Many of us are staying at home except when we get out for exercise while practicing physical distancing, but we can still volunteer!
The 50th anniversary of Earth Day is coming up on Wednesday, April 22. The CLC had planned our annual "spring cleaning" Stewardship Day at the two public access areas on Chocorua Lake, The Grove and The Island. It’s usually a great way to celebrate Earth Day—spending a morning with friends and neighbors in view of the gorgeous lake, caring for a place many of us enjoy throughout the warmer seasons. This year, because of New Hampshire’s stay-at-home order and “social distancing” recommendations from the CDC, we are unable to host a public event. But you can still help!
If you are looking for a reason to be outside and get some exercise, either by yourself or with members of your household, please consider visiting the lake on your own—maybe bring a pair of work gloves—for a self-guided Stewardship Day. Winter often takes a toll on the beautiful shoreline trees, dropping branches everywhere and filling the water bars with debris. You can help with our usual spring cleaning by hauling branches into the nearby woods and raking out debris from water bars that divert runoff from entering the lake. An "inventory " of larger projects is also part of our annual Earth Day spring cleaning, so if you notice larger trees or branches that need a chainsaw, please let us know.
No need to pick up garbage unless you have gloves and a grabber; but please do let us know if you find a lot of litter so we can make arrangements to clean up with proper tools and gloves.
While you are there, enjoy the beautiful views, the quiet of the lake and mountains, and the song of returning spring birds. If you’re able, take a picture or two of the work you are doing (stewardship selfies!) to share with us, and send us your name so that we can add you to our volunteer thank you list.
If you pitch in, or have concerns to report, please email lflaccus@chocorualake.org and let us know. Questions: 603-323-6252.
Banner: Mount Chocorua and the lake in early spring. Photo: Juno Lamb