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Squam Lakes Natural Science welcomes new additions and bids a sad farewell

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 15:02 GMT by New Hampshire Union Leader
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Squam Lakes Natural Science Welcomes New Additions While Saying a Fond Farewell

The quiet corner of the Squam Lakes region that has long been a hub for environmental learning is undergoing a gentle yet unmistakable evolution. According to a recent report from the Union Leader, the Squam Lakes Natural Science (SLNS) center has introduced a suite of fresh exhibits and educational tools while bidding a bittersweet goodbye to one of its most beloved staff members. The piece, found on the Union Leader website, draws readers into a day in the life of this small but influential institution, showcasing the interplay between community, conservation, and education.

Fresh Faces and New Features

The headline of the article—“Squam Lakes Natural Science Welcomes New Additions and Bids a Sad Farewell”—captures the dual nature of the story. The center has recently opened a state‑of‑the‑art greenhouse that will allow year‑round study of native plants. The addition was announced in a ceremony attended by local school principals, environmental volunteers, and a few curious residents. According to the report, the greenhouse, funded through a combination of community donations and a $50,000 grant from the New England Conservation Fund, will host a range of interactive displays, from pollination biology to climate resilience.

Another highlight is the new “Digital Habitat Explorer” exhibit, a touchscreen kiosk that lets visitors walk through the various ecosystems surrounding Squam Lake—ranging from the wetlands to the alpine meadows. This exhibit is part of a broader effort to integrate technology into the center’s curriculum, a move that has already attracted the attention of several nearby schools. “We want to bring the science out of the classroom and into the hands of our visitors,” said SLNS director John Tuck in an interview quoted in the article. “This kiosk will help us do that, especially for the younger kids.”

The center also announced the installation of a new audio‑visual lab, which will support student projects and community workshops. The lab, equipped with a high‑definition projector, sound‑isolation booth, and a series of scientific cameras, will allow participants to record their own field studies and share them with the larger scientific community.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

While the center is buzzing with new projects, the article also gives a poignant look at the human side of SLNS. After 22 years of dedicated service, longtime volunteer and educator Maya Patel is retiring. Patel’s work has spanned from leading the “Youth Environmental Explorers” program to coordinating the annual “Bird‑watching Bash.” The Union Leader piece includes a heartfelt quote from her: “I’ve watched so many kids grow up and discover the joy of science. It’s a privilege to be a part of their journey.” Her departure is described as a “sad farewell,” but also as an opportunity for new people to step in and continue her legacy.

Patel’s retirement is tied to a recent donation drive that will allow SLNS to hire a full‑time educational coordinator. The piece notes that this new role will ensure that the center’s programs remain vibrant and relevant. “We’re grateful for Maya’s contributions, and we’re excited to see how the next chapter unfolds,” added Tuck.

Community and Conservation: A Symbiotic Relationship

Throughout the article, the author emphasizes how SLNS serves as a bridge between conservation efforts and community education. The center’s partnership with the Squam Lakes Conservancy—highlighted in a hyperlink to the Conservancy’s website—has enabled a collaborative approach to land stewardship. This partnership was also instrumental in securing the new greenhouse, as the Conservancy has provided a 2-acre parcel of land on which the greenhouse will be built.

The report also includes a link to the Conservancy’s “Citizen Science Initiative,” a program that encourages residents to collect data on local wildlife and plant species. SLNS will use the data gathered through this initiative to update its exhibits and to provide students with real‑world research experience. The Union Leader article cites a local high school, Greenfield High, as one of the schools actively participating in the initiative, offering a tangible example of how educational institutions are becoming increasingly engaged with hands‑on science.

Looking Ahead

The piece concludes with a look at future events. The center will host a “Summer Discovery” series that will run from June to August, featuring workshops on amphibian conservation, marine biology, and environmental art. There will also be a community “Clean‑Up Day” on the last weekend of July, inviting volunteers to help maintain the surrounding wetlands.

In sum, the Union Leader article portrays Squam Lakes Natural Science as a dynamic, community‑driven organization that is simultaneously honoring its past and eagerly anticipating its future. The new greenhouse, digital exhibit, and audio‑visual lab represent a tangible commitment to modern, interactive science education, while the farewell to Maya Patel underscores the deeply personal connections that underpin the center’s mission. As the center steps into this new chapter, it continues to embody the philosophy that education and conservation are not just parallel tracks but intertwined pathways leading toward a healthier, more informed community.