Help Wanted: Grove and Island volunteer stewards
Are you a Chocorua Lake regular in the warmer seasons, stopping by often to swim or kayak, for a picnic with the family, or to look at the mountain reflected in the lake at sunrise or sunset? Would you be willing to help us care for this beautiful place?
The CLC is looking for volunteer stewards to help us manage this well-loved place by regularly visiting, with a noticing eye, the Grove (the area just before the Narrows Bridge on Chocorua Lake Road) or the Island (midway up the lake just off Route 16).
What does a Grove or Island steward do? Stop by once a week to take a walk along the paths, see if the kiosks need repairs, check the condition of mulched trails, look for vegetation that needs trimming or dead or downed trees, check on trees and shrubs, and keep an eye out for and alert us to erosion along the shore, signs of campfires, parking issues, and trash or dumping in areas off the beaten track. It may sound like a lot, but mostly it’s about having extra eyes on the place who can notify us if something seems amiss.
Having a volunteer walk some of the informal paths would be helpful, too! As a volunteer you won’t be asked to “police” the rules; if you have concerns about public use, you can be in touch with CLC staff.
Our Lake Patrol staff, Troy Emerson, visits daily and picks up trash, but having additional volunteers with an awareness of larger management concerns is helpful. Maybe we’ve had a dry spell and the shrubs are looking frail….a watering can with lake water might be just what they need.
This would also be a great job for a family who visits the lake together regularly—kids have sharp eyes, and can be an essential part of the stewardship team.
Benefits? Fresh air, wonderful views, a chance to spot the loons and keep an eye on them, to learn about shoreland and lake health, and then visit on your own time frame. Staff or someone from our Lake and Property Management Committee will take a walk with you the first time to share some history and what to look for.
Your efforts will be greatly appreciated!
Interested? Please get in touch at info@chocorualake.org.
Banner image: A tranquil evening in the Grove at Chocorua Lake. Photo: Alex Moot