Business Details
7 Years
experience
Explore Distant Hill Gardens
Founded in 2019, Distant Hill Gardens is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making nature and the outdoors accessible to all. Our mission emphasizes environmental education, accessible trails, and fostering connections between humans and nature. Through cultivated gardens, wheelchair-accessible trails, and educational programs, we empower visitors to become stewards of the land. Led by founders Michael and Kathy Nerrie, we combine decades of horticultural expertise with community-driven initiatives.Our commitment to sustainability is evident in features like solar-powered homes, invasive species management, and volunteer-led trail maintenance. We maintain transparency through tax-deductible donations and public reporting, ensuring trustworthiness in all operations.
Services
Guided Tours
Self-guided Tours
Property Consultations
Educational Workshops
Volunteer Programs
Accessible Trail Maintenance
Community Pavilion Rentals
Details
- Year established: 2019
Highlights and features
- We are a tax-deductible nonprofit focused on accessibility and education.
- Our trails accommodate wheelchairs and strollers year-round.
- Founders have decades of horticultural and environmental expertise.
- We offer hands-on workshops on sustainable landscaping and ecology.
- Community pavilion supports educational events and research.
Associations and certifications
- IRS 501(c)(3)
What people say
Life-changing accessibility
Excellent educational programs
Well-maintained trails
Family-friendly features
Inspiring natural connections
Services
Private Guided Tours
Tailored two-hour tours led by founder Michael Nerrie focus on specific interests like native plants, wetlands, or accessible trail design. Visitors learn sustainable landscaping techniques and ecological connections through hands-on exploration. Ideal for families, garden clubs, and educational groups seeking in-depth knowledge.
Self-guided Garden Tours
Explore 2 acres of labeled plants, a vegetable garden, and stone sculptures during designated weekends. Self-paced visits include access to educational signage and seasonal features like the StoryWalk trail. Proceeds support trail accessibility improvements for all visitors.
Property Consultations
Certified Master Gardener Michael Nerrie provides on-site consultations for horticultural and wildlife management. Services include soil testing, plant identification, and ecological design recommendations. Sessions focus on sustainable practices for both cultivated and natural landscapes within 15 miles of Walpole.
Educational Workshops
Seasonal workshops cover topics like pollinator gardens, vernal pool identification, and wildlife stewardship. Programs combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications for home gardeners and environmental educators. Materials include curated resources and expert-led demonstrations.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers assist with trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and event planning. Participants gain hands-on experience in ecological conservation and community outreach. Roles range from physical labor to organizational coordination, supporting the nonprofit's accessibility mission.
People
Michael Nerrie
Founder & Lead Educator
Certified NH Master Gardener and wildlife volunteer with 20+ years of ecological design experience. Created Distant Hill's accessible trails and gardens to promote environmental stewardship. Leads educational programs and property consultations.
Kathy Nerrie
Co-founder & Garden Designer
Collaborated with Michael to develop Distant Hill's horticultural features. Specializes in sustainable landscaping and native plant cultivation. Manages garden maintenance and volunteer coordination for educational programs.
Questions
Are Distant Hill's trails accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, we offer over a mile of wheelchair and stroller-accessible gravel trails with amenities like free snowshoes and wagons available for visitor use.
When are the gardens open to the public?
The gardens are open on the third weekend of May and first/third weekends of June through October, with $10 adult admission.
Can I schedule a tour outside regular hours?
Self-guided tours can be arranged by contacting us for days when the gardens aren't publicly open during the main season.
What educational programs do you offer?
We provide seasonal workshops on topics like pollinator gardens, vernal pools, and sustainable landscaping, plus guided educational tours.
How is Distant Hill funded?
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on donations, tour fees, and grants like the Kubota Hometown Proud award for trail improvements.
Are there volunteer opportunities available?
Yes, we welcome volunteers for trail maintenance, event planning, and educational programs through our Friends of Distant Hill organization.
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