

The Science Center focuses on native New Hampshire species, with many animals being non-releasable residents due to injury or rehabilitation needs. Key features include:

Live Animal Exhibits: Residents include otters, foxes, bobcats, bald eagles, hawks, owls, and snakes, allowing close observation in naturalistic enclosures.

Interactive Learning Stations: Visitors can handle animal artifacts, study pelts and tracks, and engage with educational displays about local flora and fauna.

Nature Trails: Over half a mile of trails wind through forests, wetlands, and meadows, offering opportunities to see wildlife in semi-natural habitats and observe native plants.

Seasonal Programs: Live animal demonstrations, feeding talks, and educational workshops enhance visitor understanding of animal behavior, habitats, and conservation efforts.

Educational Opportunities

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is designed to provide hands-on, experiential learning:

School and Group Programs: Structured field trips, science curricula, and outdoor classrooms teach students about ecology, biology, and environmental stewardship.

Family Learning Experiences: Guided walks, wildlife encounters, and interactive exhibits engage visitors of all ages in understanding nature.

Conservation Awareness: Programs emphasize the importance of protecting native species, maintaining habitats, and understanding ecological connections.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring: Migratory birds return, wetlands teem with amphibians, and wildflowers bloom along trails. Educational programs highlight reproduction and nesting behaviors.

Summer: Warm weather encourages active exploration of trails, lakeside observation, and live demonstrations. Animal activity peaks during daylight hours.

Autumn: Fall foliage enhances the forest trails, and wildlife is active in preparation for winter. Programs focus on seasonal adaptations and foraging behaviors.

Winter: Some exhibits remain open, and winter-adapted species provide opportunities for observing animal behavior in snow-covered habitats.

Visitor Experience

Visiting the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center provides a layered experience of education, wildlife observation, and outdoor exploration. Walking trails, interactive exhibits, and live animal demonstrations allow visitors to engage directly with New Hampshire’s native ecosystems. The lake and forested landscapes add scenic beauty, while the emphasis on conservation encourages thoughtful engagement with nature.

The center is ideal for families, educators, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts, offering both casual exploration and structured learning. Its proximity to Lake Squam also allows visitors to combine a visit with boating, hiking, or other outdoor activities in the surrounding region.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center exemplifies New Hampshire’s commitment to environmental education, wildlife conservation, and hands-on learning, blending scenic lakeside landscapes with immersive, interactive experiences for all ages.