Good News in New Hampshire Newsletter #19 - Spat Counting
Plus: resilient farmers, evolutionary wasps, pig domestication, $3.4M raised for nonprofits, STEM on wheels, oyster reef restoration, and $625K for arts education in Portsmouth!
Welcome to the Good News in New Hampshire Newsletter, part of Granite Goodness. We share optimistic stories of progress, innovation, and problem solving from across New England— proudly hosted in the Granite State.
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In this edition: Community Power rates beat utilities (again) as local solar projects move forward. Great Bay Changemakers train residents to protect clean water, and the Forest Society celebrates its 200th conserved property. PSU unveils plans for workforce housing and a life sciences hub, while tiny homes and ADUs take root across the state.
We are also announcing our FIRST EVER SPONSOR for this newsletter and I couldn’t be happier to give a big thank you to my friend Jesse Lore at Green Wave Electric Vehicles in North Hampton, NH for his support of Granite Goodness.
EVs are great. They’re better for your lungs, your ears, your planet, cheaper to maintain, and way more fun behind the wheel (instant torque anybody?)
But getting one can pose all sorts of questions— are there enough charging stations? What’s up with these tax credits? How long does the battery last?
Enter: Jesse Lore, and his rollicking crew at Green Wave EV— New Hampshire’s first (and only) dedicated electric vehicle dealership. Earlier this year Jesse joined me on Granite Goodness to talk about his mission. It was, dare I say, an electrifying conversation.
You may walk into Green Wave expecting a regular dealership, but you will leave feeling like you joined a movement and a community. If you are at all curious about getting an electric vehicle, they are the people to talk to! Jesse and his team are the embodiment of Granite Goodness.
I myself am an EV owner who lives in northern NH and can attest that people like Jesse are on the front line of helping EV adoption get easier (and more fun) for Granite Staters.
And now please enjoy your regular dose of Granite Goodness : )
-Andy
GRANITE GREENERY - Sustainability & Environment
Community Power Rates Adjust as Local Energy Progress Accelerates
Starting August 1, 2025, Community Power rates will rise to 13.2–13.7¢ per kWh, still lower than increases from traditional utilities. Thanks to strong local advocacy, customers won’t see extra charges from past utility losses. The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire is also moving forward with new local energy projects, like a 5MW solar array in Warner set to power 1,200 homes. With growing local control and clean energy investments, communities across New Hampshire are building a more stable and independent energy future. – Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire
Great Bay Changemakers Program Builds Local Leadership for Clean Water
The Great Bay Changemakers program is empowering residents across New Hampshire’s coastal watershed to take action for clean water through hands-on Bootcamps, community events, and civic engagement training. Backed by the NH Charitable Foundation and Great Bay 2030, the program helps participants understand how local decisions impact river health—and how they can make a difference. Alumni have gone on to lead grassroots campaigns, serve on town committees, create environmental art, and pass major initiatives like Exeter’s dam removal vote. – National Estuarine Research Association (NERRA)
Forest Society Celebrates 200th Conserved Property with Bean Forest in Farmington
The Forest Society has reached a major milestone, announcing its 200th conserved forest—the 280-acre Bean Forest in Farmington. Donated by longtime member Dottie Bean, the land features scenic fields, woodlands, and views of the Moose Mountains. Proceeds from the sale of the historic homestead will fund permanent stewardship, ensuring the trails and habitat Dottie loved remain protected. With this latest addition, the Forest Society now conserves nearly 67,000 acres across New Hampshire. A public celebration and walk will be held July 13 at the Bean Forest. – Society For the Protection of NH Forests
GRANITE GRIT - Building & Infrastructure
PSU Unveils Bold Plan for Housing and Innovation in the North Country
Plymouth State University is turning campus buildings into much-needed workforce housing and laying the groundwork for a life sciences hub at Tenney Mountain. The Kelly House has already been converted, and more homes are on the way as PSU explores creative ways to support faculty, staff, and the broader community. Plans include up to 30 affordable apartments in Belknap Hall and a future innovation park to expand New Hampshire’s growing tech corridor. - Laconia Daily Sun
Tiny Homes Take Root as New Hampshire Embraces Creative Housing Solutions
Cities like Dover, Keene, Peterborough, and Claremont are leading the way in welcoming tiny homes as both primary residences and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Thanks to new zoning tools like Dover’s cottage overlay district, developments such as the 44-home Cottages at Back River Road are showing how small-scale living can offer privacy, affordability, and community—all on just 3.5 acres. As more towns consider similar changes, tiny homes are becoming a real solution to New Hampshire’s growing housing crunch. – Union Leader
Laconia Leads on ADUs, Expanding Housing with Simpler Rules and Local Support
Laconia is at the forefront of accessory dwelling unit (ADU) development, allowing detached and attached units by right across all single-family lots. Recent zoning changes eliminate the need for planning board approvals, making it easier for homeowners to add flexible, affordable housing. As the state considers broader reforms, Laconia is setting an example for how local action can help ease New Hampshire’s housing crunch. – Laconia Daily Sun
GRANITE GROWTH - Economy & Workforce
New Hampshire Leads Nation in Trade Complexity, Signaling Strong Potential for Future Growth
New Hampshire now ranks first in the U.S. for the complexity of its international trade—a key indicator of long-term economic growth. With a dense network of advanced manufacturers, especially in aerospace and precision machinery, the Granite State exports to top global economies like Germany and Japan. This mix of high-tech industries and global reach positions New Hampshire for continued innovation and economic resilience. As part of a growing regional hub alongside Massachusetts and Quebec, the state is quietly becoming a powerhouse of smart, sustainable growth. – NH Business Review
Bright Future for NH Manufacturing as MEP Secures $925K in Federal Support
New Hampshire’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership has been saved—and supercharged—thanks to $925,000 in federal funding through the CHIPS and Science Act. Once at risk of elimination, the program will now help local manufacturers strengthen supply chains, adopt cutting-edge tech, and create good jobs. With support from the state’s congressional delegation, NH MEP joins a powerful national network driving economic growth and innovation. “It’s a good day for New Hampshire manufacturing—and an even better one for its future,” said Rep. Maggie Goodlander (who also recently came on Granite Goodness!). – NH Business Review
Manchester Named Third-Best Run City in America by WalletHub
Manchester has been ranked the third-best run city in the U.S. in WalletHub’s 2025 study of 148 cities, climbing from 18th last year. The Queen City earned top marks for low budget per capita and strong performance in safety and economic strength, ranking 15th and 8th in those subcategories. Nearby Nashua also made the top five, reinforcing southern New Hampshire’s growing reputation for smart, efficient governance. – Manchester Ink Link
GRANITE GADGETS - Science & Innovation
UNH Study Highlights Resilient New Approaches to Farming in New England
A new UNH study shows that New England farmers are redefining success—crafting resilient, creative paths to viability beyond traditional food sales. With most farms earning under $25,000 annually, many are thriving by embracing agritourism, off-farm income, community support, and environmental stewardship. Instead of measuring success solely by profit, today’s farmers focus on sustainability, well-being, and keeping land in agriculture. The findings point to a hopeful future for local food systems—one shaped by innovation, adaptability, and strong community roots. – UNH Today
Tiny Wasp Reveals Clues to Evolution and Human Health
UNH researchers have discovered a new gland in Nasonia wasps that may explain how different species court and mate—and offer insights into human development and disease. Led by recent graduate Holly Hoag, the study shows how small changes in head structure can affect behavior, helping scientists better understand evolution and birth defects. The research was featured on the cover of Journal of Insect Science and shows the big impact of hands-on learning at UNH. - UNH Today
Dartmouth Study Reveals Early Bond Between Humans and Pigs
A new Dartmouth-led study shows pigs began their path to domestication in South China 8,000 years ago by choosing to live near humans and eat their cooked food and waste. Using dental analysis, researchers found evidence of rice, yams, and even human parasites in pig teeth—clear signs of close human-pig interaction. The findings highlight how curiosity and adaptability helped pigs become one of the first domesticated animals, shedding light on the early roots of human-animal connection and cooperation. – Dartmouth
GRANITE GRATITUDE - Nonprofits & Public Sector
NH Gives Raises $3.4 Million for Nearly 650 Nonprofits in Just 24 Hours
In a powerful show of community support, NH Gives raised over $3.4 million for nearly 650 nonprofits across New Hampshire during its 24-hour online giving event. Organized by the NH Center for Nonprofits, the annual effort has now raised more than $22 million since 2016—fueling local impact and strengthening the Granite State’s vibrant nonprofit sector. – Union Leader
STEM-MoBILE Brings Hands-On Learning to 12,000+ Across New Hampshire
In its first year on the road, the University of New Hampshire’s STEM-MoBILE delivered dynamic science and tech programming to over 12,000 people—including nearly 9,500 K–12 students—across 45 towns. From May 2024 to May 2025, the mobile lab made 135 trips to schools, camps, and community events, traveling more than 5,300 miles to spark curiosity and expand opportunity. With strong support from industry partners, the STEM-MoBILE is revving up for an even greater Year 2! – University of New Hampshire
PMAC Awarded $625K in Tax Credits to Restore Historic South Meeting House
Portsmouth Music and Arts Center (PMAC) has received $625,000 in tax credits from the NH Community Development Finance Authority to help transform the historic South Meeting House into a vibrant community visual arts school. The credits allow NH businesses to direct their state tax dollars toward the project, turning taxes into local impact. It’s a win for arts, education, and community—and a great opportunity for businesses with NH tax liabilities to get involved. – Portsmouth Music and Arts Center
GRANITE GREATNESS: Human Interest & Our Favorite Stories
Volunteers Help Restore Oyster Reefs, One Baby at a Time
Volunteers at the Jackson Estuarine Lab in Durham spent the morning counting baby oysters—called spat—as part of a project to restore New Hampshire’s oyster reefs. Led by The Nature Conservancy, the effort aims to bring back oyster populations in places like Great Bay, which have declined by 90% since the 1970s. Oysters help clean the water, protect shorelines, and support marine life. The baby oysters will grow over the summer and be placed on restored reefs in the fall, helping to rebuild these important ecosystems. – NHPR
That’s it for this edition of the Good News in New Hampshire Newsletter. This newsletter is free and shareable to anyone anywhere. We also post on Instagram, Linkedin, and Facebook.
If you are hungry for other stories of progress, innovation, and good news beyond the borders of the Granite State, I encourage you to check out our friends at Fix the News or The Progress Network.
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Thanks for reading!
-Andy
The postcards!!! I love the White Mountains one. Always love seeing these in my inbox. A breath of fresh air—thank you!