The Nashua River Watershed Association continues to offer a slew of free, family-oriented programs such as guided hikes and canoe outings. The following are coming up in October, in southern New Hampshire, and there are a whole lot more just a bit further afield in Massachusetts (check their web site):

Nashua River Guided Paddle in Hollis, NH

Sunday, October 18, 12:30-4:00 PM, on the Nashua River in Hollis, NH

Enjoy the Lower Nashua River by canoe as we paddle through the Hollis Greenway and Gorigan Conservation Areas.  Your guide will be NRWA’s River Classroom Director Stacey Chilcoat.  Learn about river ecology and NRWA’s work to protect water quality, and take in the beautiful fall landscape.  This river trip is presented as part of the NRWA’s 40th Anniversary series of events. Reservations required. There is no charge if you bring your own boat; paid rentals are available through Nashoba Paddler.  Space is limited: pre-registration is required, whether or not you bring your own boat. To pre-register, or for more information, call Nashoba Paddler at (978) 448-8699 and leave a message, or email Diane@NashobaPaddler.com.

Fall Leaves Family Hike in Mason, NH

Sunday, October 25, 1:00-2:30 PM, Scripps Lane in Mason, NH

On this family hike, we will be learning to look at fall leaf colors in a whole new way! Find out how the color of the leaf in autumn can tell you what species of tree you are seeing, and why trees go through this beautiful change each year. Learn to use a leaf color wheel, play fun tree games along the way, and just take in the vibrant scenery of New Hampshire’s foliage in autumn.  The trail is flat and wide trail, suitable for strollers after an initial small hill to the trail. Please refrain from bringing dogs. This hike is presented as part of the NRWA’s 40th Anniversary series of events.  Pre-registration is required. To pre-register and receive directions, please contact the NRWA at (978) 448-0299, or email LaurenP@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.  FREE

No Name Trail Hike in Greenville, NH

Sunday, October 25, 2:00-3:00 PM, in Greenville, NH

Join Marshall Buttrick, Greenville resident and Conservation Commission member, and Mark Archambault, NRWA’s Smart Growth Circuit Rider, to explore this unnamed trail, a favorite hiking place of local residents.  Learn about local flora and fauna, the importance of land stewardship, and the impact of last year’s ice storms on our forest ecosystems. This woodland walk is just under a mile, and will take place rain or shine. Trail not suitable for strollers; please refrain from bringing dogs.  This hike is presented as part of the NRWA’s 40th Anniversary series of events.  Pre-registration is required. To pre-register and receive directions, please contact the NRWA at (978) 448-0299, or email MarkA@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.  FREE