Page 15 - MARCH2026

March 2026
NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM
Page 15
Community
HIDDEN BATTLES
continued from page 11
On May 16, the founda- tion will host its annual “22 for the 22” walk, run, and ruck, a remembrance and awareness event honoring the estimated 22 veterans lost to suicide each day.
Last year’s event demon- strated the growing community support behind the mission. A total of 104 participants, ages 11 to 77, took part in the ruck march through Hebron and Bristol. Many participants were joined by four-legged compan- ions, underscoring the welcom- ing and inclusive spirit of the gathering.
The Hidden Battles Foun- dation was blown away and expressed deep appreciation for
both volunteers and participants. “Thank you to all the volun- teers who made this event possi- ble, and to everyone who walked any distance,” the group shared. “You made a difference and
helped raise awareness.”
As summer approaches, the
organization is inviting families and supporters to participate in another popular gathering.
SAVE THE DATE: On July 18, Hidden Battles Foundation will hold its Annual Family Kay- aking Adventure on Newfound Lake in Bristol. The event offers a relaxed opportunity for partic- ipants to connect, enjoy the out- doors, and build community in a supportive setting.
Organizers say these gather- ings reflect the heart of the foun- dation’s mission: remembrance,
resilience, and standing together. Hidden Battles Foundation continues to create hands-on opportunities for veterans, first responders, and their supporters to connect. Hikes, workshops, creative programs, and sea- sonal events give people practi- cal ways to cope with stress and mental health challenges while sharing experiences and build- ing community. Participants can ruck through the woods, join a comedy class, tune in to the radio station, or paddle on Newfound Lake. Everyone, no matter their experience level, fitness, or background, can show up, be themselves, and feel part of a supportive group that takes
mental health seriously, but of course, while having fun along the way.
NLRA to Host Watershed Workshop
On Monday, March 9, the Newfound Lake Region Asso- ciation (NLRA) will host the 2026 Newfound Watershed Workshop at 5:30 p.m. at the Grey Rocks Conservation Center (178 North Shore Rd, Hebron). Designed to connect local town board and com- mittee members with prac- tical tools and resources, the workshop supports effective land-use decision-making and is open to the general public.
The evening’s agenda will feature an overview of wa- tershed-wide planning efforts led by NLRA, a recap of our annual State of the Lake pre- sentation, and updates on the recent discovery of spiny water flea in Newfound Lake. At- tendees will also hear updates from local towns on key proj- ects and priorities shaping the watershed. Protecting water quality is central to NLRA’s mission. Stormwater runoff remains one of the most sig- nificant threats to lakes in NH, including Newfound Lake, and much of NLRA’s work
focuses on reducing polluted runoff before it reaches the water. Local governments play a critical role in these efforts through land-use regulations such as planning board com- pliance checklists and strat- egies that limit impervious surfaces. The Newfound Lake Watershed Management Plan serves as a long-term blueprint for protecting and improv- ing the watershed’s natural resources. Since its adoption in 2009, the plan has guided collaboration between NLRA and the five major watershed towns: Alexandria, Bridge- water, Bristol, Groton, and Hebron, supporting innova- tive land-use approaches that reduce sediment and nutrient pollution and help keep New- found Lake’s water quality ex- ceptional.
The 2026 Newfound Wa- tershed Workshop is free and open to the public. For more information or to register, visit NewfoundLake.org/events or email info@NewfoundLake. org.
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