Page 11 - SEPT2024

September 2024 NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM Page 11
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 Newfound 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 cyanobacte- ria blooms ravage lakes across the state.
In order to address these chal- lenges, NLRA has launched a special campaign to build a home for local conservation and edu- cation efforts. The Grey Rocks Conservation Center will serve the growing needs of the water- shed, the community, and NLRA.
It will unify the Newfound com- munity behind a shared vision of a healthy Newfound watershed and promote a culture of environmental awareness
and stewardship, enhancing conservation works and se- curing a brighter future for Newfound.
Sited at NLRA’s con- served property in Hebron,
the center will also serve the year-round visitors that make use of the area’s non motorized boat launch, fishing alcoves, and walk- ing trails.
“Grey Rocks Conservation Area is already such a valuable community resource,” says He- bron resident and campaign sup- porter Gillian Van Schaick. “The addition of a year-round conser- vation 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, ex-
ploratory activities and interactive exhibits, stormwater landscaping, pollinator gardens, energies effi-
ciencies and a solar array, and en- hanced site accessibility.
“NLRA is a state leader in wa- tershed conservation. A dedicated, state-of-the-art lab space will in- crease our capabilities, enable us to expand our volunteer force, and position us to handle emerging threats to Newfound Lake,” states NLRA Conservation Program Manager Paul Pellissier.
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 over 90% funded. This support includes
tax credit funding from the NH Community Development Finance Authority. 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 Newfound’s high-quality waters, from recre- ational opportunities to property values and the health of the econ- omy. I’m inspired every day by the Newfound community’s dedica- tion to conservation.”
Learn more about the Grey Rocks Conservation Center, how you can get involved, and options 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 watershed. The Association – through educa- tion, programs, and collaboration – promotes conservation and pres- ervation of the region’s natural, social, and economic resources.
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Newfound Science Pub Looks at
Loons, Eagles, and Other Birds in
the Watershed
BRIDGEWATER– Join the Newfound Lake Region Associ- ation (NLRA) at the Newfound Lake Inn on Wednesday, Sep- tember 18th at 5pm for New- found Science Pub, an engaging way to connect with experts in science and conservation - over food and drinks. Senior Biologists Chris Martin of NH Audubon and John Cooley of the Loon Preservation Committee, plus au- dience members, will share their perspectives on eagles and loons in the watershed, get an overview of current trends in bird popu- lations in New Hampshire, and explore the challenges in pro- tecting a group of species which are sometimes at odds with each other. Discuss current issues, ask your burning questions, and share your own perspective in a casual, social atmosphere. This event is free; attendees arrive around 5pm to purchase food and drinks, and the conversation begins at 6pm. Registration is required. Register
by visiting NewfoundLake.org/ events or calling 603-744-8689.
Chris Martin is a senior biol- ogist and raptor specialist with NH Audubon and leads the Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, and Peregrine Falcon projects. John Cooley’s work with the Loon Preservation Committee includes loon surveys, ice rescues, and re- search into loon ecology.
The NLRA’s mission is to protect Newfound Lake and its watershed. The Association – through education, programs and collaboration – promotes conser- vation and preservation of the region’s natural, social, and eco- nomic resources. With the vision of a cleaner, clearer Newfound Lake, NLRA is working to im- prove environmental health, ex- pand land conservation, increase community support, and grow watershed stewardship. Learn about employment, volunteer op- portunities, and more ways to get involved at NewfoundLake.org.
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