Fresh air, good company, and a chance to pitch in, all with a view of a beautiful mountain! It’s spring-cleaning time at the Island public access areas along Chocorua Lake.

Join us on Thursday, April 14 from 9-11:30AM to help care for a place beloved by so many. The land all along the Route 16 side of the lake has been conserved by the CLC, and through the support of donors and volunteers the CLC is able to make this land accessible to the public. Public areas that receive heavy use need regular stewardship to stay stable and healthy. In the spring, after winter storms dump branches and trees, and the snowmelt exposes litter, the Chocorua Lake shoreline areas can look a little worse for wear. Before the leaves come out, it’s a good time to clear up fallen branches and inventory what additional work may be needed later in the spring to reduce and prevent erosion, fix anything “broken,” and identify where invasive plants have found a foothold. We also spread wood chips regularly to help stabilize the shore during busy seasons with lots of foot traffic. Many hands and many eyes make light work. If you’re brave (and if the ice is gone by then), you could take a polar-ish plunge after! 

Meet at 9AM at the Island public parking area on Route 16 beside Chocorua Lake and we’ll go from there. Bring work gloves and clippers, a rake, shovel, hand saw, and/or wheelbarrow if you have them; we’ll have a few extras available. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and a snack, if you like. Email events@chocorualake.org with your phone number to let us know you’ll join us—we want to be able to reach you if plans change or the weather changes plans!

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: A loon on Chocorua Lake, April, 2021. Photo: Bob Seston