Variegated milfoil? Water naiads? Chinese mystery snail, Asian clam, zebra mussels and spiny water fleas? What do these all have in common? We don’t want them in our lakes and rivers! These aquatic invasive species can tangle our feet when we swim, hamper passage for our boats, destroy habitat for native species, and worse.

On Friday, June 19 from 8-10AM, join Chocorua Lake Conservancy Stewardship Director Lynne Flaccus for a leisurely paddle on Chocorua Little Lake, down to the dam and back. We’ll leave from the Grove on Chocorua Lake Road, just off Route 16, and explore the vegetated buffer along the water’s edge with its many nooks and crannies. We’ll see what insects, reptiles and amphibians we can find and learn what plants grow with their “feet” in wet soils at the lake’s edge or on the bottom. 

While exploring the native flora and fauna, we’ll be on the lookout for signs of exotic aquatic species that could create problems in the lake if they become established. We’ll have with us some Weed Watcher Kits from the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) to help with our searches and identification. Chocorua Lake is home to many native aquatic plants, and looking for clues to identification can help us all be more aware of what is around us.

Want to learn more in advance about what we can be looking for? Amy Smagula, Exotic Species Program Coordinator at DES, joined us recently for a webinar on “Protecting Our Lakes from Aquatic Invasive Species.” You can watch the webinar at chocorualake.org/gallery (should be up soon!) to learn how to identify the native plants in Chocorua Lake and on the shore, and what the ones we’re hoping never to find look like!

We’ll practice social distancing while we launch and on the water. We ask that you bring a mask so if we drift together to talk and share discoveries, you will have it available to pull on. Participants must bring their own canoe or kayak, and paddles, and life jackets are required. Be sure to bring sun and bug protection, a water bottle, and snacks. Please call the office if you need more information, and to register in advance: 603-323-6252.

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

Banner: Paddle in Little Lake. Photo: Lynne Flaccus