Pelham Pathways

Pelham Pathways Check us out and learn more about our work and passion at PelhamPathways.com Community Trails Coalition is a proud partner of Pelham Pathways Inc.

Our purpose is to foster a Pelham community where trails become pathways to unity, well-being and exploration for people of all ages and abilities. With a mission to create an environment that encourages and celebrates the joy of trail exploration, promoting inclusivity, health and a strong sense of community, we believe that trails are more than just pathways through nature; they are the pathways

connecting us to the beauty of our surroundings, the heartbeats of our community. Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a parent with young children, a person with disabilities, or someone seeking a peaceful stroll, our vision to transform Pelham's trails into welcoming spaces, invites everyone to embark on adventures, discover the richness of nature, and connect with each other, on our trails designed to accommodate and embrace the diversity of our community. See more at PelhamPathways.com

Harmony Park: Building the Dream Step by StepIn October 2025, the future site of Harmony Park was a wooded property fill...
09/07/2026

Harmony Park: Building the Dream Step by Step

In October 2025, the future site of Harmony Park was a wooded property filled with brush, fallen branches and uneven terrain. Volunteers could see its potential, however, and began working to transform the land into an inviting community park. Today, that dream is taking shape. Trails are being cleared, shrubs and native plants—including highbush blueberries—have been planted, and a new wooden bridge has been installed. Plans include a pollinator garden, benches, interpretive signs, beehives and other features that will encourage visitors to explore and appreciate the natural world. Harmony Park is being built step by step through 100% volunteer time. Every trail cleared, plant installed and structure completed reflects the dedication of people who believe in creating welcoming outdoor spaces for the entire community.

Pelham Pathways will be the designated charity receiving charitable gaming funds at Beach Club Casino, 81 Ocean Boulevar...
09/06/2026

Pelham Pathways will be the designated charity receiving charitable gaming funds at Beach Club Casino, 81 Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, NH, from September 8 through September 12.

If a casino visit is already in your plans, keep these dates in mind! These funds help support our all-volunteer organization’s work to connect people with the outdoors through recreation, conservation education, and community projects.

Thank you for being part of Pelham Pathways. We hope to see you on the trail!

Warmly,
Yvonne La-Garde
Chair, Pelham Pathways

Advance registration is required for guided hikes. Register through the Community Trail Coalition page on the Pelham Pat...
09/04/2026

Advance registration is required for guided hikes. Register through the Community Trail Coalition page on the Pelham Pathways website or email [email protected].

Step Outside With Us This SeptemberFrom late-blooming wildflowers to forest-floor fungi, there’s plenty to discover on t...
09/03/2026

Step Outside With Us This September

From late-blooming wildflowers to forest-floor fungi, there’s plenty to discover on the Community Trail Coalition’s upcoming guided hikes!

Sunday, September 6, at 10:00 a.m. — Fall Flowers & Forest Changes
Explore Costa Conservation Area with Marc Duquette and learn about late-blooming woodland plants and their seasonal adaptations. Approximately 1½ hours; easy to moderate. Meet at the Frontier Drive parking area, off Dutton Road in Pelham. Limited to 24 participants.

Saturday, September 12, at 10:00 a.m. — Nature & History at Benson Park
Join Dorayne Passler and support guides for the scenic 2.5-mile Haselton Farm Trail loop, including a stop at the park’s 9/11 Memorial. Approximately two hours; easy to moderate. Meet at the kiosk behind the dog park at 19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson. Bring a bag lunch and stay to socialize afterward! Limited to 24 participants.

Friday, September 18, at 9:00 a.m. — Marvelous Mushrooms
Discover the fascinating world of fungi at Kirby-Ivers Town Forest with Marc Duquette. Approximately 1½ hours; moderate, beginning with a steep uphill climb. Park in the dirt lot on Windham Road, across from Sunrise Farm at 375 Windham Road in Pelham. Limited to 15 participants.

Reserve your spot: Register on line Community Trail Coalition Guided Hikes. Spaces are first-come, first-served. Questions? Email [email protected].

Wear suitable walking shoes and bring water and insect repellent. Snacks and water are provided compliments of Hannaford of Pelham. Check the Pelham Pathways Events page for weather-related cancellations.

Building, Exploring and Giving Back with Pelham PathwaysThere is a great deal happening at Pelham Pathways this fall—fro...
09/01/2026

Building, Exploring and Giving Back with Pelham Pathways

There is a great deal happening at Pelham Pathways this fall—from visible progress at Harmony Park and Celebration Park to guided hikes, volunteer workdays and an opportunity to support our projects through charitable gaming.

Play It Forward at Beach Club Casino

Pelham Pathways will be the charitable gaming beneficiary at Beach Club Casino, located at 81 Ocean Boulevard in Hampton, New Hampshire, from September 8 through September 12. Through New Hampshire charitable gaming, one-third of the casino’s profits during these dates will benefit Pelham Pathways. Beach Club Casino may be small, but this is a meaningful opportunity to “play it forward.” If you enjoy a little gambling, please consider visiting the casino during our designated charitable gaming dates. Your participation will help support:

Harmony Park

Celebration Park

Guided hikes and conservation education

Educational events

The publication of Discover Pelham: A Guide to Trails, Wildlife, and Wild Places

Whether you visit for a short time or spend an evening there, your participation will help Pelham Pathways continue creating outdoor, recreational and educational opportunities for the community.

Join Us at Celebration ParkWe have several upcoming volunteer workdays:Wednesday, August 26 | 4:00–5:30 PM — Help spread...
08/21/2026

Join Us at Celebration Park

We have several upcoming volunteer workdays:

Wednesday, August 26 | 4:00–5:30 PM — Help spread composted cow manure and compost in the garden beds.

Saturday, August 29 | 4:00–5:30 PM — Continue restoring the Celebration Park gardens.

Saturday, October 17 or Saturday, October 24 — Help install drip irrigation systems in the gardens. The final October date will be confirmed soon.

No experience is needed. Guidance will be provided, and there are many ways to help. Even an hour can make a meaningful difference.

The drip irrigation project is especially important because it will deliver water directly to the plants, conserve water, and reduce the considerable amount of hand-watering required of volunteers in future growing seasons.

If you would like to participate, please email [email protected] your name, contact information, the workday that interests you, and your availability.

What Could You Bring to Pelham Pathways?Not everyone wants to garden. Perhaps your interests are trails, wildlife, photo...
08/11/2026

What Could You Bring to Pelham Pathways?

Not everyone wants to garden. Perhaps your interests are trails, wildlife, photography, writing, technology, history, art, education, organizing events—or something we have not even thought of yet.

That is what makes a volunteer organization work.

We do not need everyone to have the same skills. We need people willing to share what they know, learn something new, and help strengthen their community.

There is something very satisfying about looking at a garden, trail, park, program, book, or community project and being able to say:

“I helped make that happen.”

If that sounds appealing, we would love to have you join us.

Bring your skills. Bring your curiosity. Or simply bring an hour of your time.

You may be surprised by how much difference you can make.

P.S. Another Opportunity to Learn & Get Involved

invasive species and the health of Pelham’s conservation lands interest you, please join the Pelham Conservation Commission Public Meeting on Wednesday, August 12 at 7:00 PM at Pelham Town Hall.

The program will feature Eric Radlof, Town Forester , LLC, and Donna Lussier, UNH Extension Master Gardener, who will discuss invasive species affecting Pelham and approaches to managing them.

The Community Trail Coalition Committee will also ask the Conservation Commission to consider establishing an Invasive Species Management Plan for the Town of Pelham, similar to the plan developed by the Town of Merrimack.

The evening will include discussion of invasive plants found in our community, including Oriental bittersweet, common buckthorn, and Japanese knotweed.

Everyone who cares about Pelham’s forests and conservation lands is encouraged to attend

The Heart & Soul of Pelham Pathways: Our VolunteersPelham Pathways has no paid staff.Everything we accomplish happens be...
08/11/2026

The Heart & Soul of Pelham Pathways: Our Volunteers
Pelham Pathways has no paid staff.

Everything we accomplish happens because people in our community are willing to share their time, talents, and experience.

Our volunteers bring skills learned through their professions, hobbies, education, family life, and personal interests. Some know trails and conservation. Others bring expertise in gardening, writing, photography, technology, finance, construction, education, wildlife, fundraising, art, or community organizing.

And some simply come with a willingness to help.

To date, 61 volunteers have contributed 4,003 hours to Pelham Pathways initiatives. We try to carefully match each volunteer with work that fits their interests and abilities—because volunteering should not only meet an organizational need, it should also provide a sense of purpose, connection, and accomplishment.

One wonderful example is Bill Schofield, who noticed that the bird feeders at Merriam Farm were empty and decided, quite simply, “I can feed the birds.” He has been doing just that ever since, traveling to Merriam Farm twice each week to fill feeders, replace damaged equipment, and care for the area.

Bill does not seek recognition. He simply sees something that needs to be done and quietly does it. His story is a reminder that community service is often built through small acts repeated faithfully over time.

After assessing the perennial gardens, volunteer and UNH Extension Master Gardener Donna Lussier determined that the soi...
08/10/2026

After assessing the perennial gardens, volunteer and UNH Extension Master Gardener Donna Lussier determined that the soil—particularly in the newer shade gardens—needed significant improvement. She developed a restoration process that includes removing mulch, adding composted cow manure and compost, thoroughly watering the plants, and then replacing the mulch.

Volunteers have already completed two shade gardens. Four more still need attention, and we could use some helping hands.

Our volunteers also contribute talents that have nothing to do with shovels or garden hoses. Local artist Paula Stanvick generously donated her time and creativity to paint the back of Celebration Park’s kiosk, transforming a previously plain surface into another beautiful feature of the park.

Paula is also sharing her artistic talents directly with the community by teaching Art in the Park on Wednesday, August 12 at 4:00 PM at Celebration Park, 8 Nashua Road. The class is free, and there are still spaces available for anyone who would like to join us for an enjoyable afternoon of creativity in the park.

These are just a few examples of what makes Pelham Pathways special: people sharing what they know and doing something meaningful with it.

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