Summer is here in all her glory! The tadpoles are growing legs, wildflowers paint little rainbows here and there, and the humans of the Newfound Lake Region- local and seasonal- have awoken from their long hibernation to enjoy the beautiful lake. My role as a Watershed Steward with the Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA) has been immensely rewarding thus far as we work together with the community to preserve the health of this beautiful lake and its watershed.
One of the projects I've been involved in is water quality testing on the lake and throughout the watershed. Contributing to one of the longest-running datasets for lake water quality feels incredibly fulfilling. It’s reassuring to know that our efforts provide valuable data that helps protect Newfound Lake. During our testing, I learned about the significant impact of stormwater on lake pollution. Native soils here are rich in phosphorus, which, when carried into the lake by stormwater, fuels the growth of cyanobacteria. These bacteria can bloom excessively, rendering the water toxic for recreational use.
I am starting this program with stormwater as my main focus, and so far we’ve conducted stormwater assessments at various sites around the watershed. This includes everything from small family camps to large, historic summer camps, and even entire condo associations. Given the heavy rains and flooding last season, many residents sought the organization's help with stormwater planning. One of our notable successes was addressing stormwater issues at a local neighborhood beach, preventing erosion and washout. It felt amazing to move rock/sand/soil to emulate how a natural shoreline would handle stormwater while still keeping it a spot where families and friends can gather and enjoy the lake.
The community's involvement has been the highlight of my experience. I've met numerous dedicated individuals who are passionate about keeping Newfound Lake clean. Some are active in local politics, advocating for our programs, while others volunteer their time to assist with water quality testing, weed pulling at Grey Rocks Conservation Area, or serving as "weed watchers" to monitor for invasive aquatic species- which due to the awesome locals, Newfound still has none! (Knock on wood…) (No but really, knock on some wood!) Seeing such a strong community of local stewards in action has been inspiring. This collective effort really drives home the importance of community in conservation work.
Grey Rocks, is a beautiful little conservation site with intentional native pollinator plants sprinkled throughout and quaint trails with some pretty amazing biodiversity. At first glance, one probably wouldn’t suspect that the area used to be a fully operational marina. It is amazing to see nature taking the area back to being a balanced system. Serving there has given me a sense of connection to the land and the people who care for it and has inspired me to understand the history of how land has been used in places that I care most about.
Looking ahead, I feel optimistic about the projects we have planned and am excited to continue to make a difference. My two fellow Watershed Stewards and I have already experienced and learned so much, I’m happy to continue putting our efforts toward protecting the watershed. Whether it's conducting more stormwater assessments, engaging with the community, or continuing our water quality monitoring, each task brings us closer to our goal of protecting Newfound Lake.
As the summer progresses, I look forward to more interactions with the community and witnessing the tangible benefits of our work. Seeing residents and visitors enjoying a clean, safe lake is a rewarding sight that makes all our efforts worthwhile. Here's to a productive and enjoyable summer at Newfound Lake!
Mimi is a half-term member serving at Newfound Lake Region Association as a watershed steward. Catch her overnighting in a hammock or tent this time of year to get as much time outside as possible! Learn more about Mimi here.