Environmental literacy happens when communities create opportunities for people of all ages to learn about, connect with, and care for the natural world. The Sutton Conservation Commission (SCC) is a wonderful example of this work in action.
In a recent letter of support for the New Hampshire Environmental Literacy Plan, the SCC shared why environmental literacy is so important to its mission of conserving land and protecting wildlife, wetlands, and water resources. As they noted, conservation depends on a community that understands and values the natural world.
Fortunately, Sutton offers many opportunities for residents to build those connections.
The Sutton Free Library hosts programs that engage both children and adults in nature-focused learning. The Lake Sunapee Protective Association provides educational experiences that help local students understand watershed health and environmental stewardship. At Muster Field Farm, visitors of all ages can explore the relationship between people and the land while learning about local history, agriculture, and food systems.
Kezar Lake also serves as a hub for environmental learning. Through its Lake Host Program, boaters learn how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, while the development of a watershed-based management plan is creating opportunities for community members to learn about water quality and participate in protecting this treasured local resource.
The Sutton Conservation Commission contributes directly to these efforts through public educational programs and hands-on stewardship opportunities. Recent programs have explored topics such as the impacts of rodenticides on wildlife populations, helping residents better understand how everyday decisions affect local ecosystems. The Commission also welcomes volunteers to help maintain trails on conservation lands, providing meaningful opportunities for people to learn about local forests while actively caring for them.
Taken together, these efforts demonstrate how environmental literacy extends far beyond the classroom. By providing opportunities for learning, stewardship, community engagement, and outdoor experiences, the Sutton Conservation Commission and its partners are helping residents develop the knowledge, skills, and motivation needed to care for the places they call home.
Their work reflects the vision of the New Hampshire Environmental Literacy Plan and shows how local organizations can play a vital role in building environmentally literate communities across the state.
NH Environmental Literacy Plan Connections
Goal 1: Expand Access to Environmental Learning Across All Ages and Settings
- Nature-focused programming through the Sutton Free Library
- Educational opportunities offered by local conservation and watershed organizations
- Community learning opportunities centered on local environmental issues
Goal 2: Empower Youth and Communities as Environmental Stewards and Changemakers
- Lake Host education and invasive species prevention efforts
- Watershed planning processes that engage community members
- Volunteer trail stewardship and conservation activities
Goal 4: Strengthen Community Connections to Place Through Environmental Learning
- Place-based learning at Muster Field Farm
- Opportunities to explore and care for local conservation lands
- Community engagement focused on the health of Kezar Lake and surrounding natural resources
Thank you to the Sutton Conservation Commission for supporting the New Hampshire Environmental Literacy Plan and for demonstrating what environmental literacy in action looks like at the local level.
Learn more about the New Hampshire Environmental Literacy Plan and explore ways your organization can support environmental literacy in your community:
New Hampshire Environmental Literacy Plan
Want to join the growing network of organizations supporting environmental literacy in New Hampshire?
We are still accepting letters of support for the NH Environmental Literacy Plan and would love to highlight your organization’s work in a future NH Environmental Literacy in Action feature. To submit a letter of support, share your story, or learn more about getting involved, contact info@nhee.org
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