Wildlife and Conservation
at America's Stonehenge
America's Stonehenge is located on more than 100 acres of mixed habitats. The property is home to many native species of plant and animal life, and is one of the largest green spaces in Salem, New Hampshire. The nature trails offer opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitats, including large and small mammals like white-tailed deer, foxes, and squirrels, as well as a wide variety of year-round and migratory birds like turkeys, raptors, song birds, and warblers.
Forestry and Habitat Management
America's Stonehenge has a unique responsibility to balance archaeology, historic preservation, and environmental conservation. As stewards of both the historic site and land, the museum strives to maintain several diverse habitats on the property that afford food, water, and shelter for a variety of New Hampshire's native wildlife. Since 2018, America's Stonehenge has been following a forestry management plan designed to remove dead and diseased trees, thin sections of the forest to encourage new growth, and maintain important habitats like meadows and wetlands. Since then, we have witnessed significant growth of resident wildlife populations and migratory visitors, as well as a marked increase in the health of the forest itself.
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America's Stonehenge remains open for low impact recreation year-round including hiking and snowshoeing. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras and binoculars, especially during peak bird migrations in the spring and foliage season in autumn.
The Susan M. Hodge
Bluebird Sanctuary
Susan was a long-time friend of America's Stonehenge, and an even greater friend to the local populations of bluebirds. Her meticulous care of their nesting boxes located on the property fostered a large population of these vibrant songbirds. Bluebird nesting boxes can be seen around the property and continue to be maintained to Susan's exacting standards, giving bluebirds a permanent home here at America's Stonehenge.
Serenity
The Pollinator Garden
The pollinator garden features a manicured lawn and ornamental garden that is open to visitors while serving an important role in the local ecosystem. The flowering plants selected for this garden are important food sources for pollinators like butterflies, honeybees, and humming birds. These avian visitors will be hard at work while you relax in tranquil atmosphere of this garden.
Forest Protection Policies
Trails
To limit our impact on sensitive habitats and archaeological sites, please remain only on marked trails. Some trails may be closed for habitat regeneration and/or maintenance.
Vehicles
Unauthorized vehicles are prohibited beyond designated parking areas. This includes motorized and unmotorized vehicles.
Mobility aids are permitted.
Collecting/Foraging
America's Stonehenge is home to many endangered and rare plant species. Please refrain from picking flowers or collecting plant materials and take pictures instead.
Fires
Fires are not permitted without approval of museum management. Smoking, candles, smudges, and other sources of open flame or embers are also prohibited.
Littering
Trash is carry-in, carry-out on the trails. Trash receptacles are available at the Visitor Center. Please refrain from littering and notify staff if you see trash on the trail.
Hunting and Trapping
Hunting and trapping is not permitted at America's Stonehenge. The discharge of firearms, bow and arrow, and other ranged weapons for recreational purposes is prohibited.