Welcome to the Northern Woodlands Conference!
AMC Highland Center | Bretton Woods, New Hampshire | October 23-25, 2026
The Northern Woodlands crew is looking forward to a great weekend with you at the Highland Center this October! Take a look through this guide as you’re planning your time with us.
Questions or concerns? Contact Emily Rowe at 603-795-0660 or email.
Program
Venue
The Highland Center is located at U.S, US-302, in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire (Get Directions). The phone number at the Highland Center is 603-466-2727. Wi-Fi is reliable; cell service is spotty. Visit the Highland Center website for accessibility information and other details about the facility.
Please Note: Pets are not allowed at the Highland Center. Service animals only, with advance arrangements.
Facilities Map
Find your way around the Highland Center with this facilities map.
Parking
Free parking is available. Since we’re a large group, please be mindful to park as close together as possible. Electric car charging stations are also on site.
Carpool Board
Want to share a ride, or have room in your car? Email us to request access to a self-service Carpool Board where you can connect with other attendees to coordinate a ride.
Arrival
Registration runs from 2:00–4:00 pm on Friday. Please check in at the registration table in the foyer of Thayer Hall. You'll receive a packet with your name tag and lodging assignment (if applicable).
If you're staying overnight, rooms are available starting at 3:00 pm. Stop by the front desk in the lodge to pick up your key.
If you arrive after 4:00, just grab your packet and join the group.
Pre-conference Field Trips and Activities
Pre-conference field trips meet at 10:00 am at various locations, which will be provided in advance to those who signed up (signups take place when you select your breakout sessions). These trips run over lunchtime, so please bring a bagged lunch.
Pre-conference activities include a Green Tech Tour with the AMC Interpretive Team at 2:15 pm and a live animal encounter with the Squam Lake Science Center at 3:00 pm. You do not need to sign up for these activities.
The conference officially kicks off at 4:00 pm in the Washburn room of Thayer Hall with a welcome and plenary talk.
Accommodations
The Highland Center has modern, comfortable bunk rooms available in doubles or quads. Linens (blankets, sheets, pillows, and towels) will be provided; please bring your own toiletries.
Our group has exclusive use of the lodge for the weekend, and we’re a large group for the space. Please come with patience as we share the lodge together. If you’re a light sleeper, you may want to bring ear plugs.
As a courtesy to those with sensitivities, please avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes during the conference.
Meals
The Highland Center serves delicious buffet-style meals in the dining room. Since we’re a large group, meals will be staggered into first and second seatings. You’ll receive your assigned seating time at registration. Thanks for sticking to it so we can keep things moving smoothly.
If you don’t have a meal ticket: you’re welcome to bring your own food. A lounge in Thayer 1 (in Thayer Hall) will be available to store a cooler, eat, and visit with other attendees. You’re also welcome to eat in the lodge living room or library, or outdoors if the weather cooperates. Because the dining room is at capacity, please plan to enjoy your meals in one of these other spaces.
Menu
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Friday & Saturday Breakfast Saturday & Sunday Lunch Friday Dinner Saturday Dinner V = vegan • Veg = vegetarian • GF = gluten-free • DF = dairy-free |
Snacks and Beverages
Water will be available throughout the weekend, with coffee and tea offered during select breaks. You may wish to bring drinks and snacks to supplement our offerings.
Please Note: Each evening includes a reception with selected complimentary alcoholic beverages courtesy of our sponsors, as well as a cash bar. Assorted non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. Special thanks to our sponsors: Schilling Beer Co., Rek-Lis Brewing Co., Athletic Brewing Company LLC, and Alpine Garden Winery.
Breakout Session Selections
Breakout session selections are made prior to the event. You’ll receive a Google Form to select your first and second choice for each session. Some sessions have limited space, and if one fills up, spots will be assigned by lottery. Thank you in advance for your understanding if we have to place you in your second choice.
Fun Extras
The Mountain Wanderer Map and Book Store of Lincoln, New Hampshire, will host a pop-up bookshop for our event. Be sure to stop by their table to pick up books from our presenters and browse other titles of interest. We’ll also have Northern Woodlands merchandise on hand, featuring selections from our online shop.
Our sponsors will have tables set up throughout the weekend, so be sure to stop by and say hello. We’ll also have special door prizes courtesy of the Connecticut River Conservancy, White Mountain Observatory, and Celestron, plus a few other surprises.
Other Useful Information
This is an informal, outdoorsy event, so we recommend comfortable footwear, layers (including a jacket and rain gear, since mountain weather can change quickly), a water bottle, a flashlight, and your preferred notepad and pens. Nights will be cold, so warm clothing is essential.
Photography
A photographer will capture moments throughout the weekend. If you’d prefer not to be photographed, please let us know and we’ll coordinate to avoid including you in photos.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
We understand that life happens and you may need to cancel. If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible; since we’re sold out with a waitlist, an early heads-up means someone else can take your spot.
Cancellations received by October 9, 2026 will receive a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee. Cancellations received after that date are non-refundable, though exceptions may be made in extenuating circumstances.
Getting in Touch
We’re happy to answer questions or help with any needs, but we can only do so with reasonable advance notice, so please reach out as soon as possible. Contact Emily Rowe at 603-795-0660 or email.
After Tuesday, October 20, we’ll be on the road setting up for the event and may be harder to reach.