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Mission Statement:
The mission of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world.
Top Funding Sources:
The Science Center relies on philanthropic support from individuals, businesses, foundations and others for generous contributions. Other sources of revenue are through trail admission, lake cruise fees, membership fees, program fees.
Year Established: Â 1966
Employees: Â 28 full, 8 part time, 26 seasonal
Annual Revenue: $3,059,373
Service Locations:
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center’s 210-acre campus is at 23 Science Center Road. Squam Lake Cruises depart from Lake Cruise Headquarters directly across from the Science Center on Route 113. Our education outreach programs reach schools throughout New Hampshire.
Contact:
23 Science Center Road
P.O. Box 173
Holderness, NH 03780
603-968-7194
info@nhnature.org
www.nhnature.org
2025 Goals:
Since 1966, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center has educated and enlightened visitors about the importance of our natural world through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, guided Squam Lake Cruises, an informal botanical garden, and Blue Heron School, a nature-based Montessori early learning center.
Our 2022-2026 Strategic Plan has four top priorities:
- Our Animals: Being topnotch stewards
- Our Planet: Addressing Climate Change
- Our People: Nature for All
- Our Future: Building the Science Center’s financial strength
We work every day to achieve these goals to continue to make Squam Lakes Natural Science Center the best it can be.
Fundraising Events:
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center holds a variety of public events to bring people nearer to nature throughout the year. The Science Center also holds two higher-profile fundraising events during the summer: the Family Picnic in July and the Garden Party in August. The Family Picnic is a family-friendly fun, casual evening with food trucks, animal programs, games, live music and more. The Garden Party is an upscale cocktail party for Science Center enthusiasts held at beautiful Kirkwood Gardens.
Giving Opportunities:
There are many ways to support Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. We welcome donations from individuals, businesses and foundations to help further our mission. We also partner with businesses to sponsor specific programs, exhibits and events. These partnerships provide benefits to the businesses in reaching 68,000 trail visitors and nearly 10,000 lake cruise participants. Additional support can be through in-kind donations related to our specific needs. More information is at nhnature.org/support.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteering at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center presents opportunities for volunteers to learn something new, meet interesting people, and share talents and skills. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center relies on hundred of volunteers to assist in many areas including Animal Care, Docents, Exhibits and Maintenance, First Guides, Greeters, Group Volunteers, Kirkwood Gardens, Lake Education, Administrative, and Special Events.
Board Officers / Board Members
Sarah Brown
Chair
Lisa V. Bennett
Vice Chair
Anne R. Lovett
Treasurer
Lisa Doner
Secretary
Tory Amorello
Brent Anderson
Lisa Aulet, Ed.D.
Kevin Barrett
Cathy Denious
Ann Ehrhart
Diane Garfield
Martha Grant
Barbara Nan Grossman
Michelle Janosa
Susan Lynch
David Murphy
Cris Salomon
Frank B. Stevens
Geoffrey Stewart
Carol Stone
Charitable Giving Guide
This profile is part of NH Business Review’s 2025 Charitable Giving Guide.
To learn more about the Charitable Giving Guide and other New Hampshire nonprofit organizations, please visit www.nhbr.com/CGG.
