Seacoast region is home to wildlife refuge, nature center, and more science fun

Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Accessible from many places Durham/Dover, NH Phone: 603-868-1095

Set on 48 miles of coastline, this preserve protects saltmarshes, woodlands, tidal creeks and open fields. It is managed by the NH Fish and Game department. Visitors can enter at Adams Point, and also access the area via the water. Great spot for bird and animal observation.

Sandy Point Discovery Center

89 Depot Road Stratham, NH Phone: 603-778-0015

This nature center features a self-guided walking trail through a saltmarsh. Exhibits focus on the Great Bay, history and wildlife. Events are scheduled there during the season. Open June - October.

Seacoast Science Center

Odiorne State Park, 570 Ocean Boulevard Rye, NH Phone: 603-436-8043

Located in Odiorne State Park, the Science Center offers an aquarium, and focuses on marine and area wildlife. Events are scheduled on a daily basis, year-round. There is a small admission charge.

Urban Forestry Center

45 Elwyn Road Portsmouth, NH 03801 Phone: 603-431-6774

The center consists of 182 acres of field, forest, and salt marsh, several buildings, and the annual interest income from a trust fund. It is used as a tree farm to demonstrate proper forest management, a bird and wildlife sanctuary, a garden and landscape demonstration site, and as a learning center in forestry planning, forest management, ecology, tree and plant identification, and wildlife stewardship.