Page 19 - AUG2024

August 2024 NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM Page 19 Community
NLRA’s Grey Rocks Conservation Center Secures Clean, Clear Future for Newfound Lake
Newfound Lake is renowned for its clean waters. For more than fifty years, the New- found Lake Region Association (NLRA) has worked to keep it that way. With programs that focus on protecting water quality, stopping invasive aquatic species, and educating all ages about how to care for our natural resources, the NLRA has expanded year after year to meet the needs of the community.
But Newfound faces growing threats. Stormwater pollution washes into waterways and low- ers water quality. Aquatic invasive species threaten lake recreation, impacts water quality, and lowers property values. Toxic cyanobac- teria blooms ravage lakes across the state.
In order to address these challenges, NLRA has launched a special campaign to build a home for local conservation and education efforts. The Grey Rocks Conservation Center will serve the growing needs of the watershed, the community, and NLRA. It will unify the New- found community behind a shared vision of a healthy New- found watershed and promote a culture of environmental aware- ness and stewardship, enhancing conservation works and securing a brighter future for Newfound.
Sited at NLRA’s conserved property in Hebron, the center will also serve the year-round vis- itors that make use of the area’s non motorized boat launch, fish- ing alcoves, and walking trails.
“Grey Rocks Conservation Area is already such a valuable community resource,” says He-
1-603-254-3
nity Development Finance Au- thority. The NLRA is kicking off a community-wide campaign to raise the final $200,000 before the end of summer, with plans to break ground in September.
“This project has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm,” says NLRA Executive Director Rebecca Hanson. There is a clear link between the wellbeing of the community and New- found’s high-quality waters, from recreational opportunities to property values and the health of the economy. I’m inspired every day by the Newfound communi-
ty’s dedication to conservation.” Learn more about the Grey Rocks Conservation Center, how you can get involved, and op- tions for donating to the project at: NewfoundLake.org/building-
for-the-future.
The Newfound Lake Region
Association’s mission is to protect Newfound Lake and its water- shed. The Association – through education, programs, and collab- oration – promotes conservation and preservation of the region’s natural, social, and economic re- sources.
bron resident and campaign supporter Gillian Van Schaick. “The addition of a year-round conservation center will enhance and expand opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with the local environment and get involved in protecting our land and water.”
The conservation center will feature a water quality lab, exploratory activities and in- teractive exhibits, stormwater landscaping, pollinator gardens, energies efficiencies and a solar array, and enhanced site acces- sibility.
“NLRA is a state leader in watershed conservation. A ded- icated, state-of-the-art lab space
will increase our capabilities, en- able us to expand our volunteer force, and position us to handle emerging threats to Newfound Lake,” states NLRA Conserva- tion Program Manager Paul Pel- lissier.
Paired with a dedicated space for community programs and ex- hibits, the Conservation Center will provide a boost in conser- vation capacity and an inviting space to encourage further en- gagement in important conser- vation efforts.
With generous support from across the community this $2.2 million project is 90% funded. This support includes tax credit funding from the NH Commu-
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