PAST EVENTS
Nature Station: Amazing Amphibians!
As snowmelt and spring rains filled depressions in the landscape, amphibians were on the move for breeding. It can be a hazardous journey with threats from predators and road crossings- but success means a new generation of salamanders and frogs! Join NLRA educators as we explore the amphibians of Grey Rocks- learn more about the species, their super powers, and the vernal pools they lay eggs in, plus make a craft to take home! Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Birding at Grey Rocks
Join local birder Tom McShane for a look at Newfound’s early spring birds! We’ll look for those migrants that are starting to filter in and see how our cold weather residents are getting ready for their next step. This event is geared toward all people with an interest in exploring the natural world. Participants should be able to walk 2 miles. This program is free and open to all.
Newfound Science Pub
Climate Change: Global Issue, Local Impacts
A conversation with UNH Research Assistant Professor Alix Contosta, Ph.D.
From mud to floods and longer springs, how is Newfound affected by a changing climate? Join us for an evening of conversation with Dr. Alix Contosta over food and drinks at the Newfound Lake Inn’s Pasquaney Restaurant. Share your perspective and hear about Contosta’s research on warming winters and shifting seasonality.
Newfound Science Pub is an engaging way to connect with experts in science and conservation – over food and drinks! Discuss current issues, ask your burning questions, and share your own perspective in a casual, social atmosphere.
Dr. Alix Contosta is a research assistant professor in UNH’s Earth Systems Research Center, an investigator at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, and a team member of INSPIRES. An ecosystem ecologist who focuses on winter ecology and how the winter-to-spring period is changing, she also works with teachers, students, and the general public to explore these issues and expand the group participating in research.
Registration required. This event is free, attendees purchase food and beverage. Review the menu now!
*THIS EVENT IS FULL- please contact Mirka at Mirka@NewfoundLake.org to get on the waitlist!
Birding at Grey Rocks
Join local birder Tom McShane and NLRA Education & Outreach Manager Mirka Zapletal for a look at Newfound’s early spring birds! We’ll look for those migrants that are starting to filter in and see how our cold weather residents are getting ready for their next step. This event is geared toward all people with an interest in exploring the natural world. Participants should be able to walk 2 miles. This program is free and open to all.
Nature Station: Spring Sunlight!
Daylength is rapidly changing in early spring, making it easy to notice both the movement of the sun and how plants and animals respond to those changes. Join NLRA educators as we explore the lengthening days and their impacts on local ecosystems! You’ll learn more about the changes in daylength & wildlife, how we track daylight throughout the year, and make a suncatcher craft to take home. Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
State of the Lake: Encore Presentation
Conservation Program Manager Paul Pellissier and Executive Director Rebecca Hanson will discuss our latest water quality data, the results of invasive aquatics monitoring, the watershed planning process, and more. Bring your questions and concerns about watershed health! This program is free and open to all.
Watch the Recording!
Introduction to Animal Tracks & Signs
Animal tracks are a great way to learn about which species are in an area, but they can be tricky to decipher. Join NLRA Education & Outreach Manager Mirka Zapletal for an introduction to track identification at Hebron Town Forest. We’ll start with a look at different types of tracks and gaits, sharing tips for what to cue in on, and finish with a short hike looking for recent tracks. This program is free and open to all. *This event is full- please contact Mirka Zapletal at Mirka@NewfoundLake.org to get on the waitlist
Birding at Grey Rocks
Join local birder Tom McShane and NLRA Education & Outreach Manager Mirka Zapletal for a look at Newfound’s winter birds! As we head into March, it’s a great time to greet the winter residents and see how birds are getting ready for spring. This event is geared toward all people with an interest in exploring the natural world. Participants should be able to walk 2 miles. This program is free and open to all.
The State of the Lake
Conservation Program Manager Paul Pellissier and Executive Director Rebecca Hanson will discuss our latest water quality data, the results of invasive aquatics monitoring, the watershed planning process, and more. Bring your questions and concerns about watershed health! This program is free and open to all.
Newfound Lake Inn Winterfest and Polar Plunge
Visit our tent at the Newfound Lake Inn’s Winterfest and participate in their first annual Polar Plunge to benefit NLRA! Minimum $35 entry donation. What will your friends and family pay to see you take the plunge? Ask your friends to support your polar plunge now!
*Thanks to the generosity of donors and the brave souls who made the plunge, Winterfest raised more than $6000 to support NLRA’s work!
Nature in Winter Storytime at the Minot-Sleeper Library
As the snow falls and cold temperatures take over, local plants and animals have different ways to cope with winter conditions. You might hear about animals in winter, but what do you know about how plants handle freezing temperatures and winter storms? Join NLRA’s Education & Outreach Manager, Mirka Zapletal, for a story time that explores how local species of all kinds make it through winter. Afterward, we’ll make pine needle crafts to take home! This program is free and open to all.
Pemi Chapter Trout Unlimited Guest Speaker Series: Protecting Newfound’s Water and Wildlife
NLRA is thrilled to present as a guest speaker at the Pemi Chapter Trout Unlimited Speaker Series. From stormwater management at home to engaging the next generation of conservationists in the classroom, we will explore the ways NLRA engages watershed residents in conservation of the Newfound Watershed. This program is free and open to the public.
Nature Station: Noticing Nature in Winter!
When you look outside in winter, you might think that all of nature is taking a break, but there’s a lot going on if you look around! Join NLRA educators as we take some time to notice nature in winter. You can explore the trails looking for animal tracks, evergreen plants, and how nature responds to winter, plus make a nature journal to take home! Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Nature Station: Out in the Ice & Snow!
It’s a frozen world out there! How does the world change for us and local wildlife in the winter? Join NLRA educators for a look at Newfound in a deep freeze. We’ll explore the properties of ice, investigate life under snow, and make a craft to take home! Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Birding for all at Grey Rocks!
Join NLRA educators and local birders for birding and an introduction to winter birding events! During this drop-in event, you can get practice with local bird ID, make a bird journal, and learn about 3 large birding events in NH this winter. Whether you are watching a feeder, noticing the birds in your backyard, or stopping to note the birds while outside somewhere else, everyone can help researchers understand the state of NH’s birds! This program is free and designed for all ages- please dress for the weather!
Nature Station: Exploring Evergreens!
A winter-ready landscape gives us the chance to see plants in a new way, especially those plants that don’t shed their leaves in fall! Evergreen plants like pines and rhododendrons have special advantages and face different winter challenges than deciduous plants. Join us as we explore the evergreens at Grey Rocks- we’ll look at the range of evergreens growing there, explore their ecology, and make a craft to take home. Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Guided Bird Walk with NLRA!
Join NLRA and local birders Tom McShane & Suzanne Smith for an exploration of the bird community at Grey Rocks! As we get further into autumn, the local bird community revolves around winter residents, some of whom can be hard to detect. Led by Suzanne & Tom you will explore the trails at Grey Rocks using your eyes and ears to find and identify birds. This program is free and open to all.
Nature Station: Wildlife Winter Prep
As days grow shorter and the weather cools, local plants and animals use a variety of strategies to get ready for winter- some will hibernate, some will leave, and others will prep for the cold. Join us to explore how wildlife deals with the changing seasons- you’ll do a scavenger hunt on the trails, learn about the changing wildlife community, and make a craft to take home. Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
2023 Watershed Workshop
Our partnership and collaboration with towns is critical to NLRA’s success in protecting the lake and watershed; part of this collaboration is the Watershed Workshop, a chance for town planning boards, select boards, conservation commissions, zoning boards, and road agents to connect with NLRA and with each other so we can all work together to keep the Newfound area healthy and vibrant. This year’s workshop will include an NLRA presentation on watershed planning efforts throughout the watershed, an update from towns about important 2023 projects and priorities moving forward, and time for boards from each town to connect with their peers from other towns. For more information or to register, contact NLRA Executive Director Rebecca Hanson at Rebecca@NewfoundLake.org or (603) 744-8689.
Guided Hike: Cockermouth Ledge Loop
Join NLRA Education & Outreach Manager Mirka Zapletal for a relaxed autumn hike. We’ll follow the Cockermouth Ledge Loop looking for local plants and animals as we go. Along the way we’ll find diverse habitats with the potential to influence conditions downstream at the lake and views of the surrounding area. This hike is approximately 2 miles. This program is free and open to all.
Guided Bird Walk with Suzanne & Tom!
Join local birders Tom McShane & Suzanne Smith for an exploration of the bird community at Grey Rocks! With the autumn migration in progress, there’s the chance to see some passing visitors as well as greet our year-round residents. Led by Tom & Suzanne you will explore the trails at Grey Rocks using your eyes and ears to find and identify birds. This program is free and open to all.
Nature Station: Changing Sunlight!
Daylength is rapidly changing in early fall, making it easy to notice both the movement of the sun and how plants and animals respond to those changes. Join NLRA educators as we explore the dwindling autumn days and their impacts on local ecosystems! You’ll learn more about the changes in daylength & wildlife, how we track daylight throughout the year, and make a suncatcher craft to take home. Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Milkweed Munchers
It’s the final round of milkweed monitoring this year! Join us at Grey Rocks as we measure plants, count seed pods, and see which insects are hanging out in the milkweed patch. The data we collect together helps the Milkweed Adaptation Research & Education Network (MAREN) explore relationships in the milkweed community. For more information on NLRA’s milkweed monitoring work, contact Mirka Zapletal at Mirka@NewfoundLake.org.
Guided Hike: Butman Family Forest
Martha Twombly, NLCP committee member and NLRA trustee, will lead this exploration of parts of a 500 acre conservation property that includes features such as a bog, cliffs, and foundation remains. This moderate hike is approximately 3 miles. Dogs are not allowed. THIS EVENT IS FULL- please contact Mirka at Mirka@NewfoundLake.org to get on the waitlist.
NLRA Volunteer Day
From planting pollinator-friendly gardens to maintaining trails or restoring shorelines, this monthly, all-ages volunteer event is a great way to dip your toes in the work of conserving the watershed.
Guided Bird Walk with Toby, Suzanne & Tom!
Join local birders Tom McShane, Toby Sackton & Suzanne Smith for an exploration of the bird community at Grey Rocks! With the autumn migration in progress, there’s the chance to see some passing visitors as well as greet our year-round residents. Led by Toby, Tom & Suzanne you will explore the trails at Grey Rocks using your eyes and ears to find and identify birds. This program is free and open to all.
Guided Exploration: Fall Foliage
Fall is in session and vibrant colors of fall foliage can be seen throughout the region creating picturesque scenery. Join Watershed Steward Sawyer Zaluki to create your very own picturesque art using a diversity of native foliage. This program will include an introduction to leaf types and colors as well as an art session where participants create vibrant art with materials found in nature. This program is free and open to all.
Grey Rocks StoryWalk®
Travel the Floodplain Loop Trail reading “Bear Came Along” written by Richard T. Morris and illustrated by LeUyen Pham! “Bear Came Along” follows the journey of Bear and his growing band of friends as they have a big adventure on the River. As visitors walk the Floodplain Loop Trail, the story moves downstream and the animal adventurers learn how they are connected to each other and the larger community.
Guided Hike: Little Sugarloaf and Goose Pond
Join NLRA Education & Outreach Manager Mirka Zapletal for a relaxed autumn hike. We’ll head up Little Sugarloaf and then loop around to Goose Pond, looking for wildlife and views as we go. Along the way we’ll take a deeper dive into habitat types, looking at how plant communities change as we hike and then connecting those changes to conditions like water movement, soil type, and other things that, ultimately, influence conditions downstream at the lake. This hike is approximately 3 miles.
Nature Station: Exploring Fungi!
Fungi are a vital part of the ecosystems all around us and below our feet, but we don’t always realize the ways that they impact our lives. Join us for a deeper look at the things fungi do- you can look for fungi along the trails, watch yeast in action, and learn how to make a spore print! Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
NLRA Volunteer Day
From planting pollinator-friendly gardens to maintaining trails or restoring shorelines, this monthly, all-ages volunteer event is a great way to dip your toes in the work of conserving the watershed.
Guided Bird Walk with Toby, Suzanne & Tom!
Join local birders Tom McShane, Toby Sackton & Suzanne Smith for an exploration of the bird community at Grey Rocks! As we approach autumn, local birds are busy getting ready for the next stage, whether that’s migration or settling in for colder weather. Led by Toby, Tom & Suzanne you will explore the trails at Grey Rocks using your eyes and ears to find and identify birds. This program is free and open to all.
Guided Hike: Camp Pasquaney
Vin Broderick, former director of Camp Pasquaney, will lead this exploration of the ecology and history of the camp. Founded in 1895 to provide boys with time in nature for personal growth, Camp Pasquaney has continued that tradition under 6 different directors. This easy to moderate hike is approximately 3 miles. Dogs are not allowed. THIS EVENT IS FULL- please contact Mirka Zapletal (mirka@newfoundlake.org) to get on the waitlist.
Guided Exploration: Sampling Your Soil Profile
Do you ever travel around and wonder why in some areas there are different plants than in others? Well it’s because of Soil. Most plants grow in soil, but they each need specific conditions- the soil and its components affect what grows where. Join Watershed Steward Sawyer Zaluki to explore our soil profile in the lakes region. You’ll learn about the different components of soil & how it affects our area and get the chance to look that your own soil profile from home! These programs are free and open to all.
Weed Stampede
Paddle with a purpose and join the volunteer-driven, complete shoreline survey of Newfound Lake for invasive aquatic plants! Participants must attend one of our Weed Watcher trainings or paddles prior to this event to learn to identify aquatic plants. Day of training is available on the morning August 26, from 8:30-9:30 AM at Grey Rocks.
Please contact: Paul@NewfoundLake.org with any questions.
Details & Registration
Guided Bird Walk with Toby, Suzanne & Tom!
Join local birders Tom McShane, Toby Sackton & Suzanne Smith for an exploration of the breeding bird community at Grey Rocks! With longer days and young to care for, birds are very active right now. Led by Toby, Tom & Suzanne you will explore the trails at Grey Rocks using your eyes and ears to find and identify birds. Participants will bird around the parking lot starting at 7 and head for the trails at 7:30- feel free to arrive closer to 7:30. This program is free and open to all.
Members’ Guided Paddle with Executive Director Rebecca Hanson
Join NLRA Executive Director Rebecca Hanson for a paddle around the northern end of Newfound Lake, exploring NLRA’s vision and programs as you go! Bring your questions and concerns about the watershed. Registration required, limited space available. This is a members-only event- become a member here.
Guided Exploration: Hiking the Cockermouth Ledge Loop
Why does what happens upland matter to lake health? When we talk about nutrients and pollution getting into Newfound, where are those coming from? Join Watershed Steward Antoni Haupt for a guided hike Thursday, August 17th in the Hebron Town Forest looking at how contaminants move from land into water bodies and which ones we’re most concerned about. Participants will go on a guided hike of the Cockermouth Ledge Loop, an approximately 2 mile trip with some steep sections. This program is free and open to all.
Red Barn Speaker Series: The Common Loon – A New Hampshire Icon
Caroline Hughes of the Loon Preservation Committee will provide a look at the recent history of the Common Loon in New Hampshire. Threatened by habitat loss, lead poisoning, climate change, and other challenges, loon populations have slowly recovered from a low in the 1970s, thanks in part to the Loon Preservation Committee and committed organizations and communities across the state.
This series is co-hosted by the NH Audubon Society and supported by the Hebron Conservation Commission.
Parking is available across from the Red Barn at Ash Cottage. Please note the Red Barn is now a private residence, there is NO bathroom access.
Nature Station: Super Soils!
What do you think about the ground under your feet? Special resource or dirty mess? Join us at Grey Rocks as we take a closer look at why soil is SO important. We’ll have the GLOBE Soil Tent, activities to explore dirt, and a craft to take home! Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Guided Hike: Welton Falls State Forest
Rob Moore is a former President of the Newfound Lake Region Association and has spent his life exploring the Newfound Watershed. Enjoy a hike to this wonderful geologic gem hidden in the hills of a sub-watershed stream of the Fowler River. This moderate hike is approximately 3.5 miles. Dogs are not allowed.
Weed Watcher Training
Join us for this hands-on event and become part of Newfound’s growing Weed Watcher community. Over the course of the paddle you will learn how to identify several invasive aquatic plants, become familiar with their native look-alikes, and learn how to conduct a Weed Watcher Survey. Please note that no previous Weed Watcher training is required but attendees will need to supply their own paddle craft.
Loon Cruise
This special Newfound EcoTour with a Loon Preservation Committee biologist will feature the loons of Newfound. Newfound EcoTours are 2-hour tours of Newfound Lake by pontoon boat. Learn more about EcoTours at NewfoundLake.org/EcoTours. THIS EVENT IS FULL- please contact Mirka, mirka@newfoundlake.org, to get on the waitlist.
NLRA Volunteer Day
From planting pollinator-friendly gardens to maintaining trails or restoring shorelines, this monthly, all-ages volunteer event is a great way to dip your toes in the work of conserving the watershed.
Red Barn Speaker Series: Why Ice Storms Aren’t Cool: The latest research on forest response to these catastrophic events
Lindsey Rustad, the Director of the USDA Northeast Climate Hub and Research Ecologist for the USDA Forest Service Center for Research on Ecosystem Change in Durham, NH, will talk about a recent research project at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest. Ice storms can negatively impact forests in NH but are hard to study because of their unpredictable nature- in 2016 and 2017, researchers created controlled ice storms in Hubbard Brook, allowing them to examine how heavy icing changes the forest.
This series is co-hosted by the NH Audubon Society and supported by the Hebron Conservation Commission.
Parking is available across from the Red Barn at Ash Cottage. Please note the Red Barn is now a private residence, there is NO bathroom access.
Guided Exploration: Nature Journaling at Grey Rocks
How do you interact with the Newfound Lake Watershed? Join Watershed Steward Isabella for a guided walk through Floodplain Loop Trail at Grey Rocks Conservation Area to learn about the Newfound Lake watershed and the species that live there and then make your own nature journal. You’ll take pictures, gather leaves, seeds, and anything else you find for observations that help you answer the question, “How do you interact with the Newfound Lake watershed?” This program is free and open to all.
Guided Bird Walk with Suzanne & Tom!
Join local birders Tom McShane & Suzanne Smith for an exploration of the breeding bird community at Grey Rocks! With longer days, territories to defend, and young to care for, birds are at their most active right now. Led by Tom & Suzanne you will explore the trails at Grey Rocks using your eyes and ears to find and identify birds. Participants will bird around the parking lot starting at 7 and head for the trails at 7:30- feel free to arrive closer to 7:30. This program is free and open to all.
Red Barn Speaker Series: Summer Sky Gazing with the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
Amanda Leith, Wallis Boram, and Christine Lightsey of the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, NH will walk you through the summer sky, pointing out seasonal features and prominent constellations. Weather-permitting, viewing through telescopes will take place at Ash Cottage afterward.
This series is co-hosted by the NH Audubon Society and supported by the Hebron Conservation Commission.
Parking is available across from the Red Barn at Ash Cottage. Please note the Red Barn is now a private residence, there is NO bathroom access.
Members’ Guided Paddle with Rick Van de Poll
Paddle along the Northern Newfound Water Trail with ecologist Rick Van de Poll. Paddlers will meander along the northern shore of Newfound Lake, up the Cockermouth River, and out to the Hebron Marsh. Registration required, limited space available. This is a members-only event- become a member here.
Hebron Fair
Visit the NLRA booth at the Hebron Fair for children’s games, information about conservation in Newfound, and to purchase tickets to our annual raffle!
Guided Weed Watcher Paddle
Join us for this hands-on event and become part of Newfound’s growing Weed Watcher community. Over the course of the paddle you will learn how to identify several invasive aquatic plants, become familiar with their native look-alikes, and learn how to conduct a Weed Watcher Survey. Please note that no previous Weed Watcher training is required but attendees will need to supply their own paddle craft.
Red Barn Speaker Series: Local History as Told Through the Story of Ash Cottage
Mae Williams will relate the story of Ash Cottage through her own work, and place the farmhouse in the larger context of the history of Hebron and surrounding area. The talk will explore Mae’s experiences researching the history of the property (and the families that lived within its walls), and deciphering the clues within the structure and what they can tell us about the physical evolution of the farmhouse from a very simple and quite early two-room farmhouse, to a turn of the 20th century summer home, and to the current rehabilitation project by NH Audubon.
This series is co-hosted by the NH Audubon Society and supported by the Hebron Conservation Commission.
Parking is available across from the Red Barn at Ash Cottage. Please note the Red Barn is now a private residence, there is NO bathroom access.
Nature Station: Blending In & Standing Out
Animals use color for defense from predators- sometimes to hide and sometimes as a warning. Depending on the habitat, this can make them harder or easier to find. Join NLRA educators as we explore animal camouflage & mimicry at Grey Rocks! You’ll go on an animal scavenger hunt, learn about some clever mimics, and make some nature art to take home. Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Loon Cruise
This special Newfound EcoTour with a Loon Preservation Committee biologist will feature the loons of Newfound. Newfound EcoTours are 2-hour tours of Newfound Lake by pontoon boat. Learn more about EcoTours at NewfoundLake.org/EcoTours
Guided Exploration: Wading with Water Bugs
In total there are around 10 different orders of aquatic invertebrates in New Hampshire, all of which are unique in their own special way. Each of these macroinvertebrates plays very important roles in the ecosystem as prey, predators, and indicators of water quality. Come join Watershed Steward Sawyer Zaluki at the Cockermouth River to explore the wonderful diversity of aquatic freshwater invertebrates! This event is open to all. Please bring clothes that can get wet, water shoes, and/or waders.
Red Barn Speaker Series: Digging into Native New Hampshire History
Abenaki history has been reduced to near-invisibility as a result of conquest, a conquering culture that placed little value on the Indian experience, and a strategy of self-preservation that required many Abenaki to go “underground,” concealing their true identities for generations to avoid discrimination and persecution. Robert Goodby reveals archaeological evidence that shows their deep presence here, inches below the earth’s surface.
This series is co-hosted by the NH Audubon Society and supported by the Hebron Conservation Commission.
Parking is available across from the Red Barn at Ash Cottage. Please note the Red Barn is now a private residence, there is NO bathroom access.
Guided Bird Walk with Suzanne & Tom!
Join local birders Tom McShane & Suzanne Smith for an exploration of the breeding bird community at Grey Rocks! With longer days, territories to defend, and young to care for, birds are at their most active right now. Suzanne & Tom will help you locate and identify the birds of Grey Rocks. This program is free and open to all. THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER.
Guided Hike: Goose Pond
Join us for a guided hike through conserved lands of Wellington State Park and Lakes Region Conservation Trust’s Sugarloaf-Goose Pond Conservation Area. There are some steep areas on this approximately 4 mile hike, please leave pets at home.
Weed Watcher Training
Learn to identify aquatic plants and join a growing community of volunteers who paddle with a purpose. Weed watchers are trained volunteers who form an early detection network, scanning shorelines for outbreaks of invasive aquatic plants. Trained weed watchers can participate in NLRA’s annual Weed Stampede (August 26-27), our volunteer-driven survey of Newfound’s shoreline!
NLRA Volunteer Day
From planting pollinator-friendly gardens to maintaining trails or restoring shorelines, this monthly, all-ages volunteer event is a great way to dip your toes in the work of conserving the watershed.
Red Barn Speaker Series: Nature Through the Year in Backyard & Beyond
Based on her “Nature Almanac & Calendar,” Francie Von Mertens will share observations of nature up close. We’re learning that immersion in nature is good for us, which leads to the question: How can we help wildlife and their world in return? The presentation will keep that in mind while exploring cycles through the seasons.
This series is co-hosted by the NH Audubon Society and supported by the Hebron Conservation Commission.
Parking is available across from the Red Barn at Ash Cottage. Please note the Red Barn is now a private residence, there is NO bathroom access.
NLRA Annual Meeting and Membership Gathering
Join us at Grey Rocks Conservation Area to connect with fellow lake lovers, learn more about our latest projects, and confirm officers. This event is open to the public, all are encouraged to attend!
LEARN MORE
Monarchs & Milkweed for Super Stellar Friday
Monarch butterflies visit New Hampshire every summer, continuing an amazing migration that spans the continent, but their recent listing as an endangered species is worrying. As a species that migrates, they are vulnerable to habitat change in many locations including New Hampshire. Milkweed plants are a vital part of the monarch’s life cycle, in addition to hosting a variety of other invertebrates. Join NLRA Education & Outreach Manager Mirka Zapletal to learn more about the challenges facing monarchs, the diverse group of species that depend on milkweeds, and the different ways that researchers and volunteers support these communities. More information at Starhop.com/ssf.
Loon Cruise
This special Newfound EcoTour with a Loon Preservation Committee biologist will feature the loons of Newfound. Newfound EcoTours are 2-hour tours of Newfound Lake by pontoon boat. Learn more about EcoTours at NewfoundLake.org/EcoTours
Guided Paddle: Explore Hebron Marsh
Wetlands are vital to the health of aquatic systems, as they provide habitat and filter water. The Hebron Marsh helps keep Newfound clean in a number of ways, including as a sponge that soaks up phosphorus, a nutrient that can cause problems when too much is present. Join NLRA Watershed Steward Antoni Haupt for a paddle through the Hebron Marsh, learning about the history & impact of phosphorus in our waters and how the marsh makes a difference. Participants will need to provide their own kayak and personal flotation device.
Guided Bird Walk with Tom & Suzanne!
Join local birders Tom McShane & Suzanne Smith for an exploration of the breeding bird community at Grey Rocks! With longer days, territories to defend, and young to care for, birds are at their most active right now. Tom & Suzanne will help you locate and identify the birds of Grey Rocks. This program is free and open to all.
Weed Watcher Training
Learn to identify aquatic plants and join a community of volunteers who paddle with a purpose. Weed watchers are trained volunteers who form an early detection network, scanning shorelines for outbreaks of invasive aquatic plants. Trained weed watchers can participate in NLRA’s annual Weed Stampede (August 26-27), our annual volunteer-driven survey of Newfound’s shoreline!
Storytime at Minot-Sleeper Library
Join NLRA Education & Outreach Manager Mirka Zapletal in the Minot-Sleeper Library butterfly garden for a bee-focused book and craft!
Milkweed Munchers
Become a community scientist and help monitor milkweed plants at Grey Rocks! The Milkweed Adaptation Research and Education Network is looking for helpers to track what is eating milkweed and when, and NLRA is part of their research group. We’ve started milkweed seeds and will be checking the young plants to see which animals are munching on the leaves- join us to help with data collection! For more information on NLRA’s milkweed monitoring plans, contact Mirka Zapletal at Mirka@NewfoundLake.org.
Nature Station: We’re Ready to Bug You!
Join NLRA educators as we explore the insect community at Grey Rocks! Insects are an important part of local ecosystems as they pollinate flowers, feed other animals, and help clean up, but they aren’t always appreciated. We’ll take a look at the different roles insects fill and investigate which insects are found at Grey Rocks. Participants will make a bug hotel to bring home! Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Community Stormwater Workshop
Join NLRA Conservation Program Manager Paul Pellissier and Americorps Watershed Stewards to learn more about stormwater management by contributing to a local stormwater management project. This program is mainly educational, with a chance for hands-on learning as you work with others to install residential stormwater control practices. This program is free and open to all.
Vernal Pool Walk & Talk
Vernal pools may only appear for a time in the spring, but their yearly presence is an important part of the floodplains surrounding Newfound Lake. Join NLRA Watershed Steward Isabella Giancola for a walk around Grey Rocks exploring these vital habitats. Participants should be prepared to walk 1.5 – 2 miles on mostly flat ground, with stops at wetland sites along the trails. This program is free and open to all.
Guided Hike: Little Pond, Cockermouth Forest
Join us for a hike through the Cockermouth Forest in Groton, which is owned by the Society for the Protection of NH Forests (SPNHF). The hike’s destination will be “Little Pond,” a high elevation wetland that is within one of SPNHF’s Eco-Reserves. This moderate hike is approximately 5 miles and will be led by Martha Twombly, chair of the Newfound Land Conservation Partnership. Please leave your pets at home.
NLRA Volunteer Day
From planting pollinator-friendly gardens to maintaining trails or restoring shorelines, this monthly, all-ages volunteer event is a great way to dip your toes in the work of conserving the watershed.
Volunteer Cookout
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER! Interested in volunteering? See our many volunteer opportunities at NewfoundLake.org/volunteer.
Spring Flowers Walk
As the weather warms, some plants try to catch the eye of pollinators by being early flowerers while others go for a burst of many flowers over a very short time. Join NLRA Education & Outreach Manager Mirka Zapletal for a walk around Grey Rocks exploring these understory ephemerals that are often overlooked. EVENT FULL. Please contact Mirka@NewfoundLake.org to get on the waitlist.
Guided Birding at Grey Rocks
Join birder Tom McShane, one of UNH Cooperative Extension’s Natural Resource Stewards, as he explores the trails of Grey Rocks looking for spring arrivals! You will explore 1.5 miles of level trails with stops at observation platforms that overlook the wetland and the Cockermouth River. The Spring/Summer season of 2022 revealed an American Bittern, resident Bald Eagles, Wood Ducks, flycatchers, warblers, vireos and a variety of waterfowl and waterbirds, including Common Loons. Participants are free to leave at any time. This program is free and open to all.
Nature Station: The Water Cycle
Join NLRA educators as we explore what makes a watershed! We’ll make rain on mountains, a cloud in a bottle, and a rain gauge to take home. Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Guided Hike: Alexandria Town Forest
This easy to moderate hike is approximately 2 miles over 50 acres and will include stone walls, old roads, and step-over streams. It is led by Kim Sharp, committee member of the Newfound Land Conservation Partnership. Please leave your dog at home. EVENT FULL. Please contact Mirka@NewfoundLake.org to get on the waitlist.
World Migratory Bird Day!
Join local birders Tom McShane, Toby Sackton, & Suzanne Smith for an exploration of the many birds passing through New Hampshire during spring migration! World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated twice a year and brings attention to the amazing journeys birds make and the resources those species need to persist. This year’s theme is Water: Sustaining Bird Life, making Grey Rocks a perfect location to look closer at migrants! Drop in for guided time on the trails, bird-focused activities, and information on bird watching. This program is free and open to all.
Guided Birding at Grey Rocks
Join birder Tom McShane, one of UNH Cooperative Extension’s Natural Resource Stewards, as he explores the trails of Grey Rocks looking for spring arrivals! You will explore 1.5 miles of level trails with stops at observation platforms that overlook the wetland and the Cockermouth River. The Spring/Summer season of 2022 revealed an American Bittern, resident Bald Eagles, Wood Ducks, flycatchers, warblers, vireos and a variety of waterfowl and waterbirds, including Common Loons. Participants are free to leave at any time. This program is free and open to all.
Nature Station: Spring Seeds!
Join NLRA educators as we get ready for some spring planting! In April we’re thinking about the plants that are waking up and the seeds that are getting ready to sprout. We’ll take a look at what plants do for us around the watershed, how seeds transform into a seedling, and which types of plants make a big difference for local animal communities. Participants will also make seed bombs to take home. Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Earth Day Fair at Plymouth State University
Come find us at the PSU Earth Day Fair! We’ll have info about our work, updates on conservation concerns in the Newfound watershed, and an activity to bring Earth Day home.
Birding at Grey Rocks
Join local birders Tom McShane & Suzanne Smith for a look at birds at Grey Rocks! With birds on the move for springtime migration, now is a great time for birding! Participants will explore the trails at Grey Rocks using their eyes and ears to locate and identify local birds. This program is free and open to all.
Birding at Grey Rocks
Join local birders Tom McShane & Suzanne Smith for a look at birds at Grey Rocks! Bird species are returning to the area and bird activity is increasing as the weather warms and the days get longer- spring is a great time for birding! Participants will explore the trails at Grey Rocks using their eyes and ears to locate and identify local birds. This program is free and open to all. THIS EVENT IS FULL- please contact Mirka@NewfoundLake.org to get on the wait list.
Birding with Tom McShane
Join local birder Tom McShane for birding in the spring warmth! Meet up at the Grey Rocks picnic tables at 1:15pm and set off along Sandy Point Trail at 1:30pm. Participants will explore the trails at Grey Rocks using their eyes and ears to locate and identify local birds. This program is free and open to all- please bring binoculars if you have some!
Nature Station: Planning Trees!
NLRA is looking for kids who loves trees! Trees are so important within their ecosystems and we want to add a few more to the community at Grey Rocks. Join NLRA educators as we explore what trees do and which trees are native to the Newfound Watershed. You’ll learn more about the tree communities found there and make a craft to take home. Interested kids can help us prepare to plant a few new trees, from creating a new planting plan for Grey Rocks to helping us get the trees and get them in the ground (when the time is right!). Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Introduction to Animal Tracks & Sign
Animal tracks are a great way to learn about which species are in an area, but they can be tricky to decipher. Join NLRA Education & Outreach Manager Mirka Zapletal and volunteer Suzanne Smith for an introduction to track identification at Hebron Town Forest. We’ll start with a look at different types of tracks and gaits, sharing tips for what to cue in on, and finish with a short hike looking for recent tracks. This program is free and open to all.
Full Moon Hike
Join NLRA Conservation Program Manager Paul Pellissier for a moonlit hike that will use natural light to explore the Newfound Watershed at night- you will see great views and learn more about the outdoors after dark. Participants must be able to walk 3 miles. The parking area is on a privately-maintained class 6 road- 4-wheel drive is needed. This program is free and open to all.
Winter Tree ID at Grey Rocks
Join NLRA Executive Director Rebecca Hanson for a look at Grey Rocks’ tree communities! Winter can be a challenging time to identify trees without deciduous leaves to provide clues- but there are still ways to figure out which trees you are looking at! Participants will explore the different plant communities at Grey Rocks as they learn other markers to identify trees. This program is free and open to all.
The State of the Lake
Conservation Program Manager Paul Pellissier and Executive Director Rebecca Hanson will discuss our latest water quality data, the results of expanded invasive aquatics monitoring, the watershed planning process, and more. Bring your questions and concerns about watershed health! This program is free and open to all.
View the Recording
Birding at Grey Rocks
Join local birder Tom McShane for a look at birds at Grey Rocks! Winter can be a great time to spot local birds without leaves on branches to provide cover. Participants will explore the trails at Grey Rocks as they learn about winter bird ID. This program is free and open to all.
Nature Station: Animal Detective!
Even when we’re quiet and camouflaged, it can be hard to find wild animals doing what they normally do- but, if we know where and how to look, we can find clues the animals left behind! Join NLRA educators as we explore animal sign at Grey Rocks! You’ll learn about deciphering animal tracks, find other evidence of animal activities, and make a craft to take home. Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Birding and Animal Sign at Grey Rocks
Join NLRA educators and local birders for a look at birds and animal tracks at Grey Rocks! While some wildlife leaves the area in winter and other species sleep their way through it, branches without leaves can make it easier to spot the birds that remain and snow can record not only who passed through the area but also what they did on their journey. Participants will explore the trails at Grey Rocks as they learn about winter bird ID and how to interpret animal sign. This program is free and open to all.
Watershed in Winter Story Time
In the winter when snow and ice cover so much, it can seem like the animals have disappeared. Although we can’t always see it, life continues above and below the white surface! Join NLRA educators for a story time that looks at what animals are doing while the world around them sits in a deep freeze. Afterward, we’ll make lift-a-flap winter scenes to take home!
Nature Station: Living in the Ice and Snow!
It’s a frozen world out there! How does the world change for local plants and animals in the winter? Join NLRA educators for a look at Newfound in a deep freeze. We’ll explore the properties of ice, investigate life under snow, and make a craft to take home! Nature Station is a free, drop-in program with activities designed for all ages.
Nature Station: Feathered Friends!
Join NLRA educators as we explore the bird life at Grey Rocks! Across North America from December 14 to January 5, birders of all ages will conduct Audubon’s 123rd Christmas Bird Count- this yearly citizen science project provides invaluable data on bird populations and helps scientists track changes in species. At Nature Station, we’ll be getting an intro to bird watching, identifying species around Grey Rocks, and making bird journals. Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Birding at Grey Rocks
Join NLRA educators and local birders for birding and an introduction to winter birding events! During this drop-in event, participants will get practice with binoculars, learn to identify winter birds at Grey Rocks, and be introduced to several citizen science birding opportunities. Between the middle of December and the end of February, there are three large birding events in NH open to the public. By watching the birds at feeders, in backyards, and in the other places where people spend time outside, everyone can help researchers track bird species and trends. This program is free and open to all.
Guided Exploration: Forests of Grey Rocks
Join NLRA intern and PSU senior Bryce Foss for a guided tour of the Grey Rocks Conservation Area that will show how forest types have changed over time. Throughout the tour you will see how alterations in the landscape have led to distinct stands of old growth and new growth forests, and you will learn how these changes affect forest and watershed health.
Nature Station: Getting Ready for Winter!
The leaves are coming down and the acorns are being stored up- sure signs that nature is getting ready for winter! Join NLRA educators as we explore how the world outside changes as we move through autumn and creatures big and small prepare for the colder weather to come. You’ll be sent on a scavenger hunt around Grey Rocks and make a craft to help animals in your backyard get ready for winter. Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Guided Birding with Tom & Suzanne
Join the Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA) and birders Tom McShane & Suzanne Smith for birding at Grey Rocks Conservation Area, Saturday, November 19, at 8am. Led by Tom & Suzanne you will explore the trails at Grey Rocks using your eyes and ears to find and identify birds. This event is geared toward all people with an interest in exploring the natural world. This activity is recommended for ages 10 and above. It’s helpful to us if you register, but you are welcome to drop in- come find us on the trails!
Guided Hike: Goose Pond and Little Sugarloaf
Join NLRA Education & Outreach Manager Mirka Zapletal for a relaxed autumn hike. We’ll head for Goose Pond and then tackle Little Sugarloaf, looking for wildlife and views as we go. Along the way we’ll take a deeper dive into habitat types, looking at how plant communities change as we hike and then connecting those changes to conditions like water movement, soil type, and other things that, ultimately, influence conditions downstream at the lake. This hike is approximately 3 miles. This event is full- if you are interested in getting on the waitlist, please contact Mirka at Mirka@NewfoundLake.org.
Newfound Lake Watershed Workshop
A collaborative, community workshop to plan for the protection and stewardship of Newfound Lake! For more information, please contact Rebecca Hanson at Rebecca@NewfoundLake.org.
Nature Station – Seed Stories!
Seeds come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, sizes, and even dispersal strategies- how much do you know about the seeds local plants use to begin the next generation? Join NLRA educators as we spend some time with seeds! You’ll be introduced to all sorts of seeds, learn about how they move around, and make a craft to take home. Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Guided Birding with Tom, Suzanne, & Toby
Join the Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA) and birders Tom McShane, Suzanne Smith, and Toby Sackton for birding at Grey Rocks Conservation Area, Saturday, October 22, at 8am. Led by Tom, Suzanne, and Toby you will explore the trails at Grey Rocks using your eyes and ears to find and identify birds. This event is geared toward all people with an interest in exploring the natural world. This activity is recommended for ages 10 and above.
Guided Foliage Paddle with Paul Pellissier
Join Conservation Program Manager Paul Pellissier for a guided paddle around the northern part of the lake. Paddlers will enjoy the season’s colors from the water as they explore tree communities and their distribution across the Newfound Watershed. Participants will need to provide their own kayak and personal flotation device.
Milkweed Munchers
Join us to learn more about the milkweed projects we’ll be helping with next year! Monarch butterflies are one of many species that depend on milkweed plants, and there are worries that climate change will create a mismatch between when milkweed is available and when monarchs need them. The Milkweed Adaptation Research and Education Network is looking for helpers to track what is eating milkweed and when, and there is space for people of all ages and abilities- drop in to see what data collection will be like as part of the Munch Bunch! For more information on NLRA’s milkweed monitoring plans, contact Mirka Zapletal at Mirka@NewfoundLake.org.
NLRA Volunteer Day
From planting pollinator-friendly gardens to maintaining trails or restoring shorelines, this monthly, all-ages volunteer event is a great way to dip your toes in the work of conserving the watershed.
Fireside Chat with NLRA Watershed Stewards
Join NLRA Watershed Stewards Jenna Detar and Anthony Jaster for a fireside chat and s’mores outside the Slim Baker Lodge! They’ll talk about their work with NLRA and LRCC this summer, share their experiences in the watershed, and reflect on what they’ve learned through the program. This program is free and open to all- we ask that you register.
Grey Rocks StoryWalk®
Walk the Floodplain Loop Trail at Grey Rocks Conservation Area to read this year’s StoryWalk®: Outside In by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Cindy Derby. Enjoy the story and gentle walk as you are reminded of all of the ways that we are connected to nature!
Nature Station – Aquatic Invertebrates
We see lots of invertebrates in the air and soil around us, like butterflies, bees, spiders, and worms, but we don’t always get a good look at those that live in water. Join NLRA educators as we peer under the surface and see what’s hanging out down there! You’ll learn some invertebrate ID, see some of them up close, and make a craft to take home. Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Guided Exploration: Colors of Newfound!
Join Watershed Steward Jenna Detar to paint the colors of Newfound! Participants will begin by taking a guided walk around the Sandy Point Trail and Floodplain Loop Trail while enjoying discussions about tree identification, silent signs of wildlife, and the importance of sustainable conservation practices around the Newfound Watershed. Following, materials will be provided to participants to create a painting of their choosing that is inspired by many wonderful sights at Grey Rocks Conservation Area. No art experience is required.
Guided Birding with Tom McShane
Join NLRA and birder Tom McShane for an introduction to birding. Explore the trails at Grey Rocks using your eyes and ears to find and identify birds. This event is geared toward people with an interest in exploring the natural world and limited experience birding. Participants should be able to walk 2 miles. This activity is recommended for ages 10 and above.
NLRA Volunteer Day
From planting pollinator-friendly gardens to maintaining trails or restoring shorelines, this monthly, all-ages volunteer event is a great way to dip your toes in the work of conserving the watershed.
Guided Exploration: Newfound Watershed’s Fish Habitat
Join NLRA Watershed Steward Anthony Jaster on a guided paddle through a variety of Newfound’s fish habitats. Throughout this 2-hour paddle you will learn how different attributes of the lake and its tributaries contribute to fish habitat and support fish populations, as well as getting a better sense of which fish are present in the watershed!
Newfound Conservation Hike: Butman Family Forest
Meet Marcia Butman & Toby Sackton, conservation easement landowners, skiers, hikers, and birders. Marcia’s father purchased over 500 acres in Alexandria and managed it throughout his life for wildlife and family recreation. Toby has mapped many miles of trails throughout the property and makes them available to the public. The land has several unique features including cliffs, a bog, foundation remains, and myriad wildlife. This hike is approximately 3 miles. Dogs are not allowed.
Weed Stampede
Paddle with a purpose and join the first-ever, volunteer driven, complete shoreline survey of Newfound Lake for invasive aquatic plants! Participants must attend one of our three Weed Watcher trainings prior to this event to learn to identify aquatic plants. Please contact: Paul@NewfoundLake.org with any questions.
Red Barn Speaker Series: NH Astronomical Society
When we look up at the night sky on a clear night, we see points of light with varied color and brightness. We know that the light has reached us across the vastness of space, but just how far has it traveled? And how do we know that? Astronomers have the cosmic distance ladder to measure farther and farther away from us, using different methods to cover greater and greater distances.
Join John Bishop of the New Hampshire Astronomical Society as he describes the distance ladder and also opens a window into the August night sky. After his presentation in the Red Barn, head outside with John for a Sky Watch.
This series is co-hosted by the NH Audubon Society and supported by the Hebron Conservation Commission.
Parking is available across from the Red Barn at Ash Cottage. Please note the Red Barn is now a private residence, there is NO bathroom access.
Nature Station – Tree Timelines
Trees are amazing organisms that do so much for the ecosystems they inhabit – capturing carbon and producing oxygen, soaking up water to reduce runoff, and providing habitat and food. We can learn a lot about trees from looking at their leaves and bark, but did you know that we can also learn from looking at the insides of trees? Join NLRA educators as we take a closer look at trees! You’ll be sent on a quest to find the most common tree species at Grey Rocks and then have the chance to make art using the patterns found in tree rings (Note: this activity uses ink and can get messy, please dress accordingly.) Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Weed Watcher Training
Learn to identify aquatic plants and join a growing community of volunteers who paddle with a purpose. Weed watchers are trained volunteers who form an early detection network, scanning shorelines for outbreaks of invasive aquatic plants. Trained weed watchers can participate in NLRA’s first annual Weed Stampede (August 27-28), the first ever complete survey of Newfound’s shoreline!
Guided Exploration: Women in the Wilderness
Calling all ladies! Join Watershed Steward, Jenna Detar, out in the wild! This moderate 3-mile hike up West Ridge Trail does have some steep parts but leads to amazing views and will include guidance on how to explore the natural areas of New Hampshire as well as a quick lesson on the importance of conservation lands and how they impact the ecology within the Newfound Watershed. Women in the Wilderness is part two of a mini-series geared towards getting women out in nature in a comfortable, judgment- free zone!
Red Barn Speaker Series: Climate Change and Coastal Carnivores
In New Hampshire we hear that climate change is bringing us heat waves, heavy rain storms, and earlier springs. And it’s not just humans who will be affected – New Hampshire wildlife populations may have to adjust to these new conditions or disappear. How will climate change impact some of these same species in coastal areas along the Gulf of Mexico where land loss is an additional issue? Conservation ecologist Mirka Zapletal will share her research on coastal carnivores in Louisiana, such as coyotes and otters, and rodents with similar roles in the ecosystem. Future models of Louisiana’s coast suggest dramatically altered landscapes going forward and that could have huge impacts on where these species are found.
Mirka recently earned her doctorate from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she did this research. She’s now the Education & Outreach Manager for the Newfound Lake Region Association where her work focuses on getting people outside to experience the Newfound Watershed and conservation work in new ways.
This series is co-hosted by the NH Audubon Society and supported by the Hebron Conservation Commission.
Parking is available across from the Red Barn at Ash Cottage. Please note the Red Barn is now a private residence, there is NO bathroom access.
Guided Birding with Tom McShane and Lena Moser
Join NLRA and birders Tom McShane and Lena Moser for an introduction to birding. Explore the trails at Grey Rocks using your eyes and ears to find and identify birds. This event is geared toward people with an interest in exploring the natural world but little experience birding. Participants should be able to walk 2 miles. This activity is recommended for ages 10 and above.
Newfound Conservation Hike: Hazelton Farm and Forest
Join Paul and Mary Hazelton, conservation easement landowners, on a tour of their working forest and farmlands along the Cockermouth River. Paul’s great-great-grandfather Sam settled on this farm in Hebron. Although it was sold out of the family for a while, Paul’s father was able to buy it back, and now it is conserved for agricultural and forestry use. This moderate hike is approximately 3 miles. Dogs are not allowed.
Grey Rocks Storytime with Minot-Sleeper Library
The Minot-Sleeper Library is coming to Grey Rocks! Join us for an open-air storytime and guided exploration of Grey Rocks Conservation Area with an NLRA naturalist.
Newfound Conservation Hike: Cockermouth Forest to Bald Knob
Vin Broderick is the recently retired Director of Camp Pasquaney in Hebron. He has hiked all around the Newfound watershed and will lead a group up to Bald Knob through the Cockermouth Forest. The trail is moderate except for a few steep stretches toward the summit- the reward is incredible! Round trip this hike is approximately 4 miles. Dogs are not allowed.
NLRA Volunteer Day
From planting pollinator-friendly gardens to maintaining trails or restoring shorelines, this monthly, all-ages volunteer event is a great way to dip your toes in the work of conserving the watershed.
Guided Weed Watcher Paddle
Join us for this hands-on event and become part of Newfound’s growing Weed Watcher community. Over the course of the paddle you will learn how to identify several invasive aquatic plants, become familiar with their native look-alikes, and learn how to conduct a Weed Watcher Survey. Please note that no previous Weed Watcher training is required but attendees will need to supply their own paddle craft.
Red Barn Speaker Series: Dragons and Damsels of NH
Welcome to the fascinating world of the insect order Odonata! You may be familiar with the dragonflies buzzing over your yard in the summer, or the damselflies that land on your kayak, but what do you REALLY know about these ancient insects? Join Dr. Pam Hunt of NH Audubon for an overview of the biology and ecology of dragonflies and damselflies, from their amazing life cycle (content alert: some pretty crazy reproductive behavior is involved!) to their incredible diversity. She’ll also highlight a few of NH’s notable species and their stories, and close with some results from the “NH Dragonfly Survey,” a five year volunteer-based project that documented the distribution of these insects across the state.
This series is co-hosted by the NH Audubon Society and supported by the Hebron Conservation Commission.
Parking is available across from the Red Barn at Ash Cottage. Please note the Red Barn is now a private residence, there is NO bathroom access.
NLRA Annual Meeting and Membership Gathering
Join us at Grey Rocks Conservation Area to connect with fellow lake lovers, learn more about our latest projects, and confirm officers. This event is open to the public, all are encouraged attend!
LEARN MORE
Weed Watcher Training
Learn to identify aquatic plants and join a growing community of volunteers who paddle with a purpose. Weed watchers are trained volunteers who form an early detection network, scanning shorelines for outbreaks of invasive aquatic plants. Trained weed watchers can participate in NLRA’s first annual Weed Stampede (August 27-28), the first ever complete survey of Newfound’s shoreline!
Loon Cruise
Learn more about loons aboard the “Loon Cruise”, a special Newfound EcoTour opportunity featuring a biologist from the Loon Preservation Committee. This is a two-hour tour by pontoon boat.
Red Barn Speaker Series: Tracking New Hampshire’s Endangered Northern Harriers
Chris Martin will discuss efforts to document what remains of NH’s breeding harrier population. A NH Audubon raptor biologist for 32 years, he has led recovery of the state’s Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and Peregrine Falcons, in close collaboration with NH Fish & Game’s Nongame Wildlife Program. He recruits, trains, and supervises an enthusiastic corps of volunteer observers who monitor these species as sites scattered across the Granite State. Parking is available across from the Red Barn at Ash Cottage. Please note the Red Barn is now a private residence, there is NO bathroom access.
This series is co-hosted by the NH Audubon Society and supported by the Hebron Conservation Commission.
Hebron Fair
Visit the NLRA booth at the Hebron Fair for children’s games, information about conservation in Newfound, and to purchase tickets to our annual raffle!
Newfound Conservation Hike: Welton Falls State Forest
Rob Moore is the retiring President of the Newfound Lake Region Association and has spent his life exploring the Newfound Watershed. Enjoy a hike to this wonderful geologic gem hidden in the hills of a sub-watershed stream of the Fowler River. This moderate hike is approximately 3.5 miles. Dogs are not allowed.
Guided Exploration: Women on the Water
Calling all ladies! Join Watershed Steward Jena Detar for part one of a mini-series geared to get women out in nature in a comfortable, judgement-free zone. Participants will learn how to safely explore waterways while gaining a deeper understanding of land and water conservation, ethically utilizing and preserving natural resources, and minimizing human impact in natural areas.
Nature Station – Soundscapes!
We often get our first impression of a place through our eyes – but what happens when we use our ears instead? Join NLRA educators and experience Grey Rocks in a different way as you listen to the noises around you and make a sound map to take home! You’ll also get an introduction to using a compass. Nature Station is a free, drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages.
Guided Paddle with Rick Van de Poll
Paddle along the Northern Newfound Water Trail with ecologist Rick Van de Poll. Paddlers will meander along the norther shore of Newfound Lake, up the Cockermouth River and out to the Hebron Marsh. Registration required, limited space available. If the $5.00 program fee inhibits your participation, please call our office 603-744-8689 to register.
Registration full. Email Mirka@NewfoundLake.org to be added to the waitlist.
Newfound Conservation Hike: Little Pond, Cockermouth Forest
Kim Sharp, NLCP committee member, is the Land Steward for the Cockermouth Forest in Groton which is owned by the Society for the Protection of NH Forests (SPNHF). The hike’s destination will be “Little Pond,” a high elevation wetland that is within one of SPNHF’s Eco-Reserves. This moderate hike is approximately 5 miles. Dogs are not allowed.
Loon Cruise
Learn more about loons aboard the “Loon Cruise”, a special Newfound EcoTour opportunity featuring a biologist from the Loon Preservation Committee. This is a two-hour tour by pontoon boat.
NLRA Volunteer Day
From planting pollinator-friendly gardens to maintaining trails or restoring shorelines, this monthly, all-ages volunteer event is a great way to dip your toes in the work of conserving the watershed.
Guided Birding with Tom McShane and Suzanne Smith
Join NLRA and birders Tom McShane and Suzanne Smith for an introduction to birding. Explore the trails at Grey Rocks using your eyes and ears to find and identify birds. This event is geared toward people with an interest in exploring the natural world but little experience birding. Participants should be able to walk 2 miles. This activity is recommended for ages 10 and above.
Grey Rocks Storytime with Minot-Sleeper Library
The Minot-Sleeper Library is coming to Grey Rocks! Join us for an open-air storytime and guided exploration of Grey Rocks Conservation Area with an NLRA naturalist.
How to Explore Lakes and Rivers
Geared to pre-teens – come and learn all the skills to explore lakes and rivers. To register please click here or contact the Minot-Sleeper Library.
Guided Exploration: Intro to Orienteering
Join Watershed Steward Anthony Jaster for a navigation tutorial targeted towards those who are new to backpacking/hiking or just want to learn how to use a map and compass. Using Hebron Town Forest as a backdrop, all navigating will be done with a map and compass (no GPS!). Participants will start with basic navigation in an open field, then progress to more challenging scenarios.
Newfound Conservation Hike: Tuthill Family Farm
Meet Jen and George Tuthill, conservation landowners who decided to put their land into conservation and also encouraged two neighbors to join them. This Alexandria property along Patten Brook provides important wildlife habitat and its conservation helps protect the water quality in Patten Brook, which feeds Newfound Lake. It is also home to their three horses, garden, solar array, and farm. This easy hike will be approximately 3 miles. Dogs are not allowed.
Weed Watcher Training
Learn to identify aquatic plants and join a growing community of volunteers who paddle with a purpose. Weed watchers are trained volunteers who form an early detection network, scanning shorelines for outbreaks of invasive aquatic plants. Trained weed watchers can participate in NLRA’s first annual Weed Stampede (August 27-28), the first ever complete survey of Newfound’s shoreline!
Nature Station – Pollinator Play!
It’s National Pollinators Week! Play Pollinator Bingo and learn about the importance of pollinators in our world and the things these creatures need to survive with NLRA educators. Complete your pollinator adventure with some pollen stamp art to take home! (Note: the art activity involves water-based paint and a clean up station, so please dress accordingly.) Nature Station is a free, drop-in program with activities designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Volunteer Cookout
Are you interested in learning more about volunteering with NLRA? Would you like to meet and mingle with the staff, trustees, and volunteers behind NLRA’s conservation work? Help us celebrate our strong culture of volunteerism and learn more about how you can get involved at our Volunteer Cookout.
Demystifying Planned Giving
There is a method of planned giving for everyone. Get your questions answered and learn more about how to best achieve your philanthropic and estate and financial goals at our upcoming online conversation with NLRA treasurer and Certified Financial Planner Jim Fitts. This is a limited capacity event, register now to reserve your space.
Sustainability Fair
The Bristol Sustainability Committee is hosting their 2nd annual sustainability fair. Come to Kelley Park to visit the NLRA booth and enjoy kids activities, a beekeeping display, gardening tips, kids activities, and more!
Earth Day with NLRA
Celebrate Earth Day by joining NLRA for an all-ages volunteer event to clean up the gardens and trails at Grey Rocks Conservation Area.
Newfound Nature Station – Winter Wands and Walking Sticks
Come to Grey Rocks to explore winter in the watershed! Try out snowshoes provided by the Tapply-Thompson Community Center, sip hot chocolate, and create a winter wand or walking stick with natural materials. Nature Station activities are designed for kids of all ages. This program is free and open to all.
Beaver Hike – Guided Exploration with Watershed Steward Karen Candia
Join Watershed Steward Karen Candia for a guided hike around Goose Pond focused on beavers and their role as keystone species in wetland areas. Hikers will look for signs of beaver activity along the perimeter of the pond, learn about beavers’ impact on riparian ecosystems, and discuss the challenges and benefits of coexisting with beaver populations. This program is free to join and open to anyone interested in beavers or simply looking for a morning hike! The Goose Pond Trail spans 1.8 miles, so please be sure to bring water and appropriate footwear.
Grey Rocks StoryWalk®
Walk the Floodplain Loop Trail at Grey Rocks Conservation Area to read this year’s StoryWalk, “The Secret Pool” by Kimberley Ridley.
Mushroom Foray with Rick Van de Poll – EVENT FULL
Join ecologist Rick Van de Poll for a Mushroom Foray at Grey Rocks Conservation Area to learn about and collect edible and medicinal mushrooms that can be found in the Newfound watershed.
Around the Lake Sailing Race
Meet and launch your non-motorized sailboat at Grey Rocks Conservation Area for a race around the lake! To participate, contact Andrew Veilleux at 603-744-8689 or Andrew@NewfoundLake.org.
Turtle Trek
Guided Exploration with Watershed Steward Karen Candia
Join Karen for a guided paddle around the Grey Rocks area on the lookout for various species of turtles while learning about our seven local species and the key details needed to identify them.
Virtual Nature Storytime
Follow along on Youtube or Facebook as we read “Waiting for Wings” by Lois Ehlert. Stop by the Minot-Sleeper Library to pick up seeds to start your own pollinator garden, provided by the Slim Baker Foundation!
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Full Moon Hike
Join Program Manager Andrew Veilleux on a full moon hike. Watch the moon rise over the expansive views of Newfound from the overlook of Little Sugarloaf. This event is free, however registration is required and attendance is limited to ensure the safety of participants.
Virtual Nature Storytime
Follow along on Youtube or Facebook as we read “Sugar on Snow” by Lindsay Barrett George. Stop by the Minot-Sleeper Library to pick up related craft activity, provided by the Slim Baker Foundation!
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The State of the Lake
Executive Director Rebecca Hanson and Program Manager Andrew Veilleux will discuss our latest water quality data, the effects of last summer’s drought conditions, the watershed planning process, and more. Bring your questions and concerns about watershed health!
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