Volume L XV ~ August 2023 | |
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Lake Sunapee Protective Association
Devoted to the Environmental Quality of the Lake Sunapee Watershed
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A Flash Of The Beacon
Welcome to A Flash of the Beacon!
A quick look at what's happening
at the Center for Lake Studies,
highlights of current news and events,
plus what's going on outside in nature.
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The final weeks of summer are before us! We are offering wonderful events and activities during August and our doors are open here at the Center for Lake Studies. Come in and explore our exhibits and discover the dynamic role our Lake Sunapee Watershed plays in keeping area lakes and ponds healthy habitats for all. Join us in our mission to enhance and preserve this beautiful environment. You can support the Lake Sunapee Watershed by becoming a member and protect the wonder and nature of this incredible region. Be part of what it takes to preserve this watershed for the future generations to come!
Click here to become a member.
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Last week LSPA was alerted that curly-leaf pondweed, an invasive species, was found in Baptist Pond, which is in the Lake Sunapee Watershed. This is a good reminder to everyone about the importance of the "Clean, Drain & Dry" method to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. We are not sure how it entered Baptist Pond, especially since there isn't a public launch, but that just shows it can happen anywhere.
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Please keep an eye out for this plant when you are on the water and take a picture if you see anything suspicious. We are working with NHDES, along with folks on Baptist Pond and Otter Pond (both ponds are upstream from Lake Sunapee) to address the situation and prevent it from spreading further.
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Little Lake Sunapee Cyanobacteria ALERT ~
A cyanobacteria ALERT has been issued for Little Lake Sunapee, New London. From NHDES, "Cyanobacteria activity was first observed on July 29th, appearing as thick green clouds of material accumulating along shorelines. The image attached was taken on the 29th. A sample was taken later in the afternoon after the bloom had started to dissipate. The bloom has continued to dissipate since then. The water looks clear as of July 31st. The sample collected July 29th and reviewed on July 31st had cyanobacteria (Dolichospermum and Woronichinia) in concentrations up to 22,334 cells/mL. This is below the advisory level (70,000 cells/mL). The Alert will remain active for a week unless further reports of cyanobacteria are received. NHDES will resample if worsening conditions are reported. NHDES urges lake users to perform visual assessments of the water prior to recreating. Stay out of the water and keep pets out if you can see any visual accumulation or coloration of the water and report it. More information will be forthcoming if conditions change, and an official advisory is issued."
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Secchi Disk Readings for Clarity
and Recent Rain Events~
The Secchi Disk is a critical tool LSPA and volunteers use to measure water clarity. Lab manager, Teriko MacConnell and LSPA interns paid special attention to these measurements after these last few weeks of intense rain. One volunteer in Georges Mills, who has been taking readings in the same spot for years, measured 9.5m in June and 1.5m during the peak of the storms. A recent measurement there, showing improvement, read 2.5m. Below are graphs of the recent data illustrating the impact storms have had on lake clarity.
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Storm events wash sediment, nutrients, pollutants from land to water affecting water clarity (as measured by Secchi readings) | |
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LSPA's Annual Meeting Celebrating 125 Years!
Saturday, July 15th members of LSPA gathered to commemorate the legacy of LSPA's 125 years of caring for our waters. Members were awarded and recognized for exceptional service and dedication in supporting LSPA and its mission. President Betsy Lyons presided, recognizing staff, members and board members for their years of outstanding contributions. Executive Director Elizabeth Harper shared LSPA's history with the challenges facing us then and now, plus outlining the strategies needed to achieve LSPA's mission and vision.
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The 2023 Rolf Eliassen Award was presented to Kirk Bishop, Dave Beardsley, Stu Greer. | |
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A celebratory event, enjoyed by all!
Thank you to the 125 Committee for all their hard work.
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Monday, August 7, 2023
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
M.V. MT. Sunapee
Join Kathleen Stowell, LSPA Education Director and Nancy Heckel, LSPA Environmental Educator aboard the M.V. MT. Sunapee II, Sunapee Harbor.
Take a cruise on “Wild Goose Waters” while enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Sunapee. Learn about the lake’s origins and the plants and animals that now call the watershed home. Specimens and interactive activities will enhance your experience. This program is designed for adults and families with older children.
Boarding time is 3:45 pm.
Program fee: $30 for adults, $15 under 18. Click here to purchase tickets.
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Sunday, August 13, 2023
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
LSPA Center for Lake Studies
Come and celebrate "Love Your Lake Day" with LSPA at The Center for Lake Studies. There will be exciting exhibits, face painting, games, crafts for kids, and a live animal presentation. Join us as we celebrate our love and appreciation for all the incredible gifts Lake Sunapee shares with us all year long.
Antique Boat Parade, approximately 1:00 PM in Sunapee Harbor. Antique Boats will be on display in Sunapee Harbor throughout the morning, followed by the parade route starting in Gardner Bay. They will head south past Dewey Beach, enter Sunapee Harbor, then travel along the shoreline toward Birch Point, passing Fishers Bay and Oakledge, the State Beach and ending in Newbury Harbor.
Boat owners registration Click here.
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Full Moon Cruise on Lake Sunapee! September 27th! | | |
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It's that time of year again!
Time to get ready for
our annual full moon cruise!
Save the date and
prepare for a night under
the light of the moon!
Boarding time is 6:45 pm.
Purchase Tickets Here.
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Tuesday's Nature Exploration Story Hour
August 1st and 8th at 10:00 AM
Come join LSPA environmental educators for nature themed activities on the first two Tuesday mornings in August at LSPA’s Center for Lake Studies. The two Tuesdays will offer a different theme and include a story, activities, a craft, and exploration. These programs are designed for young children and their caregivers. They are free and open to all! We look forward to welcoming you in the Discovery Room, a room full of fun ways to investigate the out of doors. On August 8th we will explore a wide variety of fascinating fish that live in our local lakes and ponds. We look forward to seeing you! If you can't make it, we look forward to seeing you in September when Nature Exploration Story Hour resumes its regular schedule!
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LSPA Educators ~
LSPA educators have enjoyed working with area libraries this summer complementing their summer reading theme, All Together Now. LSPA's focus was on how water connects all living things. Creating food webs, examining properties of water and investigating critical habitats are a few of the various topics explored. Fun has been had with our preschool programs as the little ones explored feathered friends, flashy fireflies, and forests. Education Director, Kathleen Stowell spent a day at The Fells with the Nature Explorers Camp investigating and exploring aquatic macroinvertebrates and NH aquatic mammals. The LSPA educators had the privilege of working with NH Fish and Game educators, Kayla Croteau and Lindsay Webb, and hosting the Watershed Ecology Institute here at the Center for Lake Studies for three days. Presenters from various state agencies and non-profits provided electro fishing, tree planting and erosion demonstrations, plus ArcGIS mapping instruction, with the focus on training educators to use ArcGIS to study their local aquatic ecosystems.
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Executive Director Elizabeth Harper and her daughter Iris shared their baby ducklings during LSPA's Tuesday morning story hour about "feathered friends."
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Loon News ~
On July 21, LSPA Water Steward Susie Burbidge joined Sunapee Loon Committee Chair Kristen Begor and Loon Committee member Dave Beardsley, along with LPC field biologist Dylan Ricker, for a loon survey on Lake Sunapee. Numerous loons were observed that day! The chick in the northern end of the lake is almost 7 weeks old and is getting big. The adults may leave it alone on occasion, but don't worry, they are still keeping an eye on it even from a distance. Please continue to give them plenty of space so they can resume caring for themselves and their chick. Unfortunately, the other two nests that we mentioned in the June Flash were abandoned and the eggs were collected and will go to the Loon Preservation Committee (LPC).
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The picture here shows an abandoned egg on one of the nest rafts. Loon eggs are quite large, as compared to chicken eggs, which is probably why the female only produces two! During the survey last month we confirmed the bands on the loon pair in Burkehaven. This pair has been together since at least 2019 when the male was banded (the bands on their legs help us identify individuals and track site & mate fidelity). The female was previously banded in 2016 and has occupied that territory since then. We are still trying to determine if the former Georges Mills male is on the lake this summer. He was banded in 2016 when he was part of the Burkehaven pair, but was then kicked out and moved to the northern end of the lake until he was kicked out of his territory last summer. Loon drama is a real thing!
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We'll be sure to provide additional updates next month! Oh, did you know LSPA has a collection bin for old lead fishing tackle? Drop off your old sinkers and jigs and pick up a non-lead alternative while you are there. You can also participate in the Lead Tackle Buyback program. See here for more information. It's a win-win for our loons!
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Watershed Wise!
For the Sake of the Lake,
Minimize Your Wake!
Thank you to everyone who committed to our Emergency No Wake Pledge!
We are happy to report that Lake Sunapee has returned to levels that are acceptable for normal boating activities. Please remember that wakes erode shorelines even at normal water levels. Regulations that are always in effect require boats to travel at headway speed within 150 feet of any other boat, shoreline or fixed object. We ask responsible boaters to always double that and observe a 300 foot distance from shorelines to reduce erosion and protect water quality. Activities that create large wakes should be restricted to the middle of the lake.
For more information check out LSPA's High Water page.
Below is the NHDES High Water graph of Lake Sunapee.
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Healthy Swimming ~
With the high water and all of the rain lately, have you been wondering if it's safe to swim in a lake? Here's a link to the Healthy Swimming Mapper from NHDES.
"NHDES and NH Department of Health and Human Services are advising residents and visitors to New Hampshire to be aware of the risks that remain after heavy rainfall and the swelling rivers and lakes, even when the skies clear and the sun comes out. Be prepared for elevated levels of bacteria and cyanobacteria, large amounts of debris, and damage to drinking water wells and septic systems."
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Be Aware of Water Quality Challenges
and Risks After Heavy Rainfall
NHDES reports that "[t]he above average rainfall New Hampshire has experienced this month is causing our lakes and rivers to swell, which creates hazards for our residents and visitors. Naturally, once the rain stops and blue skies return, people will want to recreate in the water, but be aware that the rains bring certain risks that remain even on “blue sky days,” such as elevated levels of bacteria, including cyanobacteria, large amounts of debris, and swift currents."
Read more.
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Septic Concerns ~
Weeks of heavy rains have saturated soils and are causing some septic systems to fail. If you suspect that your septic system isn't functioning properly, please contact your septic company for an evaluation.
You can find more information about septic systems, including a list of local septic system professionals on our website at this link.
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Wetlands are key during major rain events ~
Be grateful for our wetlands! The past few weeks of heavy rains, caused high water levels and flooding throughout the region, but areas with wetlands fared much better. Wetlands are often seen as unproductive areas that should be drained and built on, but it is important to know that they serve many useful purposes. Wetlands reduce flooding, acting as natural sponges on the landscape, with the capacity to hold and store huge volumes of water, reducing flooding of nearby properties. Our recent heavy rains may seem unusual, but they are not unexpected. More frequent intense storms have long been predicted by climate scientists. Part of our plan to adapt to these changing conditions must include protecting wetlands.
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Buoy Update ~
Dr. Kak Weathers, Senior Scientist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, and Dr. Cayelan C. Carey, Professor of Freshwater Ecosystem Science at Virginia Tech spent an evening testing and evaluating sensors and instruments on the LSPA buoy. The buoy gathers year round water quality and meteorological data that are used by lake scientists around the world. With financial support from generous donors, LSPA will be making major upgrades to the water quality buoy during the fall and winter of 2023, further enhancing our ability to participate in global science, including our important partnerships with Dr. Kathleen Weathers, Dr. Cayelan Carey, and the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON).
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Dartmouth Catabot and Drone Project ~
The Dartmouth Catabots, autonomous surface vehicles designed for environmental monitoring, have been out and about on Lake Sunapee. A large team of researchers led by Alberto Quattrini Li, assistant professor in the Dartmouth Computer Science department and co-director of the Reality and Robotics Lab, and Kathy Cottingham, Professor of Ecology, Evolution, Environment and Society, have been collecting data from Lake Sunapee with these aquatic robotics over the last several years.
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The Cottingham Lab at Dartmouth tackles ecological research questions, and with this project they are trying to “unravel the drivers of where, when and how cyanobacterial blooms develop and spread by combining robotics and big data technologies with traditional limnological sampling.” Li writes that, “The long-term goal is to design ubiquitous collaborative multirobot systems operating in real world environments to enable applications, such as environmental monitoring and mapping.” LSPA interns have been helping out, getting their feet wet in the world of environmental technology. Pictured below are Alberto and Kathy out on the LSPA boat collecting samples, Alberto using a drone to control the catabots and intern Isabella Knazik working on one of the catabots.
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Little Lake Sunapee Association ~
LSPA interns have been assisting Little Lake Sunapee Protective Association (LLSPA) by helping with their social media pages, newsletter, aquatic plant mapping, culvert mapping, and water quality sampling.
Pictured here with the interns are Deb Hoover, LLSPA president, and Mike Morgan, LLSPA member coordinating the work with the interns.
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Lighthouse Repairs ~
You may have noticed the ominous tilt of the Herrick Cove Lighthouse in recent years. Over the past year, LSPA has been working with Duncan Mellor, Principal Coastal Engineer for Civilworks New England, to develop plans to rebuild the cribs of the Herrick Cove and Burkehaven Lighthouses so that these iconic structures will have a solid foundation long into the future. The existing wooden cribs supporting the lighthouses have been damaged over the years as ice breaks up in the spring. LSPA funded initial repairs in December of 2022 to ensure that the structures would survive the winter, and we have now developed plans to replace the cribs with a steel supported structure designed to withstand the test of time. We are currently in the process of applying for permits, finalizing construction plans and seeking bids from contractors. For updates on the progress of this project, please visit www.lakesunapee.org/lighthouses.
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The Ellie Goddard Pollinator Garden ~
Ellie Goddard was a Master Gardener who shared her knowledge and love of gardening with a smile. LSPA is collaborating with the Sunapee Gardeners to honor Ellie’s memory with the creation of a new pollinator garden at the Center for Lake Studies. This special project will be an ongoing educational demonstration dedicated in her memory. It will include native plants that are beneficial to a wide range of wildlife, especially pollinators. We hope you will visit the garden and follow our updates as the project develops. If you would like to make a memorial contribution to the garden, LSPA will be collecting tax deductible donations. You can donate online at www.lakesunapee.org or send a check with “Ellie’s Garden” in the memo.
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August will show off its splendor with glorious displays of colorful wildflowers, fabulous full moons on both the 1st and 30th, and the meteors that will shower us with amazing light shows during the new moon of the second week. These incredible meteors are called the Perseids because the point from which they appear lies in the constellation Perseus. The Perseids are prolific and are associated with the comet Swift-Tuttle and, being one of the best, they do not disappoint! August 1st marks the midpoint between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox.
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One interesting tell-tale of August and the heat are the sounds which become accentuated as the birds become quieter, the crickets noisier and the katydids begin to sing. If you want to know the temperature within a few degrees F, listen for a cricket’s “throb” then count the number of "throbs" in 13 seconds and add 40. Some birds, like the nighthawk, begin migration in late August. Last to arrive in the spring, flocks of these state-endangered birds are one of the first to leave for points south – very far south, for most of these birds spend the winter in South America.
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You can find bright orange jewelweed blooming now and until the first frost. This plant can be found along wetlands and in other places with damp soil. One of the fun aspects of jewelweeds (also called touch-me-not) is that when their seed pods ripen, the slightest touch will explode the pod and send their tiny green seeds flying everywhere, like mini green firecrackers. The U.S. Forest Service explains that, “Jewelweed has a long history of use in Native American medicine. When applied topically, sap from the stem and leaves is said to relieve itching and pain from a variety of ailments, including hives, poison ivy, stinging nettle, and other skin sores and irritations.”
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So, get outside enjoy those cool summer breezes and take a moment to marvel at the amazing variety of fungi that, because of the significant amount of rain we've had, have popped up everywhere! To learn a little bit more on a few local varieties check out two posts by NH Garden Solutions about Summer Fungi '23 and Summer Fungi '21.
Enjoy all the beauty of these final days of summer and be sure to wish on every shooting star you see!
To read more about what’s going on during this time of year check out:
https://northernwoodlands.org
Naturally Curious with Mary Holland
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LSPA Merchandise ~
LSPA has some beautiful new merchandise along with some classics items in stock. Come in and see the lovely coaster sets of Lake Sunapee's lighthouses. Gorgeous prints of the lighthouses by artist, Lizi Boyd, are available as well.
Our store has warm fleeces, shirts, hats, and other fun items, like trivia cards, that help support LSPA! Come on in and check them out! Click below to check out the LSPA Store.
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LSPA's Summer Discoveries page has an abundance of resources for adults to explore the local area during these beautiful summer days. Following LSPA's theme of "discovery, learning, and research" you'll find this page shares information not only on what and where to explore safely, but wildlife links, webinars, courses and much more!
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Resources ~
Check out LSPA's Resource Page for ideas, articles, things to do, and other resource information!
This month LSPA Kid's Ecology Corner page highlights a wide variety of activities. Find out about what to plant and wonderful wildflowers, plus, what birds are singing and what many animals are doing during these active summer months. Facts about frogs, bugs, and gardening are also shared. Summer is a wonderful time to explore the outdoors!
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Read, Listen and Participate in Local Ecology ~ | |
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Mission Monarch: Count the Caterpillars ~
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
9:30 - 11:00 am
Eco Ag Center, Sullivan County Complex
Unity, NH
Join Sullivan County educators for a program about monarch life cycles as part of the 2023 International Monarch Monitoring Blitz. During this event you will actively search milkweed plants for monarch eggs, caterpillars and adults. Observations will be recorded on data sheets and uploaded into the Mission Monarch database. All equipment will be provided. This is a great activity for families. This program will stay in the SCCD Community Garden for the most part. If you want to search in the hayfield, it is suggested you wear long pants. Feel free to bring water and some snacks or even bring your lunch and have a picnic afterwards if you like.
Please register for this program with Dawn Dextraze, ddextraze@sullivancountynh.gov; 603.504.1004.
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NH LAKES Webinar:
Weird and Wacky –
New Hampshire’s Lakes
and the Summer of 2023
Wednesday, August 9, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
It’s been a summer of strange weather, record-breaking public health advisories, and curious sightings in and on our lakes. Join us for this webinar which will highlight what we’ve been seeing and explain why. We’ll kick off by discussing the dangerously high lake levels and increasing toxic cyanobacteria blooms. Then we’ll talk about some interesting natural phenomena you may have encountered at your lake this summer—lake foam, Bryozoans, freshwater jellyfish, and more! Bring your questions about curious things you’ve seen out on the lake.
Presented by Andrea LaMoreaux, NH LAKES President and Policy Advocate
Register Here.
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NH LAKES ~ News
New research from Dartmouth shows increase in extreme precipitation in the Northeast by the end of the century
Climate change is driving an increase in extreme precipitation across the Northeast, according to a new study from Dartmouth. The research shows events that bring 1.5 inches or more of heavy rainfall or melted snowfall in one day are expected to increase 52% by the end of the century. Read more here.
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What the Monadnock Region flood mayhem signals
about the future of rain in NH
An April 2022 Climate Central analysis found that climate change is “supercharging the water cycle,” leading to heavier rainfall extremes in many parts of the U.S. Ninety percent of the 150 U.S. locations analyzed now experience more average rainfall per hour than in 1970, according to the report. Read more here.
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Climate change is making cyanobacteria worse. Here's what you can do to prevent it.
While more people set foot into New Hampshire’s lakes and ponds, local environmental advocates are trying to find ways to mitigate and remove cyanobacterial blooms. That includes making sure people understand how their actions contribute to that growth. Read more here.
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Cool Green Science
Stories of The Nature Conservancy
6 Great Reads on Birding, Fishing, Parks + More
Still need a good summer read?
"This installment of book reviews features some interesting, and some might say extreme, versions of quests. There are new takes on the “big year” popularized by birders, a trek across the entire length of the Central African forest and new ways of seeing national parks."
Click here for more information.
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Harris Center Reads: Water
Harris Center Reads — a monthly, curated list of good reads for curious naturalists of all ages! In August, when many of us are swimming, fishing, paddling, or simply relaxing at our region’s many lakes, ponds, and rivers, we offer suggestions for books about water. Whether you’re thinking about exploring a new-to-you wetland or wondering how to grill your salmon, kick back with a cold drink of water and enjoy one of these staff favorites.
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Do you have any spectacular photos of Lake Sunapee’s watershed to share with our readers? Send them along to Nancy via her email - nancy@lakesunapee.org
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Lake Sunapee Protective Association
Center for Lake Studies
63 Main Street
Sunapee, NH 03782
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