Over the past month as a Watershed Steward for Newfound Lake Region Association, I have settled into a weekly routine which has allowed me to dig into the various projects I am developing and make deeper connections with the community members of the watershed. At the end of July I was thrilled to represent NLRA at the Hebron Fair, assisting NLRA staff and volunteers educating fairgoers about the NLRA’s mission, current work, and upcoming programs and events. I’ve learned how important public outreach is for furthering conservation efforts.
Along with my fellow Watershed Steward, Anthony Jaster, I continue to get my hands dirty while working alongside volunteers and other Lakes Region Conservation Corps (LRCC) service members. Anthony and I hosted the monthly NLRA Volunteer Day at Grey Rocks, and with the help of our awesome volunteers we completed some much needed maintenance to the River Walk Trail, opening it up and making it more accessible to hikers. We also partnered with Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT) service members and a wonderful group of volunteers from Camp Onaway to install erosion control structures on trails in the Sugarloaf-Ridge Goose Pond Conservation Area. With the Hebron Conservation Commission, we worked on a trail and a bridge crossing in the Hebron Town Forest, enabling access to Spectacle Pond. Finally, we’ve completed some routine trail maintenance at NH Audubon’s Paradise Point. Our many partnerships with conservation-minded organizations gives us greater opportunities to expand our skillsets and learn from different perspectives.
In my last journal entry, I was busy planning for my first Guided Exploration program, “Women on the Water”, and I’m pleased to report it was a huge success! NLRA Watershed Stewards design and lead free, monthly guided exploration programs to connect residents and visitors with the work of NLRA and the beauty of the Newfound Watershed. “Women on the Water” was part one of a program mini-series I designed and am leading that is geared towards getting women out into nature in a comfortable, judgement-free zone. The first event was a guided paddle, bringing together a passionate group of women to learn from each other’s experiences, build confidence to safely recreate on waterways, and discuss ways to ethically utilize natural resources while minimizing human impact. I hope the attendees found it as inspiring as I did!
By the time this journal is published, I will have completed part two of the mini-series, “Women in the Wilderness”. This Guided Exploration program will lead participants up the West Ridge Trail in Cardigan Mountain State Park and will provide participants with guidance on how to safely access and navigate through wilderness areas of New Hampshire, as well as emphasizing the importance of sustainable conservation practices and how they impact the ecology within the Newfound Watershed; the fantastic view of the Newfound Watershed from the top of Cardigan Mountain is the cherry on top of a great day!
Jumping into the vast unknown of the wilderness can be intimidating, especially as a solo woman. Having the opportunity to directly interact with women in the community and build their confidence in exploring wilderness areas, as well as deepening their understanding of the importance of sustainable land and water conservation within the Newfound Watershed, brings me more joy than reaching the peak after a long trek up a mountain. I love to see uncertainty of the unknown transform into a passion for exploration. Be sure to sign up for Women in the Wilderness and more NLRA programs at NewfoundLake.org/events.
Time is ticking on faster than the temperature is dropping and nothing excites me more than enjoying a hot cup of coffee by the water, listening to the songs of the loons, and dreaming of my next adventure. See y’all out there!
