...plus upcoming programs and events.

Who is making these marks, and why? Here's a hint: this is about 6 feet off the ground. Keep scrolling for the answer! | Scoop Welch

Dear friend, 

October has brought stunning shades of crimson and gold to the trees—and another season of stewarding public lands for humans, plants, and wildlife alike. 

Keep scrolling for updates on our dam rehab project, info about fall volunteer days, seed collection, landowner resources, and views from around the Basin.

Lake Look: Dam Work Update

The dam rehabilitation and fishway project is underway! 

The dam boards were removed just over two weeks ago, and the water level of Chocorua Lake has dropped about 1 foot in that time. Enjoy a little extra space on the shoreline while it lasts.

Last week, Mad River Top-Notch Experts from Campton completed preparation of the access road and staging area. The road was opened to allow equipment access to the dam area, cleared a staging area, and removed select trees from the dam berm.

The project will be underway for the next several weeks. Please continue to avoid the area, as it is an active construction site and located on private land.

Phase one of the dam rehabilitation project underway— now complete! | Debra Marnich

Damage on the old dam exposed, and waters in retreat at Chocorua Lake. | Alex Moot

Volunteer Outside in October!

Please join us outside in October for a morning (or afternoon) of raking, clipping, and clearing on public lands in comradery with friends and neighbors. With 800 acres of land to manage, we are extremely grateful for the help of our volunteers to maintain these beloved lakeside spots and wildlife habitats.

Join us next Sunday, Oct. 11, for our final highway cleanup of the year on the stretch of Route 16 that runs alongside Chocorua Lake. Sign up HERE, or keep scrolling to see our full list of fall stewardship days.

A huge thank you to our volunteers who came out yesterday to help keep trails on Mount Chocorua and CLC conservation lands cleared. Trail crews tackled blowdowns and cut back foliage to make trails clearer to follow for future hikers. | Anna Paddock

Seeds for Pollinators

Pollinators help humans in so many ways, and this month, we have a chance to help them!

Drop off seeds for Green Mountain Conservation Group's pollinator field at their office—or bring them to the CLC office and we'll make sure they get there!

On October 22, learn how you can help pollinators at home from CLC Stewardship Director, Debra Marnich, and UNH Cooperative Extension Natural Resources Field Specialist, Wendy Scribner. 

Learn, visit, and volunteer with us

Our educational programs are by donation (suggested $5–$30), kids are free, and all donations count toward your annual giving. Zoom and collaborative programs are free. If you appreciate these programs, please donate to our partner organizations, too.

October

Stewardship Morning at the Island, Tues. Oct. 6, 9–11 AM. The Island, Chocorua Lake. Spread wood chips on heavily used shoreline areas to help prevent erosion. More info and sign up HERE.

Fall Adopt-a-Highway Trash Pickup, Sun. Oct. 11, 8:45–10:30 AM. Meet at the Grove, Chocorua Lake. Clean up trash on this two mile stretch of Route 16 to help keep pollution out of Chocorua Lake. More info and sign up HERE.

View Lot Pollinator Garden Stewardship, Wed. Oct. 14, 9–11 AM. Meet at the Basin View Lot. Help maintain the pollinator garden and stone wall. More info and sign up HERE.

CLC at Tamworth Farmers' Market, Sat. Oct. 17, 9 AM–12 PM. UUFES parking lot. Come learn about CLC and pick up a baseball cap, t-shirt, poster, or fun water bottle sticker.

Stewardship Afternoon at Moose Meadows, Mon. Oct. 19, 12–2 PM. Moose Meadows, Chocorua. Keep field edges maintained for wildlife habitat. More info and sign up HERE.

Creating Habitat for Native Pollinators (10 AM–12 PM) and Pollinator Habitat Improvement Project Volunteer Work Day (12–2 PM), Thurs. Oct. 22. Green Mountain Conservation Group Blue Heron House, Effingham. Learn how you can make your property more appealing and beneficial to native pollinators like bees, flies, beetles, hummingbirds, and moths. More info and sign up HERE.

LRCC Science Symposium, Fri. Oct. 23, 10 AM–12 PM. Squam Lakes Association, Holderness. Learn about the Lakes Region Conservation Corps AmeriCorps program and how these young folks have been helping the Lakes Region. More info HERE.

Berms & Swales Stewardship, Tues. Oct. 27, 10 AM–12 PM. The Island, Chocorua Lake. Clear out branches and leaves to keep these structures effective at filtering runoff water. More info and sign up HERE.

Visit CLC & Tin Mountain at the Fryeburg Fair

Find the forest in the fair! Tin Mountain Conservation Center, with support from CLC and Green Mountain Conservation Group, has created an awesome display at the Fryeburg Fair, running Oct. 4–11.

Do a scavenger hunt, identify (rubber) scat, explore local apple varities, and check out what's new with CLC! Located in the Natural Resource Center in the southwest side of the fairgrounds.

Thank you, Community Partners!

Amanita, Armillaria, and Coriolus abound

NRCS Opportunities for Easement Landowners

Do you have a conservation easement on your land? You may be eligible for programs to enhance conservation values on your property.

Check out this free, 1 hour webinar from the Natural Resources Conservation Service taking place on Oct. 13, 3:30–4:30 PM to learn more. Sign up for the webinar.

Who's wearing away that tree?

No, it's not a new species of giant beaver!

These marks are made by black bears—did you get it right?

Black bears mark their scent by rubbing their head, neck, and shoulders on trees or poles around their home (like the old utility pole pictured here). They will also claw or bite at the wood. This pole has likely been used by multiple bears over many years, hence the dramatic signs of wear.

The soft and sweet colors of sunset 0n Chocorua Lake

Wishing you a restful and reflective fall.

CLC STAFF

Alex Moot, Executive Director
Debra Marnich, Stewardship Director

Scoop Welch, Engagement Director
Anna Paddock, Communications Director

Olivia Jakabosky, AmeriCorps Member, Land Steward

Harper Walker-West, AmeriCorps Member, Outreach & Access Steward

Troy Emerson, Seasonal Lake Patrol

Sherry Birth, Bookkeeper