UNH Macfarlane Research Greenhouses Open House held April 1

At this year’s Macfarlane Research Greenhouses Open House, we’re celebrating locally inspired science, the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station (NHAES) scientists who lead it, and the local and far-reaching impacts of this research.

At this free and open-to-the-public event, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with NHAES scientists and research technicians and learn about their applied research, and how it might be making a difference in your life today—and in the future. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with UNH Extension specialists and explore Macfarlane’s state-of-the-art greenhouse addition, which was completed and opened in 2021.

“We’re excited to show you how modernizing our facility allows us to better control and manage cutting-edge horticulture and crop research run by UNH scientists,” said Luke Hydock, greenhouse manager. “Current research being done at Macfarlane Greenhouses is examining new food crops and how they can be integrated into the regional production cycle to address long-term food security and how to sustainably manage pest and disease pressures during the production process.”

Examples of current and ongoing research taking place at the Macfarlane Greenhouses – research that open house visitors will have the chance to learn more about – include exploring the use of a natural seafood byproduct as a biopesticide for fruit trees; growing traditional warm-weather plants, like figs, in hardier New England zones; and using genetics to breed local varieties of strawberries, kiwiberries and other plants.

“The research open house continues to be a fabulous annual tradition, showcasing not only the great science but also providing an opportunity for our communities to interact directly with NH Agricultural Experiment Station researchers and ask questions that might even spark the next research project.”

“The research open house continues to be a fabulous annual tradition, showcasing not only the great science but also providing an opportunity for our communities to interact directly with NH Agricultural Experiment Station researchers and ask questions that might even spark the next research project," said Anton Bekkerman, director of the NHAES. "There’s something really special about seeing, experiencing groundbreaking science in action; and our open house event is a great way to do that!”

Visitors can also enjoy lunch, courtesy of the Portsmouth-based food pantry Gather and the UNH Food Repurposing Project. Parking is free and available in nearby A Lot.

About the NHAES: Founded in 1887, the NH Agricultural Experiment Station at the UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture is UNH’s first research center and an elemental component of New Hampshire's land-grant university heritage and mission. We steward federal and state funding, including support from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, to provide unbiased and objective research concerning diverse aspects of sustainable agriculture and foods, aquaculture, forest management, and related wildlife, natural resources, and rural community topics.