Newfound Welcomes NLRA Watershed Stewards

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Newfound Lake Region Association has added two new members to its team, please welcome the NLRA Watershed Stewards!

As part of the Lakes Region Conservation Corps, a region-wide AmeriCorps program, the Watershed Stewards lend their time and talents to further the mission of conserving the Newfound watershed.  Stewards support water quality monitoring of Newfound Lake and its tributaries, guard against aquatic invasive species, reduce and prevent stormwater erosion through innovative landscaping practices, and work with community partners on projects around the watershed. 

In their first few weeks, including a two-week quarantine period, the Watershed Stewards have already participated in trail maintenance at the Hebron Town Forest during National Trails Day, many hours of site maintenance at Grey Rocks Conservation Area, and have added plantings to the Cummings Beach swale in partnership with the Pasquaney Garden Club and the Town of Bristol.

Colleen Clausen is a New Hampshire native with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Colby-Sawyer College.  She has experience in water quality testing and landscaping and an interest in animal behavior and aquatic ecology. Clausen says, “”I am excited to help keep the land and water of the region I grew up in clean and healthy.  I hope to learn more about, and add to the success of, the programs NLRA runs to protect Newfound’s water quality.”

Ryan Hannon, originally from Massachusetts, is a recent graduate of Plymouth State University with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning and Sustainability.  He also holds certifications in permaculture design and geographic information systems.  “I look forward to furthering the effort to conserve Newfound, which will allow people to enjoy it that much more.” Says Hannon.

Colleen and Ryan will be working throughout Newfound until the end of October.  If you see them, be sure to say hello!  You can stay up-to-date on the work of the Watershed Stewards by reading the Stewardship Journal at: newfoundlake.org/watershed-stewards

The Newfound Lake Region Association’s mission is to protect Newfound Lake and its watershed.  The Association – through education, programs and collaboration – promotes conservation and preservation of the region’s natural, social, and economic resources.  Learn more.