We are finally in autumn and temperatures are beginning to drop, but efforts at NLRA still push forward stronger than ever. With summer over and vacations ending, I am seeing fewer people launch their non-motorized craft out of Grey Rocks Conservation Area. As a Lake Host, it is my responsibility to check boats launching at Grey Rocks for invasive species and to educate paddlers on how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasives. While lake hosting duties will continue through most of October, the drop in boating activity leaves me more time to focus on other projects. One of these is my service term project, a long-term project Watershed Stewards complete to deepen their understanding of a chosen area of watershed conservation and further NLRA’s mission work. My project dives into fish habitat and its correlation with watershed ecosystem health. While Newfound Lake’s clean waters offer abundant fish habitat, my report focuses on how fish populations are impacted by erosion and stormwater runoff. I hope to open up more conversations about how changes in watershed health impact different fish species.
In the beginning of September, I ran a guided paddle up the Cockermouth River and discussed fish habitats and other aspects of watershed management. I pointed out areas that make high-quality habitats for local fish populations and features that help improve fish habitats. This was a fulfilling experience for me because I was able to use the knowledge and experience that I gained from studying fisheries in college. I enjoyed educating people on the numerous ways watershed ecology affects the lives of some of the animals that live in it.
For 9/11 Day of Service, I went to the North Conway Community Center (NCCC) with other AmeriCorps service members and we teamed up with NCCC staff to clear the event grounds succeeding the annual Mud Bowl tournament. We cleaned tents used for the event, picked up trash from around the field, and organized their storage areas. This experience was a chance to provide community service and get more acquainted with other AmeriCorps members who serve at organizations throughout the Lakes Region as part of the Lakes Region Conservation Corps.
On the 15th of September, I helped lead a volunteer service day at Grey Rocks Conservation Area. The volunteers that were slotted to help out that day were from the New Hampton School. They helped us weed and mulch some of the garden beds that are on the trail to the boat launch. These gardens have been planted with plants that are native to New Hampshire and act as a buffer between the land and water. This buffer is important to help minimize the effects of erosion on the landscape, as well as offering great pollinator habitat.
As my time in New Hampshire draws to an end, I think back to all the things I had an opportunity to achieve. I came here to complete requirements for my college degree, but also to gain valuable experience. Though I am still a month away from completing my service term, I have learned so much from working with the Newfound Lake Region Association. I can’t wait to see what this last month has to offer.