Come help us steward public access at a beautiful property that is home to many species of flora and fauna.
On Wednesday, April 16 from 1–3 PM, join Chocorua Lake Conservancy for a Volunteer Stewardship Afternoon with CLC Stewardship Director Debra Marnich at Charlotte C. Browne Woods on Washington Hill Road in Chocorua. We’ll be spreading wood chips to stabilize the new trail volunteers built there last year, connecting the parking lot to the trail network.
Charlotte C. Browne is a special property, one we use often for educational programs. As land managers and stewards, CLC's recent efforts are focused on creating public access to the property. Well-planned and managed public access ensures that the diverse habitats on the property are protected for years to come. Some special habitats on this property include an early successional field with rapidly growing grasses, shrubs, forbs, and trees that occur after a disturbance, such as a fire or a clearing; a mature mixed wood forest; and over 1000 feet of riparian corridor—wetlands—along the Chocorua River. This diversity of habitats provides wildlife corridors that are essential for both human and wildlife species. Help us keep this critical landscape resilient and accessible to the public for learning and the enjoyment of quiet time in nature.
Please wear sturdy boots or close-toed shoes as the terrain may be uneven and rocky. Bring rakes, shovels, a wheelbarrow if you have one, work gloves,water, snacks, and whatever insect protection you might require. Please register in advance above so that we can reach you if plans change or the weather changes plans.
CLC Stewardship Director Debra Marnich holds a BS in Zoology and an MS in Forestry. Her major interests and professional focus areas include combining wildlife and forestry practices to manage for both sound silvicultural and optimum wildlife habitat, creating early successional and bird nesting habitat, pollinator habitat creation, promoting small diverse farms local food production/agriculture, promoting land conservation and protection, environmental education, and integrating all resources concerns to create a balanced conservation system.
Banner image: Installing a bridge over a seasonal stream on the new trail last year. Photo: Debra Marnich