Arbor Day event, baby animals at the Banke: Community news update

Portsmouth Herald
Updated ·4 min read

Portsmouth wins Tree City USA and Growth Awards from Arbor Day Foundation

The traditional Arbor Day in Portsmouth ceremonial tree-planting took place in 2022 on Four Tree Island.
The traditional Arbor Day in Portsmouth ceremonial tree-planting took place in 2022 on Four Tree Island.

PORTSMOUTH — The Arbor Day Foundation has again named Portsmouth a Tree City USA and has awarded the Tree Growth Award to the city’s Department of Public Works Parks and Greenery. City arborist supervisor Max Wiater with the City’s Parks and Greenery Division, led by Corin Hallowell and the Trees & Public Greenery Committee, have helped Portsmouth achieve Tree City USA recognition for over twenty years.

Founded in 1976, Tree City USA is a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters. The award depends on meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least two dollars per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Portsmouth has undertaken the “400 Trees for the 400th” initiative. Earlier this month, 200 residents collected free trees to plant in their yards. Parks and Greenery are planting 200 trees around the  city. As part of this effort, Portsmouth Rotary has donated 100 trees in commemoration of its 100th anniversary.

To celebrate Arbor Day, on Friday, April 28, at 8:30 a.m., the city will issue the mayor’s Arbor Day proclamation in a ceremony at Little Harbour Elementary School and plant one of the “400 Trees for the 400th,” accompanied by representatives from Portsmouth Rotary and members of the Portsmouth High School Eco Club. Students will assist the city’s arborist supervisor with planting additional trees on school grounds.

Information: portsnh.co/PortsmouthTrees.

Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke

Jacob sheep will be part of the Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke event in Portsmouth.
Jacob sheep will be part of the Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke event in Portsmouth.

PORTSMOUTH — Strawbery Banke Museum announces the return of Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke, its signature spring event showcasing heritage-breed barnyard animals. Guests visit with and learn about domestic livestock typical on coastal northern New England farms from the 17th century to the present day.

The family-friendly, educational event takes place daily, rain or shine, from Saturday, April 22, through Sunday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. under a heated tent. Tickets are $10 for ages one and up. Admission for children under 1 is free. Museum members receive free or discounted admission. Tickets are available at StrawberyBanke.org.

A Children’s program for ages 4-8 with baby animals is offered Sunday, April 23 through Sunday, April 30. Morning session: 9 to 10 a.m. Afternoon session: 4 to 5 p.m. Tickets include a breakfast or afternoon snack, admission for up to two accompanying parents or guardians, and all-day admission to the main event. Limited space is available for each session.

Strawbery Banke announces the return of Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke, its signature spring event showcasing heritage-breed barnyard animals.
Strawbery Banke announces the return of Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke, its signature spring event showcasing heritage-breed barnyard animals.

In addition to the animals, Strawbery Banke hosts fiber arts demonstrations and hands-on weaving activities. On Sundays, April 23 and April 30, Dan Smith performs a honey-extraction demonstration in the Lawrence J. Yerdon Visitor Center Lecture Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Demonstrations are included with event tickets. Tickets for all programs are available at StrawberyBanke.org.

Fiesta Fundraiser to support Epping student Maela Baker

EPPING — Cinco’s Cantina is hosting a Fiesta Fundraiser on Wednesday, April 19, at its Brickyard Square location in Epping. The Fiesta Fundraiser will donate 20% of all sales (food and beverage) to Epping High School student Maela Baker to fund her attendance at the National Youth Leadership Forum to be held in the summer of 2023.

A freshman, Baker was nominated by her school guidance department to attend this prestigious program. At this young age, Baker has already earned many accolades and awards such as the New Hampshire Scholar Leader Award and the President's Award for Educational Excellence. She is vice president of the Class of 2026 and a member of the Student Leadership Council.

Independence Inn adds farmers market

STRAFFORD — The Independence Inn announce a monthly farmers market, taking place on the first Sunday of every month from May through October. The market will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature a wide range of vendors offering locally sourced produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts.

The market is set to take place on the following dates: May 7, June 4, July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3, and Oct. 1. For more information or to apply to be a vendor, contact Chef Stephen Nass at 603-519-9979 or stephen@theindependenceinn.com.

'Button Up' Stratham: Energy Savings Seminar

STRATHAM —  Button Up New Hampshire, the popular home energy savings workshop series, is coming to Stratham. The Wiggin Memorial Library, Stratham Energy Commission, and the Stratham Select Board arepartnering to present this free workshop. It will take place Thursday, April 20, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Wiggin Memorial Library at 10 Bunker Hill Ave. in Stratham. The workshop is sponsored by NHSaves and coordinated statewide by the Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative (PAREI).

The workshop is free. To register, email mike@mjwelty.com. Information: nhsaves.com.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Arbor Day event, baby animals at the Banke: Community news update