Now that the milfoil removal season has ended, we are shifting towards a schedule that is heavy on trail work. I’m sad to see scuba diving days come to an end because they were my favorite days, but I look forward to exploring more of the trails.
Dawe ~ Squam Lakes Association
By the time you’re reading this, the 2019 Squam Ridge Race will have already happened. But at the time of writing this, we are all running around preparing for it. This is my first time experiencing the ridge race, but I’m incredibly excited for it; even with all the hectic preparations. For anyone is scratching their heads wondering what I’m even talking about, the Ridge Race is a race that stretches across several hiking trails in the Squam Lake Watershed. There is both a 12 mile and a 4 mile trail, and people of all ages can participate.
Dani ~ Squam Lakes Association
A little something to know about me: I hate change. Despise is a word that comes to mind. It’s not something I particularly appreciate about myself, but I’ve grown to accept the inevitable. Hard to go very far in life without coming across it here and there, though, you know? Change is inescapable, and being able to roll with it in the face of any fear or anxiety is an important skill (and I’ve got plenty of those, mind you. Fears and anxieties, that is). I think I’ve recognized my distaste for all things new and unknown for awhile now, hence a couple of attempts to force myself to ‘get out there’ and ‘expand my horizons’ in the face of my fears. One of which involved literally seeking horizons on the opposite side of the country, where the sun rises over the ocean instead of sets over it.
Adel ~ Squam Lakes Association
Signs of a good trailwork day: sore legs, dirt under your nails, a new bruise or two to show off, and a satisfying sense of accomplishment. In the winter, trailwork days were my favorite. I was new to the area then, so strapping on a pair of snowshoes and hitting the trails with loppers in hand was the best way to explore our new home while also working up a sweat. As the weather warmed up, and winter gradually shifted into spring and then sweltering summer, the focus of our LRCC duties at the SLA became less about trailwork and individual projects and more about camp caretaking, diving for invasive milfoil, and acting as hosts at our trailheads and boat launches.
Cole ~ Squam Lakes Association
It is September and the months that I had been longing for have come to an abrupt end. Caretaking camping weekends will start being shorter, diving days will be less, and hot days spent by the water will soon be over. All winter I had heard about how awesome summer was from AmeriCorps members who have been here in the warmer months and from members of the public. “The summer is awesome”, “you’re going to love diving” and “the lake is so beautiful”. Holy cow, was everyone right. This summer has flown. It seems like in a blink it has come and gone and while there still a couple weeks left, the fall weather seems to be moving in.
Alex ~ Squam Lakes Association
It’s almost the end of August, and that fact is astonishing to me. The ten-month AmeriCorps term came to an end a couple of days ago on the 25thof August (which incidentally was my birthday), and as a tribute, we recently had a “Celebration of Service” event. The nature of the event was self-explanatory, to celebrate all of the time and effort that we’ve put in as AmeriCorps, and all of the Lakes Region Conservation Corps members and their site managers were invited. Before an afternoon of barbequed foods and games, there was a ceremony held in the great room of the Squam Lakes Association. I was asked to give a small speech about my time here and how the program has benefitted me, and therefore I was doing a lot of reflection on my time here. That day has come and gone, however, and although I no longer have a speech to prepare for, I am still doing a great deal of reflection.
Gloria ~ Lake Winnipesaukee Association
Qiyah ~ Squam Lakes Association
The word caretaker brings to mind someone who gives emotional or physical support to someone, usually a child. In the capacity of the Squam Lakes Association (SLA), being a caretaker means providing this assistance to our three campsite areas: Moon and Bowman islands and Wister point in Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest. Although my fellow AmeriCorps members and I visit these sites throughout the week, the weekends are special as we get to camp out for the entire time. Friday afternoon I was loading up bundles of firewood on the pontoon to be delivered out to the docks by the campsites. Saturday afternoon found me walking through the Chamberlain Reynolds swamp walk drenched in bug spray and sweat, battling the vines threatening to engulf the boardwalk. Sunday afternoon was spent cleaning the composting toilets, securing swim lines at the two beaches, and checking the sturdiness of our many structures. Being the weekend caretaker means covering a wide variety of duties that ensure the function and wellbeing of the area and its many visitors. Out of all these tasks my favorite is usually the last of the day: checking in campers.
Heather ~ Squam Lakes Association
Countless studies have shown that a dose of the great outdoors provides numerous health benefits, such as lower blood pressure and improve mental health, so it’s no wonder why there are so many people wanting to explore and enjoy nature. Some of my most memorable experiences are during hikes. Whether it’s a challenging trail with an arduous scramble or a path that gently winds through the landscape, there is a certain satisfaction and sense of peace after completing a trail that is intoxicating.
Jordin ~ Lakes Region Conservation Trust
77 days. This is how long I have been serving with Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT) as an AmeriCorps Member. Half of my service period is almost over and I have already learned so many new skills. From earning my New Hampshire Boaters License, learning how to assess a protected property, lead participates on a guided hike, and many more. And it’s only been 77 days.