Exeter NH Sustainability and Planning

08/26/2026

Join our neighbors in Brentwood for a paddle along the Exeter River next month!

Once again, ESRLAC is joining the Brentwood Brentwood, NH Parks & Recreation Department in sponsoring the Fall Paddle on the Exeter River on September 26th. We hope everyone will consider joining in.

The event is free and includes a BBQ lunch at the dam and transportation back to the start for those that don't want to paddle back up. It's always a fun event and a great opportunity to enjoy this pristine section of the river, mostly protected by conservation easements. Information on caring for the river and Great Bay is also provided.

As many know, there are plans to remove the Pickpocket dam in the next year or two, so this may be one of the last opportunities to paddle this stretch.

Registration link is:
https://www.brentwoodnh.gov/apps/activities/view.aspx

08/22/2026

Exeter Area! Don't miss this great opportunity to develop a personalized pollinator garden w/ support from professional garden designers. With Pollinator Pathways NH

08/20/2026

We have handed out close to 200 canvas for our Art in the Barn event! Artwork will be for sale at our Art in the Barn event Sept 26th from 1-4. Stay tuned for a sneak peek at some of the work. In the mean time, be sure to add the event to your calendars. Click the link for more details.
https://www.exeternh.gov/cc/2026-art-barn-showcase-raynes-farm

08/12/2026

We are over the moon excited for this event. Join us on Sept 26th from 1-4 and explore the work of local artists. Proceeds from art sales will support Rayne Barn activities, events and maintenance.

08/11/2026

Sometimes monarch need a little help to find a safe space to hatch.

Look closely. This chrysalis was attached to an office door k**b and was able to be safely relocated with a little dental floss tied around the webbing. -with Exeter, NH Public Works🐛🦋 🥰 🦷🪥

08/11/2026

Hi trail enthusiasts. Take note of some closures on the Academy property.

🌲 Trail Closures - Phillips Exeter Academy 🚧

Tree removal work will begin Tuesday, August 11th, and is expected to last 2-3 days as part of preparations for construction of the Town's new well on Drinkwater Road.

Iron Tree, a subcontractor for N. Granese, will be removing trees along portions of Phillips Exeter Academy's White and Red Trails. For public safety, sections of these trails will be temporarily closed during this work.

🗺️ View the trail closure map here:https://www.exeternh.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/public_works/project/63571/trail_map_-_pea.pdf

We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this initial phase of construction.

💧 About the New Drinkwater Road Well Project
The Town has been working to develop an additional groundwater source to strengthen and expand Exeter's drinking water supply. After extensive testing and evaluation of multiple locations, a site on Phillips Exeter Academy property off Drinkwater Road was identified as a promising groundwater source.

More updates will be shared as the project progresses.

Questions and comments can be directed to:
Exeter Public Works
[email protected]
603-773-6157

https://www.exeternh.gov/publicworks/drinkwater-road-groundwater-development

07/29/2026

Did you know Raynes Barn is part of the NH Barn Trail? Explore the story map and learn about significant barns throughout the state.

Learn about historic barns statewide offering a variety of visitor experiences

07/22/2026

Exeter residents can now recycle styrofoam at the Exeter, NH Public Works transfer station thanks to a grant funded project spearheaded by the Exeter NH Sustainability and Planning department.

This is a FREE service available Exeter residents, no transfer station sticker required--just bring a photo ID.

Recycling is made possible by the town's new foam densifier which heats #6 polystyrene and condenses it into a marketable product called an ingot. These ingots can then be sold to companies who re-purpose it into other polystyrene based products, like rigid foam board insulation. This unit will not only create a marketable product, but will also serve to divert existing bulky polystyrene foam from our waste stream.

Learn more: https://www.exeternh.gov/sa/exeter-residents-recycle-your-styrofoam-transfer-station

07/21/2026

Just one week away. Want to learn more about the current state of eelgrass, an important component to the health of Great Bay? Be sure to add this event to your calendar.

Are you concerned about the steep decline of eelgrass in Great Bay proper?

Join the conversation:
http://bit.ly/4gSHJCM