A Flash of the Beacon

Volume X III ~ April 2019

Lake Sunapee Protective Association

A Flash Of The Beacon

Welcome to A Flash of the Beacon!

A quick look at what's happening

here in the harbor,

what's going on outside in nature,

and highlights from last month.

Outside Observations ~

The Spring Equinox has come and gone, and we can now be witnesses to the true emergence of the spring season. Certainly, with mud season now at its finest, we are beginning to see hints that spring is actually unfolding. This time of year is so very unique because everything seems to stir and come awake. Lakes thaw, leaves bud, frost heaves melt, animals of fur or feather begin looking for, or cleaning out, dens or nests. The return of many songbirds can be observed over the next few weeks and as you listen you will hear some of them change from their winter calls to their spring songs, which become much more animated and vocal. When the ground warms to above 40 ° and you are near any wet lands or ponds the sound of spring peepers will fill the air with their incessant calling out to one another. Vernal pools will become a center of activity for salamanders and frogs plus their predators who are looking for a quick amphibious meal. The smell of spring is in the air, and that stirring of air is hopefully moving in the warmer temperatures. April is a wonderful time to get outside and see the myriad of changes that each new spring day brings.

To read more about what’s going during this time of year check out https://northernwoodlands.org

Harbor Happenings ~

Area Lake Meeting

Thursday, April 4

3:00 – 5:00pm

On April 4, LSPA is hosting a meeting with representatives from area lakes and ponds to discuss current issues and share ideas. The agenda includes updates on watershed management plans, cyanobacteria, aquatic invasive species, dock de-icers, road salt and septic systems. Stay tuned for the next “Flash of the Beacon” for a summary of the meeting. It has been a few years since we have hosted this type of event and we are looking forward to a great discussion. After all, “it’s all about the water!”

Sutton Free Library Story Hour

Wednesday, April 24th at 10:00 am

This month the LSPA education team will be at the Sutton Free Library during the April vacation week. Their program, geared for elementary school age children, will be about the emergence of regional animals from their winter dormancy and hibernation and their spring behavior and habitats. Come and join the fun!

National Drug Take-Back Day

On Saturday, April 27, 2019 , the Town of Sunapee will once again be participating in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back campaign, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s nationwide effort to take back prescription drugs. The Take-Back campaign, which began in 2010, provides a safe way for people to dispose of their unwanted prescription drugs.

An officer will be available at the Sunapee Safety Services Building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m . to collect your expired or unwanted prescription drugs.

NOTE: If you cannot bring your unwanted medications on April 27 ^th , the Sunapee Police Department has a Medication Drop Box in the lobby of the Safety Services Building which is available for use Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

"There are a variety of ways that drugs get into the environment. One of the most significant is when unused medications are disposed of down the drain or toilet. Wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to remove these chemicals from sewage; they are eventually released into the marine environment when treated wastewater is discharged into nearby waterways. Throwing drugs in the trash, even in an unusable form is also a problem because water in landfills is treated through the wastewater system and eventually released into local waterways." (Clean Water Action)

https://www.cleanwateraction.org/features/keeping-drugs-out-our-waterways-safe-drug-disposal-program

Please help stop unused medications from getting into our water resources.

Vernal Pool Walk at The Fells ~

A Family Event!

Sunday, April 28th at 1:00 pm

Come join us to explore the vernal pools at The Fells . Learn about the life cycle of our amphibian friends and the variety of frogs and salamanders that live in our area. Please come dressed and prepared for a wet outdoor adventure.

"Out and About" PreSchool Program!

Join us on Tuesday mornings

in April on the 2nd, 9th, 16th in Sunapee Harbor and on the 30th at The Fells at 10:00 am .

"Out and About" is a weekly educational program designed for pre-school age children and their caregivers, with exploration at two different locations every month. Come to one session or all - each month's programs are organized around an ecological theme and each one is unique. All programs are filled with hands on learning through sensory experiences, guided exploration, creative play, art, and music. Come join the fun! See our spring calendar here . There is no program on the 23rd of April.

Outreach and Educational Moments ~

*This month the LSPA education team will be working in the Newport Richards School teaching about human impact on the environment.

They will also be participating in Science Night at both the Sunapee and Richards Schools.

*LSPA staff are finalizing summer schedules and Lake Host hiring are under way.

*Staff will attend a Stormwater Construction Workshop at UNH and an Environmental Education Conference this April.

Highlights ~

Cyano Summit at LSPA

On March 6 ^th and 7 ^th , LSPA hosted several scientists from the US and Europe for a discussion of cyanobacteria blooms, their related issues, plus the biology and potential management of the blooms. The gathering involved working sessions on sharing current ecological knowledge and what the next steps might be.