Welcome to the Newfound Connection
Each edition of the Newfound Lake Region Association newsletter features events, news, trivia, and the people of the watershed—everything a Newfounder needs to know!
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Ice and a Healthy Ecosystem
Along with providing recreational opportunities spanning from ice fishing to snowmobiling, ice cover is an important part of a healthy Newfound Lake ecosystem. Ice cover:
- Buffers shorelines from winter waves, minimizing winter erosion.
- Decreases the chances of toxic cyanobacteria blooms.
- Protects native species habitat and plant and animal life cycles, especially some fish species, like trout and perch, that are sensitive to temperature.
- Slows the growth of algae and aquatic plants.
When Will we See Ice In?
Ice formation on lakes in winter depends on air temperature, cloud cover, and wind. Data spanning the past 100+ years shows lakes across the northern hemisphere are freezing later and thawing sooner, a key indicator of climate change. This has huge economic and ecological implications. Below are the ice in and out dates for the last three years:
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An aerial view of Newfound Lake from January 17th by Gene Bank shows minimal ice coverage: | |
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Is the Ice Safe Yet?
Ice should never be considered "safe." Always follow ice safety guidelines, and keep in mind that it is illegal for petroleum vehicles to fall through the ice, which can lead to citations and fines of up to $500 per day, on top of the cost of removal. Fuel and other fluid leaks from submerged vehicles pollute the lake, lowering water quality.
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Nature Station: Living in Ice and Snow!
January 18, 1-3pm & January 21, 10am-12pm
Grey Rocks Conservation Area
178 North Shore Rd, Hebron, NH
| How does the world change for local plants and animals in the winter? Join NLRA educators to explore the properties of ice, investigate life under snow, and make a craft to take home! Nature Station is a free, drop-in program for all ages. | | |
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Birding and Animal Sign at Grey Rocks
January 23, 10:30am-12:30pm
Grey Rocks Conservation Area
178 North Shore Rd, Hebron, NH
| Look for birds and animal tracks at Grey Rocks! Participants will explore the trails at Grey Rocks as they learn about winter bird ID and how to interpret animal sign with NLRA educators and local birders. This program is free and open to all. | | |
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Watershed in Winter Story Time
January 25, 10:30-11:30am
Minot-Sleeper Library
35 Pleasant St, Bristol, NH
| Join NLRA educators for a story time that looks at what animals are doing while the world around them sits in a deep freeze. Afterward, we’ll make lift-a-flap winter scenes to take home! | | |
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Nature Station: Animal Detective!
February 15, 1-3pm & February 18, 10am-12pm
Grey Rocks Conservation Area
178 North Shore Rd, Hebron, NH
| Explore animal sign at Grey Rocks! Decipher animal tracks, find other evidence of animal activities, and make a craft to take home. Nature Station is a drop-in program with activities designed for all ages. This program is free and open to all. | | |
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The State of the Lake
February 21, 6:30-7:30m
Minot-Sleeper Library
35 Pleasant St, Bristol, NH
| Conservation Program Manager Paul Pellissier and Executive Director Rebecca Hanson will discuss the latest water quality data, results of expanded invasive aquatics monitoring, the watershed planning process, and more. Bring your questions and concerns about watershed health! This program is free and open to all. | |
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Now Accepting Applications:
AmeriCorps Watershed Stewards
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NLRA’s AmeriCorps members serve the community as Watershed Stewards, advancing NLRA’s conservation mission while gaining important skills and experience to further their careers. Watershed Stewards spend an impactful season working with local partners and community members—growing the stewardship of our lake, rivers, forests, and mountains—and leave the program with the confidence to make an impact wherever their conservation journey leads them. | |
Give our programs a boost by donating an item from our wish list. | |
Leave No Trace on Frozen Lakes |
January 2022: Ice In, Carry Out: 'Leave No Trace' While Ice Fishing | Here in New Hampshire, recreating on our lakes doesn't stop when the ice takes over, and neither does our need to protect them from many sources of pollution. Even under several inches to several feet of ice, lakes are susceptible to pollution from natural sources but also from a variety of winter activities that take place on them. | | | |
Other Events Around The Watershed | |
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Free Fishing Day
January 21
Throughout New Hampshire!
Winter in the Woods
January 22, 2-4pm
Slim Baker Foundation
301 New Chester Mountain Rd, Bristol, NH
Presentation: Putin's Secret Army
January 24, 6-7:30pm
Minot-Sleeper Library
35 Pleasant St, Bristol, NH
Take Your Child To the Library Day
February 4, 10am-2pm
Minot-Sleeper Library
35 Pleasant St, Bristol, NH
Parents Night Out
February 18, 5-9pm
Tapply-Thompson Community Center
30 N Main St, Bristol, NH
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The Newfound Lake Region Association is dedicated to protecting Newfound Lake and its watershed. | | | | |
