Wetlands are essential to the health of our local environment. Among other benefits, they help prevent flooding, they clean and filter surface water, they store carbon, helping to mitigate climate change, and they are an amazing wildlife nursery. But what’s it really like in there? Come find out!

On Saturday, September 21, from 10AM-12PM, Chocorua Lake Conservancy Stewardship Director and naturalist Lynne Flaccus will lead “Wonders of Wetlands,” an exploration of the wetlands north of the lake where the CLC Moose Meadows property and the Runnells-Bowditch State forest meet along the Chocorua River. Knee-high boots will be needed! The Chocorua River meanders through this wetland north of Chocorua Lake and provides an amazing diversity of plant and animal life to explore. 

We’ll meet on the Scott Road just north of Chocorua Lake, at the first bridge; the road crosses Chocorua River here at the site of an old mill. We’’ll park there and wander into the wetlands, exploring the unique plants that can live where their feet stay wet—various heaths, insectivorous plants and a variety of shrubs. The blueberries and huckleberries will have gone by, but there is an amazing selection of other shrubs to learn about. Beaver are active in this area and plenty of amphibians and reptiles make their home in this wetland. Wear shoes/boots and pants that you don’t mind getting wet, and we’ll dive into the wonder of this cool wetland. All ages are welcome for this family-friendly exploration—kids must be accompanied by an adult. Questions? Call Lynne at the office, 603-323-6252 or email Lynne.

Naturalist Lynne Flaccus has 30 years of experience in land conservation and stewardship, managing protected properties, studying wildlife, and educating adults and children.

Photo: Steve Lanou