Stewardship Director Lynne Flaccus reflects on her first summer season with the Conservancy.
Lynne Flaccus with a friend.
Watching the colors migrate up the slopes of Mt. Chocorua and reflected in the waters of the lake, it’s hard to believe the summer went by as quickly as it did. It didn’t seem that long ago that volunteers gathered to clear trails in the area and the lady slippers around the lake were in bloom!
I’ve had a busy summer visiting with landowners, walking properties, organizing files and preparing stewardship reports for fee and covenanted properties. Without going into the dull logistics of the work, I thought I would share with you some of my impressions from summer stewardship.
By far, the most enjoyable time has been spent visiting with landowners and learning about the connections people have with their land. Whether a property has been in the family for generations, or only recently acquired, I have been impressed by the passion and love for the lands around Chocorua held by so many of you. This passion is woven into the long history of the Basin and has come through in so many wonderful stories that have been shared; family or friend connections, hidden trails and “swamps”, the family names for unusual rocks, trees, or ponds, wildlife encounters, past tennis tournaments and adventures on the Lake or on the trails of the mountains.
I’ve learned about the long history of landowners and dedicated volunteers who have worked hard to protect the water quality of the lake and its tributaries as well as the uplands in the Basin. I’ve been struck by the foresight of CLCF and CLA founders, who have been diligent in their efforts to make protection of the area a community effort. The legacy of the organization is imprinted in the preserves and trails that have been established, and the properties that are open to the public. I’m grateful that so many worked tirelessly to set aside, and now maintain, The Grove and The Island with public beaches so others can continue to enjoy the waters of the lake and the spectacular views.
In addition to family stories I’ve heard, I’ve had the opportunity to learn the stories the land shares as well. Old stone walls and foundations telling of past agricultural use, dug wells and rock piles, wood survey posts still standing from 1952, abandoned roads, and signs of wildlife on the land. I have been lucky to have many of you join me on boundary walks, sharing your love of the land, asking natural history questions and sharing your own knowledge along the way. I am grateful for those opportunities to walk and learn about the land. For those who weren’t able to walk, I benefited from your memory and tips on where to find granite monuments and old paths. I managed not to get lost this summer, though at times I will admit some confusion!
One landowner asked me to let them know if I found hidden treasures. I stumbled across hidden streams of cold water, vernal pools, milk snakes, toads, hermit thrushes, cranberries, blooming pitcher plants and lady slippers, rattlesnake plantain, and even found oven bird nests. Perhaps no gold, but hidden treasures on the landscape nonetheless!
As I mentioned at the Annual Meeting, stewardship of the many covenanted properties is a partnership between CLC and landowners. Thank you for your cooperation in helping to protect the Chocorua Lake watershed, including the uplands that help to maintain water quality in the lake.
For those who I have not met, or had the opportunity to visit on your property, I look forward to your stories and conversations into the fall and winter!
Banner: Betsy Whitman Memishian