Many simple methods exist for improving habitat for flora and fauna large and small. Sometimes just doing less improves habitat, and sometimes cleaning up after ourselves with intention does the trick, as with wildlife brush piles.
On Wednesday, August 25, from 9-11:30AM, join Chocorua Lake Conservancy Stewardship Director and naturalist Lynne Flaccus for a Stewardship morning at the C.C. Browne Woods south parcel on Washington Hill Road in Chocorua. We’ll be clearing field edges to prepare for fall mowing. Come help us in this effort and learn about field habitat for birds, and shrub, tree and invasive plant identification. We’ll also be building wildlife brush piles—using what we’ve cut to create “homes” for wildlife at the edges of the fields. These low-tech habitat solutions provide supplemental cover for a diversity of birds and animals, including cottontail rabbits, bobwhite quails, pheasants, turkeys, thrashers, skunks, raccoons, mockingbirds and sparrows. They offer protection while nesting, escape from predators, thermal cover, and wind, rain, and snow protection.
The C.C. Browne Woods is a 67-acre parcel that is bounded by the Chocorua River to the north, with a short dead-end and loop trail. After our task is complete you may want to take a walk and check out the river with its spectacular views of Mount Chocorua and the giant glacial erratic along the trail—one of the more amazing rocks around!
Bring work gloves and your favorite clippers or hand saw if you have them, water and a snack. We will have some tools available if needed. Be prepared for bugs and ticks just in case. 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. Feel free to come for all or some of the morning. Please email lflaccus@chocorualake.org with your phone number to let us know you will be coming so that we can let you know of any changes in the schedule.
Naturalist Lynne Flaccus has 30+ years of experience in land conservation and stewardship, managing protected properties, studying wildlife, and educating adults and children.
Banner image: Stewardship at C.C. Browne Woods. Photo: Lynne Flaccus