Red- Spotted Newt is NH First 

Despite its relatively small population, every four years New Hampshire residents revel in being number one in the political arena. Since the first New Hampshire presidential primary in 1916, we have maintained that "first in the nation" primary status.

But did you know that NH is first among amphibians too? I am not referring to Newt Gingrich, but to the Red Spotted Newt, NH’s official state amphibian. Who knew?

This little critter came to fame when a Goffstown High School science teacher observed that the number of newts his own kids found in the spring after it had rained were gradually decreasing. With a bit of research, Mr. Brown discovered that besides eating insect larvae and entertaining those of us who enjoy sighting this harbinger of spring, the red spotted newt was also a sensor for the increasing level of acid rain impacting our ponds.

As all good teachers will do, Philip Brown brought this issue to the attention of his students and created an interdisciplinary lesson plan- one that not only integrated a number of different subjects but "showed" his students that what they were learning in the classroom also applied to real life issues in their world. Together Brown and his students became environmental activists.

In 1985, State Representative Paul August, who also happened to be a former student of Mr. Brown, helped sponsor a bill to adopt the red spotted newt as the official state amphibian. As a result, New Hampshire became the first in the nation to adopt a state amphibian. This little guy not only eats the larvae of those nasty disease carrying mosquitoes New Hampshire’s ponds breed so well but also educates us of the danger to our environment from acid rain.

The Newt’s 15-minutes of fame did not end here but continued with the aid of some very creative minds at New Hampshire Magazine. In 2002 this plush amphibious version of Barney ran for governor. His speech was modeled after, and a composite of, many of our country’s most famous speeches ever written. But despite brilliant marketing, a bipartisan platform, and an adorable candidate who appealed to the young, when the votes were counted on in November, the Newt had no choice but to graciously concede his defeat.

Although squashed in the gubernatorial race, the "Newt" revamped his energy and resources to make a bid for the presidency in 2004. Sadly and once again he was soundly defeated- this time by the incumbent president, George W. Bush. But like Al Gore, who lost his bid for the presidency to GW in 2000, Newt continue to advocate for the environment. For those of us in New Hampshire who cherish our environment and our long standing traditions of being "first in the nation" we thank you. The Red Spotted Newt may be a small amphibian in a big pond; but like the votes of those of us who reside in New Hampshire, his contributions to our nation really do count.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Deborah Lee McGrath taught World History and US History for 20 years. She is currently working to reinstate an adult education and enrichment program in the ConVal School District in NH. She is also a freelance newspaper writer and photographer.