Volume L XV I ~ September 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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Happy Labor Day Weekend! We had a fabulous summer of celebrating 125 years of LSPA's legacy--caring for the Lake Sunapee Watershed! LSPA hosted wonderful, well attended events and greeted visitors from near and far to our beautiful Center for Lake Studies.
One of the highlights from this summer was our 125th Annual Meeting and celebration where people gathered to commemorate the history of LSPA, the oldest environmental organization in New Hampshire. Historical rainfall and high water levels made this summer unique. We are very grateful to residents and visitors who honored LSPA's "No Wake" pledge during this time to help insure safety and preserve shorelines and docks that were underwater.
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Because of the excess rain over the summer, LSPA staff closely monitored the high water levels, the runoff and water quality of the area lakes, and investigated for any signs of invasive species. (see sections below on water quality and invasives). Over the summer our Lake Hosts conducted close to 4,600 courtesy boat inspections, the Watershed Wise Program completed more property evaluations and helped seven different land owners with issues such as erosion control, sedimentation occurrences, stormwater runoff, and conservation buffers to name a few. Our water quality lab at Colby- Sawyer College (with its fabulous summer interns) tested samples from 25 area lakes. It was an exceptionally busy summer. LSPA is truly grateful to the 125th Committee and all the work and effort that went into making this summer special.
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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. You can support the Lake Sunapee Watershed by becoming a member and protecting 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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Announcing the Midge Eliassen Fellows
for 2024 ~
Dr. Jessica Trout-Haney, Dr. Kati Patonai, and Dylan Wang are the recipients of this year's Midge Eliassen Fellows. This endowed Fellowship is to support scientific research and monitoring that furthers the understanding of Lake Sunapee, and contributes, with data and knowledge of Lake Sunapee, to the broader understanding of freshwater lakes everywhere.
The Fellows will continue their involvement in the Midge Eliassen Fellowship Sunapee Foodweb Project. The Sunapee Foodweb Project will be focused, broadly, on using a modeling approach to describe and explore the Lake Sunapee foodweb. The project this year will include Dr. Kati Patoni’s work to explore modeling of the foodweb based on preliminary data; leading the in-situ sampling efforts to further quantify the foodweb, Dr. Jessica Trout-Haney’s work, which includes cyanoscope sampling; and the research of Dylan Wang through his project to further quantify the Lake Sunapee foodweb.
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A "Thank You!" dinner was held at LSPA's Center for Lake Studies celebrating our incredible volunteers! "The Lake is the one jewel that draws
us all here" said LSPA President Col. W.S.B. Hopkins back in 1898. It is still true today. If you would like to join LSPA, and help preserve the quality of the Lake Sunapee Watershed
Click Here.
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Young Entrepreneur Shares Profits with LSPA ~ | |
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Every effort in supporting the work that LSPA does to protect the Lake Sunapee Watershed is extremely appreciated! The Blue Lemon lemonade stand set up in Fishers Bay by Charlie Markowicz with the help of Camden Brown does just that. For the second year in a row, Charlie has donated profits from his lemonade stand to LSPA. His love for Lake Sunapee, his home away from home, is evident in his joy in sharing his well earned funds with us! Thank you Charlie!
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Full Moon Cruise on Lake Sunapee! September 27th! | |
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All proceeds will support
LSPA educational programming.
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Get ready for a night
under the light of the moon!
Join LSPA for a
Full Moon Cruise!
Wednesday, September 27th
Boarding time is 5:15 pm.
Tickets $30 per person.
Refreshments will be served. Cash bar.
Purchase Tickets Here.
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Tuesday's Nature Exploration Story Hour
10:00 AM
September 12th - Goodbye Summer
September 19th - Monarchs and Migration
September 26th - Who Eats Apples?
Come join LSPA environmental educators for nature themed activities on Tuesday mornings in September at LSPA’s Center for Lake Studies starting on the 12th.
Each Tuesday 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 September 12th we will say goodbye to summer and hello to autumn. We look forward to seeing you!
Nature Exploration Story Hour Schedule
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Tuesday morning story hour with our preschool programs this past month was great fun as the little ones explored the meadow at LSPA’s Center, investigated the various fish that live in our area lakes, and learned how ingenious beavers are in designing their homes. | |
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LSPA Educators ~
Educational summer programs ended in August with a wonder-filled misty cruise around Lake Sunapee. As the boat toured the lake, LSPA Educational Director Kathleen Stowell shared insights about the natural world in and around the Sunapee watershed.
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A special thank you to Sunapee Cruises!
We are especially grateful to them for their willingness to be so very flexible and their readiness to switch boats to accommodate our large group as rain threatened. Despite the weather, the cruise was enjoyed by all!
Thank you Captain Kara Obey for making the trip a wonderful adventure!
| Water Quality in the Lake Sunapee Watershed ~ | |
LSPA staff and volunteers monitor water quality all summer long in all kinds of weather. Pictured here (L to R) are LSPA's intern, Tehya Kloster, Lab Manager, Teriko MacConnell, interns Baley Tremblay, Samantha Donahue, and Isabella Knazik, and Watershed Director, Geoff Lizotte.
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Water quality monitors have seen an improvement in water clarity since the torrential rains earlier this summer. These storms reduced visibility due to the amount of sediment running into the lake.
As we head into September, monitors are keeping an eye out for potential cyanobacteria blooms which are often present in late summer. Lake Sunapee has not had any cyanobacteria blooms to date but observers are now noting the return of Gloeotrichia in the water column as photographed here by Midge Eliassen. We have been very fortunate so far but many other lakes in New Hampshire have not been so lucky. Click here to read a related article from NHPR.
|  | This summer’s high dissolved organic matter (DOM, a heterogeneous mixture derived primarily from the decomposition of plant material, bacteria and algae) index readings are a result of the extreme rainfall events that washed soil and associated pollutants and nutrients from the surrounding landscape to the water. Dissolved organic matter contains nutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen) which can lead to cyanobacteria blooms. | |
After all the torrential rain we've had it is easy to understand how stormwater runoff is the number one concern when it comes to our lakes' water quality. Water moves everything in its path, whether its dirt, gravel, motor oil, fertilizer, plus pollutants of all kinds. Water is an incredibly powerful force! It will move whatever is in its way… both above and below ground. Homeowners hold the key to reducing the amount of runoff that flows into our lakes, ponds and streams. From using Rain Barrels to making Drip Line Trenches or Rain Gardens, or Pervious Walkways there are a host of ways homeowners can support a clean, healthy watershed. Curious about what you can do at home to protect and restore clean water in your local streams and lakes? Check out LSPA’s Watershed Wise Program resources and NHDES Soak Up the Rain.
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Drones and Catabots ~
More drone and catabot research was done last week on Lake Sunapee. Sophia Burke of UNH's SAD (a happy group of Satellite, Airborne, and Drone scientists) used the drone “Simon” to take photos - one photo a second - of the water in Herrick Cove. At same time, Liz Berendsen from the Cottingham Lab at Dartmouth used the catabot - an autonomous surface vehicle designed for environmental monitoring developed by Alberto Quattrini Li and his team - to collect data on water temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and chlorophyll a just below the water surface. The images collected by the drone will be compared to the measurements from the catabot. LSPA's intern Isabella Knazik and Liz followed along behind the catabot, monitoring its activity and taking physical water samples. The catabot has gone out at least twice a week all summer, with interns Tehya and Isabella supporting. The drone has been less frequent, needing clear skies and appropriate satellite patterns to line up.
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This summer LSPA recognized several land owners in the Lake Sunapee Watershed as Watershed Wise Partners. The purpose of the Watershed Wise program is to encourage good land stewardship practices that protect the water quality of streams, lakes and ponds within the Lake Sunapee Watershed.
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LSPA would like to thank William and Betty Stockwell for their efforts to preserve the water quality of Otter Pond and for becoming Watershed Wise Partners. Their use of granite steps and stepping stones on walkways and paths down to the waterfront is a model of how to allow water access while minimizing land disturbance. The healthy tree canopy and intact buffer along their shoreline are great examples of stormwater management - allowing ways to slow down and capture rainfall during storm events. LSPA is grateful to all those who participate and work so hard to keep the streams, ponds and lakes in our watershed a healthy habitat for all.
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Join LSPA in protecting and enhancing this beautiful watershed. LSPA offers free consultations and advice on caring for any erosion and stormwater runoff issues you may have. What takes place on your property can affect groundwater, streams, rivers, ponds and lakes—whether you live along them or are miles from them. Watershed Wise properties support a healthy watershed, recreational opportunities, higher property values, and better habitats for wildlife. Do your part to protect streams, ponds and lakes - Become a Watershed Wise Partner.
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SepticSmart Week 2023!
September 18-22
Each year, EPA holds SepticSmart Week to encourage homeowners and communities to care for and maintain their septic systems. Take some time during this week and consider how your septic system works and what should and should not be put down the drain.
Don’t use your commode as a trash can!
- Limit What Goes Down the Drain
Don’t dispose of grease, food waste, chemicals or paint down the drain and avoid using a garbage disposal. These materials can prevent the system from operating properly.
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Keep field clear of trees & shrubs and avoid driving on it to prevent damage to system.
- Practice Indoor Water Conservation
Fix leaks, install low flow fixtures, use water efficient appliances and spread out daily indoor water use to minimize stress to system.
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. Do your part...
Get Septic Smart!
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Water travels. The very nature of water is to move. You can help keep the Lake Sunapee Watershed healthy by inspecting your septic system, keeping it up to date and inspected. No foul septic sludge should move near or into any lake. A healthy watershed equals a healthy lake. Protect what you love.
| You can find more information about septic systems, including a list of local septic system professionals on our website at this link. | Invasive Aquatic Plant - Curly-leaf Pondweed | |
Curly-leaf pondweed, an aquatic invasive species, was discovered in Baptist Pond in late July. Residents acted quickly to alert NHDES and LSPA and a plan is now in place to address this invasive plant. On the map below, you can see the infested areas both along the shore and out in the middle of the pond.
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The map above, created by Amy Smagula, NHDES, shows areas of curly-leaf pondweed infestations on Baptist Pond. The red dots are patches found on July 31 and the yellow
dots are patches found on August 7. Map courtesy of NHDES.
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A net was installed by NHDES on the upstream side of the culverts to catch any fragments that may drift downstream. Local volunteers will remove any plants or debris from the net and dispose of it properly. Divers have been hired by NHDES to remove plants by hand and they will most likely be needed over the next few years to help control the spread. NHDES will cover these costs for the first year but then they will look to the Baptist Pond Association and the town of Springfield to cost share in future efforts to control the invasive plant.
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It is not known how this invasive plant entered Baptist Pond, which doesn't have a public launch. This is a good reminder to always Clean, Drain & Dry your boat and trailer before moving it to another waterbody. Close monitoring is critical. Please keep an eye out for this plant when you are on any waterbody in the Lake Sunapee Watershed (and beyond). Early detection is key in preventing aquatic invasive species, both plant and animal, from spreading throughout our watershed.
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Click here to learn more about invasive species. If you would like to help prevent invasive species infestations on Lake Sunapee, please consider becoming an Invasive Watch volunteer. If you live on, or visit another lake or pond in the area and want to get involved, we can connect you with the correct person on that waterbody. Just send an email to Susie at susieb@lakesunapee.org. To report an invasive species to DES directly click here.
It takes all of us to protect these precious resources!
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Invasive Watch Group Paddle ~
On August 21st Susie Burbidge, LSPA's Invasive Watch Coordinator, led volunteers on a group paddle in and around Herrick Cove. Exploring and investigating the cove's aquatic vegetation they were able to identify numerous native plants! A great day to be out, they were pleased to only find native plants!
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Closing up for the summer?
Thinking about winter preparations?
Now is the time to check to make sure
your dock de-icer is up to code and working properly.
- Set up your de-icer to form a narrow open water area around your dock (bubbler device works best for this)
- Point a circulator device in a vertical direction rather than at an angle towards the middle of the lake to minimize dangerously thin ice (use a purpose built bracket rather than ropes for easier adjustment - most manufacturers offer them as an accessory)
- Use a thermostat or timer to run the de-icer only when the air temperature drops below freezing
- Run the device for only 2-4 hours a day
Questions?
Click Here to learn more about dock de-icers.
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Winter Snow Seminars ~
LSPA hosted UNH's Technology Transfer Center (UNH T2), "The Winter Road More Traveled - Intro to Winter Road Maintenance for Municipal Officials & Conservation Commissions" at the Center for Lake Studies last week. The workshop presented information on how public works snow and ice-fighting practices are evolving to protect groundwater and waterways, while keeping roads safe through winter's harsh elements. The session was well attended by many local officials and many from across the state. The next session with UNH T2 will be in October. See details below.
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Tuesday, October 10, 2023
8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
LSPA Center for Lake Studies (map)
Prepare your teams & equipment for winter with a full day "Snowfighters' Seminar" with UNH T2 and partners and friends! They’ll review best practices & innovations in winter operations including equipment and anti-icing & de-icing options. and a hands-on equipment calibration. Discussion will include how salt works - and how it doesn't work - brine, liquids, and pre-treat & pre-wet options, as well as determining application rates from awareness of pavement and air temperature, weather forecast, and other variables. They’ll also discuss winter safety, pre-season and pre and post-trip inspection, as well as driver wellness and defensive & safe driving.
Snowfighters' Seminar is an approved NHDES Green SnowPro Salt Applicator Certification Initial Training.
Course fee: Municipal- $60; Private- $200.
Click here for more information and to register.
Make sure to select the session at LSPA in Sunapee.
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Loon News ~
The loon chick that hatched on Lake Sunapee earlier this summer is doing well and is now about 2.5 months old! Their plumage changes a lot during the first 12 weeks of their life until they are officially fledged, or able to fly. Click here to learn more about loon chick development from our partners at Loon Preservation Committee (LPC).
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LSPA hosted a potluck event for LPC volunteers who monitor loons on lakes and ponds in the Sunapee region. Following the dinner, LPC Senior Biologist/Executive Director Harry Vogel gave a preliminary summary of how the loons fared this summer.
"New Hampshire’s loons had a challenging year in 2023. Record rainfall in July (we saw more flash flood advisories in the month of July than in any previous *year* in New Hampshire) flooded many loon nests, with the result that the number of loon chicks hatched and the number of chicks surviving at this point of the season were both markedly down from the record levels set in 2022. This was despite a record number of loon nesting rafts floated by Loon Preservation Committee staff and volunteers. We expect loons to be increasingly challenged by higher temperatures, rainfall, and more frequent and intense storm events predicted in climate change models. We will continue our research on these and other threats to loons and apply the results of that research to management and outreach to help loons continue their recovery in New Hampshire."
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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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Great fun was had at Love Your Lake Day! The event provided visitors with opportunities to explore LSPA's exhibits, new displays, and the Discovery Room. Crafts, face painting, live animals, and a plethora of information about the Lake Sunapee Watershed was available. Ongoing research and water quality tools were shared along with news about what steps can be taken to help keep the Sunapee Watershed healthy. The fabulous day culminated with the Antique Boat Parade, a celebration of boat history in the harbor.
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Saying Goodbye to our 2024 Interns ~
Summer 2024 has come to a close and we have said goodbye to three of our four fabulous interns. Isabella heads back to RPI to continue her studies in environmental science and sustainability studies, with a concentration in chemistry. Samantha will be putting her lab skills to work at ChemServe in Milford, NH - a full-service environmental testing company. Baley, a junior environmental science major, will continue to work at the lab. Teyha will stay on for a few more months as LSPA's Water Quality Assistant - splitting her time between CSC's lab and LSPA's Center for Lake Studies.
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September offers to the observing eye the first signs of seasonal change. This month look for colorful wildflowers such as blazing star, goldenrod, jewelweed, purple and blue asters along the roadside and open fields. It is a wonderful time to enjoy gardens! Many are still producing a bounty of vegetables and fruits. This is also a great time of year to begin planning on where the bulk of leaves will go when they are all off the trees. Just a gentle reminder that dumping leaves into the lake is detrimental to the lake's health. As leaves decompose they use up precious oxygen that some aquatic organisms rely on! Keep the lake healthy by composting or having your leaves taken to a town compost site.
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Japanese Knotweed (pictured here) is an aggressive invasive plant that is quickly spreading throughout the watershed. It has the potential to seriously impact the natural habitats along shorelines. September is when Japanese knotweed is easy to identify since it is flowering. Pollinators do use the flowers for food so make plans for removing it in late fall or early spring. The New London Conservation Commission and the NH Department of Agriculture have guides and fact sheets that include how to address this aggressive weed without using chemicals or any broad-spectrum glyphosate-based herbicide which can find its way into water systems.
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Look for September’s full Harvest Moon to appear just after sunset on Thursday, September 28. As you look to the skies note all the birds beginning to flock together. After nesting season is over, migratory birds can wander widely as they fuel up for their journeys, and many are on the move. A cold front followed by winds from the northwest will signal a host of birds to head to warmer climes. Check out Migration Dashboard, a migration monitoring tool, to see how many birds flew over our county last night, or track them in near-real time as they depart after sunset each evening. Need a migration-science refresh? Check out The Cornell Lab's primer on the how, where, and why of bird migration, or read about some of the species that are the among the earliest movers.
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This is the time of year when change is both subtle and dramatic. Sounds change. Some birds are quieter (conserving energy), others are broadcasting their movements to the rest of their flocks, while the field cricket can be silenced by the first hard frost. Monarchs too are finishing their season in the north and will begin the long migration south soon. The natural world is well in tune with all the changes that are in the air! As the temperatures and the lighting change, animals in the northeast begin to search in earnest for food that will carry them through the cold winter. Note the holes in your yard - they may be from either hungry skunks, opossums, or flickers as they forage for grubs and other insects, looking for that extra protein!
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LSPA's Summer Discoveries page has an abundance of resources for adults to explore the local area during these beautiful late 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 wonderful wildflowers, plus, what birds are singing and what many animals are doing during this changing seasonal month. September is a wonderful time to explore the outdoors!
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Read, Listen and Participate in Local Ecology ~ | |
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Monarch Tagging ~
September 10, 3-5pm
Up on the Hill Conservation Area
Charlestown, NH
September 3–15 is PEAK Monarch Butterfly Migration Week for our area. Adults are riding the southerly winds during the day and feeding in the late afternoon. Scientists who study monarch migration use information gathered from observations recorded online and tagging programs to learn more about this amazing natural phenomenon.
Everyone is invited to help SCCD & Upper Valley Land Trust collect more information through monarch tagging. There is no charge to participants and no experience is necessary. SCCD will have all the equipment. It’s a good idea to wear long pants, sneakers and a hat. Bring plenty of water too.
Learn More Here.
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Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests | |
5 Hikes Challenge
Start Date:
Thursday, August 31, 2023
End Date:
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
The Forest Society's 4th annual 5 Hikes Challenge will take place from August 31 to October 31. Hit the trail with your family, friends, or on your own for a do-it-yourself hiking experience. Hike five trails located on Forest Society reservations after choosing from more than 30 properties across the state.
Register Here!
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Blue super moonrise over Herrick Cove by Midge Eliassen | |
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Do you have any spectacular photos of Lake Sunapee’s watershed to share with our readers? Send them to Nancy - 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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