Looking for a little exercise, good company, and work with a view? We’ll be clearing out the berms and swales along Chocorua Lake and can always use extra hands. This is a great job for people who like to see what they’ve accomplished! And if you like to swim at Chocorua, this is an opportunity to help keep the water pristine.

On Thursday, October 14, from 9-11:30AM, join the Chocorua Lake Conservancy for Berms & Swales Stewardship at the Island at Chocorua Lake, just off of Route 16. The berms and swales that run along the highway beside the lake were put in during 2009, a method of best practices to slow and filter runoff from the highway into the lake. The berm, or higher ridge, was planted with shrubs, trees, and grass to help catch dust from the road. The swale, or ditch, was filled with gravel and larger stones to allow rainwater and runoff to percolate through and be filtered before reaching the lake. Both strategies help to keep the lake water clean and reduce the amount of phosphorus entering the lake.

The berms and swales need annual maintenance to help keep them working as designed. So, we’ll be pruning shrubs and trees from the berm and raking and leaf blowing to clear the fall debris in the swale. Bring loppers and a rake if you have them, or we’ll have a few extra to use. We’ll have at least one leaf blower, and if you have one and are willing to use it to help, feel free to bring it along. We’ll meet at The Island public access parking area on Route 16 by the lake. If you have not yet been vaccinated, or are less than two weeks from your last shot, please bring a mask for moments when social distancing is not possible. Please email lflaccus@chocorualake.org with your name and phone number to tell us you will be coming so that we can let you know of any changes to the schedule.

Banner image: Chocorua Lake in autumn. Photo: Thad Berrier