Life Under Glass: DIY Biosphere in a Jar

Is it possible to fit an entire breathing world inside a simple glass jar? Join the Squam Lakes Association for a hands-on program where we’ll explore the "invisible handshake" that allows plants and microbes to thrive in a self-sustaining ecosystem. We’ll walk around the SLA campus to collect the essential "gears" for our engines—from nutrient-rich soil to the "murky" water that jumpstarts the cycle of life. Back inside, you will learn the art of layering your biosphere to ensure it can recycle its own air and water for years to come. You will head home with your own miniature "Squam in a Jar" and a new perspective on how our massive watershed protects and sustains itself!

Can't make it at 1:00 PM? No problem! While our guided lesson and collection walk run until 3:00 PM, the biosphere creation station will stay active until 5:00 PM. Stop in before then to jump right into the builing process and take home your own mini ecosystem!

To keep you comfortable during our outdoor collection walk, please wear clothing and footwear that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. We will provide all necessary supplies, but feel free to bring your own clean, clear glass jar with a tight-fitting lid if you have a favorite one you'd like to use!

Diego Bautista Torres, who recently pivoted toward a career in environmental conservation, joined the Lakes Region Conservation Corps with a background in music production. After serving with AmeriCorps in the American Conservation Experience, he is eager to bring his technical skills and public speaking experience to the Squam Lakes Association. As an Education and Outreach Assistant, Diego looks forward to protecting the watershed through community engagement, scientific monitoring, and hands-on conservation work.

534 US-Route 3, Holderness, NH

The Squam Lakes Association is dedicated to conserving for public benefit the natural beauty, peaceful character and resources of the watershed. In collaboration with local and state partners the SLA promotes the protection, careful use and shared enjoyment of the lakes, mountains, forests, open spaces and wildlife of the Squam Lakes Region.