Bringing Nature, Knowledge, and Community Together

The Community Trail Coalition believes that connecting people with nature begins with understanding it. Through our Nature & Conservation Education programs, residents can learn more about Pelham’s forests, wetlands, wildlife, plants, trails, and other natural resources.

Our Nature & Conservation Learning Series brings residents together with knowledgeable professionals, educators, naturalists, foresters, wildlife specialists, conservationists, and experienced community partners. Programs may include presentations, workshops, demonstrations, community conversations, or hands-on field experiences.

Unlike the CTC’s Guided Hike Program, these events are designed primarily as educational experiences. Field programs may include walking, but the emphasis is on observation, discussion, and learning rather than completing a recreational hike.

Programs will generally last from 90 minutes to three hours. Advance registration will be required, and participation may be limited depending on the program, location, and topic. Each event listing will explain accessibility, walking conditions, recommended clothing or equipment, and anything else participants should know before attending.No special knowledge or experience is required. Whether you are an experienced naturalist, a property owner, a gardener, a hiker, a student, a conservation volunteer, or simply curious about the world around you, we invite you to explore, learn, understand, and help protect our region’s wild places.

Explore. Learn. Understand. Protect.

What You May Discover

• Pelham’s forests, wetlands, ponds, water quality, and wildlife habitats
• Native plants, pollinators, backyard habitats, and seasonal changes
• Invasive plants and responsible methods of controlling them
• Birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, wildlife tracking, and animal behavior
• Forest management, timber harvesting, and New Hampshire’s changing landscape
• Trail stewardship, conservation practices, and responsible recreation

Learn From Local and Regional Experts

Whenever possible, programs will connect broader environmental topics with the forests, wetlands, wildlife, and conservation lands found here in Pelham. Participants will leave with practical information, a deeper appreciation of the natural world, and ideas they can use to help protect the places we all value.

Meet the Educational Programs Coordinator

Meet Chris Gallaher

Volunteer Educational Programs Coordinator

Chris Gallaher brings a lifelong love of nature, extensive conservation experience, and a passion for environmental education to her role as the Community Trail Coalition’s Volunteer Educational Programs Coordinator.

Chris has lived in Pelham for 50 years, drawn to the community by her desire to live among the forests she treasures. Her connection to the outdoors began during childhood summers at camp. A field trip to hike in the Blue Hills Reservation sparked an enthusiasm that has remained with her ever since. An avid hiker, Chris has climbed all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot mountains—not once, but twice. She also enjoys kayaking and exploring the natural world.

Her conservation service includes the Pelham Conservation Commission and Pelham Forestry Committee. Through these roles, Chris has helped develop and mark trails, create wildlife habitat, coordinate educational events, and promote sustainable forest management. A graduate of the Coverts program, she received specialized training in wildlife habitat conservation and community outreach. She continues to help maintain public trails and protect access to Pelham’s natural spaces.

Chris also brings extensive program leadership experience from many years as a Girl Scout troop leader, council trainer, and council event director. These roles strengthened her ability to create engaging, well-organized learning experiences for people of all ages.