A Whole New World, A Whole New Me
Although I have lived in New Hampshire for my entire life, I have never experienced the breathtaking landscape and serene water that Squam Lake and its watershed have to offer. Since beginning my service term with the Squam Lakes Association, I have driven boats, scuba-dived to remove invasive species, set up swim lines for nesting loons and so much more.
This new and exciting world has given me a perspective I did not know I needed. This new world has also facilitated a new person in myself, ready to jump in, take life by the horns, and do things I would not have been comfortable with before. I have always been the type to stay away from things that scare me or might be too hard or take me out of my comfort zone. The new way of living began with scuba diving, a scary but exciting new adventure. Before arriving in Holderness, I made a promise to myself to do the uncomfortable things, to do things even though I might be scared or don’t know what to do. Scuba diving fit all of these descriptions and I was terrified to complete my certification dives in Lake Winnipesaukee. However, something amazing happens when you plunge into a lake and descend to its depths. Even though you were extremely uncomfortable moments ago, even though you have to constantly keep breathing through a regulator, and even though you’re struggling to see because the person next to you kicked up so much silt you can barely see your hand, the world around you becomes peaceful. The fear of being deep in a lake, the worrying about breathing correctly, the hope that the water isn’t too cold, the claustrophobic feeling of putting on a diving hood, all fade away and make way for awe and amazement at the world that has just opened up before you. This is something I have discovered in both scuba diving and in life, especially since joining AmeriCorps and The Squam Lakes Association. Fear, worry, and uncomfortable are just barriers to the most exciting things in life.
Another aspect of LRCC service that was entirely new to me was camping. While many people who live in New Hampshire and enjoy Squam Lake have enjoyed camping for much of their lives, it is an entirely new experience to me. However, it was one that I enjoyed immensely and gave me a better sense of why this lake is so beloved. Serving as a camping caretaker allowed me to wake up on Moon Island to the beauty of Squam Lake every morning. I was able to prepare for my day, pack up supplies on one of our boats granddaddy, say hello to fellow campers and their dogs, and venture out for the day. While I am sure it was a tough time paddling out to Moon or Bowman island for many of the campers you wouldn’t know. I had many good interactions with our campers whether helping me dock the boat, having a pleasant conversation about the campsites or the fish they caught that day, to even offering me food from their dinner that night. Camp caretaker is a tough role to beat and the location of Squam Lake makes it all the better.
While Scuba diving and camping are just a few of the things I do here at the SLA they are some of the most meaningful because they are direct conservation and public interaction that actively make a difference in the lives of people who use Squam Lake and the health of Squam Lake as a whole. I can now say that I have a renewed sense of respect and excitement for the world of conservation. I think it is typically something that most people hear about but don’t understand. I have now lived and worked in the world of conservation and I am excited to see where I can take my newfound passion and skills. For now, I will continue my work here testing water, launching boats, helping campers, and of course pulling milfoil at the bottom of the lake.
Jon is a half-term member serving at the Squam Lakes Association. His favorite sweet treat is anything with pretzels and chocolate! Learn more about Jon here.