Annual Fund

Your gift and your impact.

I was walking the trail, as I often do, on a cool Saturday afternoon last month when I overheard a joyful preschooler exclaim that she loved bugs! It was music to my ears.

For 56 years, the Science Center has educated people about the importance of New Hampshire’s nature through our mission, to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world. In that time, we have reached hundreds of thousands of people who have connected with nature walking the exhibit trail, experienced live animals up-close in a program, explored Squam Lake on a lake cruise, gained inspiration from Kirkwood Gardens, awakened curiosity on a school field trip, enlightened senses attending Blue Heron School, and more. Our impact is long-term and seen in the multiple generations of visitors and supporters who come back year after year.

Your impact to the Science Center is just as important. Without your support we couldn’t take our animals on outreach programs and into school classrooms; maintain and fuel our pontoon boats; support and nurture our topnotch staff; or even feed and care for our animals.

Your donation of $100 fills up a pontoon boat to take students on a lake education program.

Your donation of $250 provides fish treats for our river otters.

Your donation of $500 helps low income families and veterans receive deeply discounted trail admission throughout the season.

Your donation of $1,000 supports a traveling educational exhibit like Giant Insects.

At a time when the world is changing so quickly around us, the Science Center is here to connect you to the natural world and provide a consistent educational experience immersed in nature. Thank you for your support.

With gratitude,
Iain MacLeod, Executive Director

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For more information about Annual Fund Gifts please contact Amanda Gillen, Development and Communications Director at 603-968-7194 x 134 or

Make a Stock Gift Make a gift from your IRA Make a gift from your Donor Advised Fund Make a wire transfer Honor someone with a Tribute Gift

The IRS and the State of New Hampshire recognize Squam Lakes Natural Science Center as a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Our federal tax identification number is 02-0271824. Unrestricted contributions are tax deductible to the extent the law allows. Donors to the Annual Fund will be listed in the Annual Report unless requested otherwise.

Barbee & Hayden, 09/03/18
Great enclosures for the animals with water features and lots of shade! And for taking pictures, no cage lines in my pictures because they use thick glass for viewing. Animals looked very healthy especially the lion she was fat :) Loved the walking trails too. It was just lots of fun and we will be back when its not so hot!
Julie Abati, 11/06/19
Fun, family friendly zoo. This facility is built and maintained to be a very natural setting for the animals. They have native species to New Hampshire like fox, fishers, deer and black bears. You get to enjoy a beautiful walk in the woods while learning about the local wildlife. They also recently built a wooden kids play area that my 13 yr old and 5 yr old love. Beautiful facility, animals areas well maintained, friendly staff. We are annual visitors.
Monica Fowler, 07/31/22
This was a great stop for our group of 5 adults, a toddler, and a baby! So many fun things to do. It was very interactive and informative. The walk was easy and accommodates a stroller, if needed.
Stephen Trajeski, 07/18/22
This is a really big nature center with Science involved. Good for the kids and adults to learn some everyday things about animals and insects. Love the big moving insects as you walk through the park. Would of gave it 5 starts but most of the animals were not even there. The costs is $22 for Adults fyi. It was a nice donation!
Cherie Binns, 12/19/18
I just love this place! It is slightly off the beaten path but easy to locate. Plan on spending a couple of hours here to learn about the local wildlife habits , habitat, and food. And , best of all, meet that local wild life in its natural setting.! This business is part of the membership chain of regional zoos and science museums so honors your membership to others around the country for free admission or reduced cost admission to here. I would plan on at least 2-3 hours here although it could be covered (without small children in a bit over an hour). Walk ways are generally paved and handicapped accessible as are the buildings that are dedicated to species or habitat education.