For me, fresh water fishing in New England is a fun and inexpensive way to relax by the water and enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of the New England outdoors. It presents an opportunity to connect with my children through interesting and productive conversations about whatever happens to be going on in their young, little lives. On other occasions, fishing serves as an outlet for quiet time and reflection; A time for us all to claim our piece of space on the bank,  cast out our lines, and say nothing at all; To breathe freely and just be. This too, is good. And of course, there's the very, ferociously competitive, fisherman in each of us who is  always ready for the challenge to outwit the fish or one another and see who can catch the biggest or the most fish for the day!

So, whether you are fishing with kids in New England, are looking to get started fishing, or are an avid angler, the following are some good resources that will provide you with helpful fishing information about what you need to know and places to fish in New England.

What is Backyard Birding?

Generally, a backyard birder can be defined as someone who enjoys seeing wild birds in their garden or patio.  A recent Fish & Wildlife  study estimates that there are 42 million U.S. backyard birders, with the average birder being 35-55+ years old, better than average income and education, and 54% being female.  Joining the ranks of backyard birders is easy, as the basic components of backyard birding are providing a variety of bird food and bird feeders, fresh water and bird houses or shelter.

Backyard Birding & Bird Feeding

Successful backyard birding begins with a properly placed and regularly stocked birdfeeder, bird feeder, or bird table. Attracting birds depends upon the type of bird seed offered, as different birds prefer different types of bird food.

Most common backyard birders supply bird seed mixes containing seeds such as millet, sunflower, safflower or thistle (or nyjer) to seed-eating birds.  Black-Oil Sunflower seed is especially popular, as it is a favorite of the popular songbird – the cardinal.  Some seed mixes also contain dried fruit and nuts.  Other wild bird food includes suet (mix of fat and seed, fruits, nuts, grubs or worms), dried fruit and insects.

 Amherst, Massachusetts 

Sunday May 2nd, from 12pm-2pm 

Come support critical river conservation efforts by attending the free festivities on May 2. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy Tom Neilson and Laura Meyer live in concert at Groff Park in Amherst. Children's activities will include live fish displays, environmental booths, face painting, and our Buck-a-Duck Race!

The Fort River Guided Canoe Trip begins at 10am from Kiwanas Park and arrives at Groff Park in time for the concert. You must preregister to paddle with us. All activities are free, though a donation for canoe use is greatly appreciated. For more information go to http://www.fortriverfestival.com/ or contact us directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Brought to you by Rushing Rivers Institute, the Hitchcock Center, Morse Hill Outdoor Education Center, and BK Riverfish LLC.

Who Let the Dogs Out? A Journey to Dog Town

By Ron Kolek

With autumn approaching, it's time to take advantage of the good weather and do your paranormal investigating out of doors. A great place to go is an abandoned village in Gloucester, Massachusetts strangely named Dog Town. It is an awesome place for a hike and a very interesting place to investigate. Late last year a group on paranormal investigators got together to undertake such an investigation. Led by Tom D’Agostino, we put together a loosely form team which I dubbed “The Paranormal Posse”. The team was comprised of Jeff Belanger of GhostVillage.com, Chris Balzano of Mass Paranormal Crossroads, author Tom D’Agostino and his wife Arlene, and Maureen and myself of The New England Ghost Project. With such diverse personalities, it was bound to be an interesting trip.