Squam Lakes News

With 25 members serving in the Conservation Corps this summer, we have a plethora of stories to tell. Conservation journals now feature experiences from all eight of our host sites in the Lakes Region. You can read four members' journals here.

Trails in the Squam Range and Rattlesnake Network are open.

While Earth Day has passed, the SLA is still buzzing with the excitement of April's celebrations and events. Between trail work, camp, and outreach, we really enjoyed getting to connect with the community!

John and I are in the truck heading east on Route 3. The sun is in my eyes and my arms are covered with goosebumps from the cool morning air. The taste of maple syrup lingers in my mouth from breakfast...

Calling all daredevils, thrill-seekers, and Evel Knievels! Tired of the same old, rote skydiving, rollercoaster rides, and whitewater rafting? Have I got news for you! This week I’ve discovered a new pastime that’s guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping: installing wood duck boxes.

Tune in for Episode 1 of What's Happening on Squam, a new podcast initiated by members of the Lakes Region Conservation Corps at the Squam Lakes Association. Each episode will feature stories about recent events at the SLA, conservation happenings, and interviews with members of the Squam community.

The pull to get out in the fresh air and sunshine will draw many outdoors. However it's important to be patient with the trails in order to protect them! Many boots traveling well-hiked trails after the snow melts can really damage the resource.

"I have enjoyed growing in the face of adversity (more specifically in not-ideal field work conditions like high wind chill and freezing temperatures), and I have come out the other side feeling proud of my service."

"...I wanted to take some time to highlight the mundane—the “unexciting” aspects of our daily lives at the SLA.  I’m talking about the kind of stuff we don’t put on our posters."

LRCC AmeriCorps members host students from Plymouth Elementary School for a day of outdoor learning at Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest.

Sign up for Wilderness First Aid and CPR class at the SLA for this May!

Read about our 22nd annual Winterfest celebration held on Saturday, February 16th - chili cook-off winner, event details and photos!

During hikes on trail work days, walks on the ice to do water quality, education programs, and even truck rides to and from various locations around Squam Lake, there is always time for us LRCC members to connect with each other, volunteers, and community members.

Read about our AmeriCorps member's experience at the National Day of Service event in Manchester to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The SLA seeks volunteers to monitor the Squam Lakes in the winter time.

"Chaos. Pandemonium. Anarchy. These words fail to truly capture the absolute madness that ensues when 18 antsy elementary schoolers are released upon a snow-covered playground after a long day of school."

"....when I run down a trail it turns to sliding or “controlled falling”, which is how the other AmeriCorps members and I have started referring to hiking in the deep snow during our trail work days."

We spent the next couple of hours clearing the trail before having to head back down. I think we all learned that we should bring the snowshoes, and I began to learn the challenges and joys of winter hiking.

"I looked around the room, the goofiest smile on my face I am sure, as I tried to contain my excitement over the large rodent"

"I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about moving across the country to a place I’d never been before, but the area is jaw-droppingly beautiful, my fellow AmeriCorps volunteers are already some of the coolest people I’ve met, and this next year promises to be full of some serious self-development (not without a good dose of fun). What more could I want?"

Button Up New Hampshire, the popular home energy savings workshop series, is coming to Holderness. The Squam Lakes Association and the Holderness Energy Committee are hosting this free workshop for residents.

"A little piece of New Hampshire and the adventures I’ve had here will always be with me, and I’ll be sure to “live free or die” on whatever path my career takes me."

"We stopped at Bowman Island and sat at Sunset Ledge while we continued to discuss the clouds, but it was also an opportunity for me and my participants to share experiences relating to Squam and the surrounding region."

See the results from this year's Squam Ridge Race!

"Looking back to the summer, it is unbelievable the amount of diverse and multifaceted service the AmeriCorps members of SLA tackle."

"As the summer winds down and the cool days of fall wait just around the corner, I can’t help but reflect on the variety of changes happening around the lake, at the SLA, and in my own personal life. "

"It’s great to see so much life and diversity out in our forests not just because frogs and fungi are cool to look at, but because it speaks to the quality of the ecosystems that we have in the watershed."

"This past week I had the opportunity to work with the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) of the Pemi district of the Forest Service. It was a great chance to work alongside young conservationists and introduce them to the type of projects we work on at the Squam Lakes Association. "

During the summer months, especially July and August, it is not uncommon to see large masses of green, filamentous algae in the water as you swim or boat through the lake. Learn more about this natural occurrence.

"This summer I have had the unique opportunity to be a leader for both SLA summer camps, CYSP and JSLA. At first, I was a little nervous to be switching between the two separate worlds at camp."

The SLA is working with experts to understand Squam Watershed contaminants.

"I expected the milfoil growth to be significantly reduced from 2016, and knew that in previous years the invasion has been drastically shrinking on Squam, but to see that kind of improvement, right in front of my eyes, in just a two year span of time blew me away. "

Loons on Squam need your help. Learn more about what you can do to protect them.

I have fantastic news—the remaining loon nest on Squam hatched 2 chicks!! 

"As I write my first conservation journal I had to double check that it’s been two months. Not because it went fast, but because of how much I’ve already learned and experienced in such a short amount of time. "

"Being able to contribute to another side of SLA’s mission that I did not expect when I first started as an AmeriCorps member is really inspiring and exciting."

"Hey! I am psyched to be back for another summer of fun. "

"When I looked at the training week schedule I was surprised to see that we would be having a day of training with Camp Hale, another summer camp sharing our beautiful lake. "

Great news, Squam Lake has its first chick of the year! The chick hatched on Wednesday and the parents are very busily taking care of it, trying to convince the sometimes reluctant chick to eat all the minnows they bring!

It's been another busy week on the Squam Lakes!  I'm delighted to report that we have two new nests on Squam! 

Sign up now for the 2018 Squam ridge Race. Space limited to the first 200 racers.

On June 2, 2018, the Squam Lakes Association officially opened the Brooks Fisher Trail with a ribbon cutting ceremony and guided hike.

"This is just the beginning. It feels great to be learning to care and advocate for this watershed that has always been an important part of my life."

"In between the winter/spring AmeriCorps service term and the current term I took a road trip to see what other interesting places there are in the U.S. My time with the LRCC definitely gave me a different perspective on some of the national parks I went to, and a greater appreciation for the trail systems they maintain. "

"Part 1: Why I Love Serving as an AmeriCorps Member for the SLA... Part 2: Why I Love New Hampshire"

"We’ve been able to work a lot more with school groups thanks in part to our fantastic new director of education, Leigh Ann. Being with the kids rekindles my joy of watching them learn and become inquisitive about nature."

"Based on all the work we were able to get done this winter and how exciting it was to be a part of this new program, I can't wait to see how the energy here changes as warmer weather comes. "

SLA’s Lakes Region Conservation Corps participated in four different service related events around New Hampshire for AmeriCorps Service Week, which took place mid-March.

2017 marked another successful year of milfoil removal from the Squam Lakes watershed!

"It seems fitting to present my highlight reel from this AmeriCorps program, funny stories and poignant moments to give you a glimpse into the countless things I’ve learned in my time here. "

"I guess what I’m trying to say is there are always endless amounts of projects, activities and events to write about and picking and choosing between them isn’t easy... I never thought I would say this, but I don’t want winter to end just yet."

"Our goal as members is the same: to “get things done for America”. But our paths are all different. Our experiences, even if they are similar, are all seen from a different perspective."

"I’ve been able to try a lot of these winter sports and activities for the first time, and have had some great experiences continuing our goal of balancing access and stewardship through the past month. "

"When we were faced with tackling personal projects at the SLA, I was excited to work on a project involving the trails that the SLA maintains within and around the Squam watershed."

"This past weekend, Ben and I took part in a Wilderness First Aid course at the Holderness School. I must say that the course was not what I expected."

Read about LRCC's exciting MLK Service Day in January.

"My second day back I went into the day with a list of things I needed to accomplish, but little did I know I was in for much more than just a day filled with catching up."

"A recent learning experience involved ice harvesting at Rockywold Deephaven Camps. It was fantastic. It was right after the cold snap so the ice was in good form. The other LRCC members and I donned our microspikes and set off onto the ice."

"As someone who is lucky enough to be working in the conservation field, however, another aspect of the trip really stood out to me. We spent some time at the state parks in the city, and as we hiked or biked around an overwhelming proportion of the plants and animals we came across were invasive species. "

Get in the running for that perfect weekend at your favorite campsite on the lake! You must be an SLA member to enter the lottery.

"The start of winter allows me to participate in one of my favorite activities, winter birding. "

"It’s my favorite thing to do during our snowy hikes, look along the path for different animal tracks and things. "

Join us for a morning walk full of learning about common wintering bird species frequently found around Squam Lake!

"From my experience here, I’ll take away lessons about turning little parts of a goal into tangible results and how to survive a winter in New England."

"The one thing I can say is that I miss seeing a lot of the summer regulars, and I hope that with the increased amount of winter events that we are hosting some of the summer folk will have increased incentive to experience and enjoy the area in the winter as I am. "

Join a beautiful stargazing session – learn about constellations that are present in this hemisphere at this time of year! Even learn a little bit about celestial navigation – in case you’re stuck out in the woods.

Join us for a low intensity hike through Belknap Woods, with stops to explore amphibian specific habitats along the trail. This will include a focus on the importance of wetlands, vernal pools, and cover objects for native amphibian species, and conservation concerns regarding amphibians.

"The Squam watershed has rapidly become home to me, and I’ve enjoyed so many different activities, such as running to the top of the Rattlesnake Mountains on my days off, finishing the start of the brand-new Fisher Ridge Trail, and helping to answer 211 calls from victims of the Halloween flood event. "

Explore Chamberlin Reynolds Memorial Forest and the many recreational campsites the SLA has to offer! Join LRCC AmeriCorps member, Becca, as she provides you with information about all of the campsites, how SLA sustainably maintains the area, how our composting system works, and where to catch the best sunset!

"They’re a group of educationally hardened, passionately driven, and tenaciously… tenacious individuals that complete this AmeriCorps super team."

"It’s been a surreal experience returning to Squam Lake after what seems like forever, even though it’s been a little less than a year since I was here last. "

Join Lakes Region Conservation Corps (LRCC) AmeriCorps member Kyle Salmons in the Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest for a hands on look at environmentally friendly camping.

More than 100 gathered on November 1st to hear a panel of experts discuss toxic contaminants in the Squam Watershed.

Join the Squam Lakes Association and Plymouth State University for a public meeting to discuss recent contaminants found in the Squam watershed.

Join us for SLA's Annual Fall Work Day on Saturday, October 14th from 9:30am to 3:00pm. This is a chance to help us clean up after a successful year of conservation work, and to connect/reconnect with the Squam community!

Join us for the 5th annual Squam Ridge Race. 12 miles, 3 summits, 3000 feet of elevation gain with 82% of the course on trails, or 4 miles and 1 summit.

"Next is type two fun; activities that in the moment can be quite miserable, but looking back upon the completed adventure you can see the fun in it all. Over the internship we had our fair share of type one fun moments, but I feel that it was the type two moments that will be sticking with me as I head back to college this fall."

Join Squam Lakes Intern, Becca Cohler, for a morning kayak tour on White Oak Pond to discuss all things turtle!

"Regardless, people wave and smile when they see our odd looking boat, a tribute to the sense of community created by the lake, the likes of which I really have never experienced in a region so large."

"Sometimes it’s the little things, and finding community and sense of place amongst the ranks of SLA’s movers and shakers makes me realize that it’s a big mission, but I am a big part of that mission."

"This summer has put into perspective the kind of work needed to maintain a thriving natural area. From trail maintenance for the public to milfoil removal for the fishes I feel as though I have done it all. I feel as though I am a part of something much bigger than myself. I am a part of this whole community. "

"But as I looked back at the boat and my exhausted but happy team members, instead of feeling disappointment at how much there still was to do, I felt satisfaction at what we had accomplished so far and determination to continue. "

"The work is hard, but rewarding. I love to hike, and it is great to finally be able to give back in such a tangible way."

"I’ve hiked in this area since I was little, but it wasn’t until this summer that I realized how much dedication needs to be put into trails to maintain their integrity."

"I hope that everyone who attended my Adventure Ecology program was able to walk away with a growing sense of appreciation, and excitement for the plants around them in their lives."

"This, I believe, will be one of the biggest takeaways from my work with the Squam Lakes Association: that with proper care and minimal human impact, ecosystems can recover."

Join SLA Conservation intern, Alice Goldstein-Plesser, and unveil the otherwise invisible and overlooked creatures that surround us. Learn about their fascinating abilities and their important role in the environment.

"What’s my favorite job out here? Oh dear reader, if only that was a simple question to answer."

"Today is a good metaphor for this internship as a whole. When I take it day by day it seems that we have accomplished many small things but when I think back on what we have done I am amazed at how much has occurred. "

Join Conservation Intern Nathan Dulaney for an ecology walk through Belknap Woods. The main theme for this program is looking at the primary ecological role of several major groups found living in a forest and how they are connected to each other. Ages 10 & up are welcome!

"Every day I wake up and head off to work I have no idea what to expect, the only certain is that I know I am prepared, and able to respond."

SLA conservation intern Riley Harris will help participants explore the potential impacts climate change will have on local ecology.

"On one side of the car lie the woods, and Squam rests on the other. I feel connected to both, a bond forged through my interactions within them."

"I had always assumed that Squam existed in large part due to the gentle footprints left by those that visit. My time at SLA this summer has proven me very wrong – in fact there are people all over the lake fighting tooth and nail to keep Squam a pristine ecosystem."

“I always like a good challenge and these two weeks have not disappointed.”

Join us at the Squam Lakes Association for a family friendly event to kick-off summer and celebrate and explore all of the work that goes into conserving the Squam Watershed.

The 2017 Squam Conservation Intern bios are now posted! Meet the team who will be the driving force behind the SLA's conservation mission.

Ice is out, spring is here! Check out our ice cam video. The camera missed the ice out due to an intense wind storm, but captured the coming of spring on the lake.

2016 marked another successful year removing the invasive variable milfoil from the Squam Lakes.

While the summer crowds hibernate, you can embrace a variety of SLA hiking trails this season! The Squam Lakes Association provides plenty of winter friendly opportunities for all levels. Here are 5 of the best winter hikes around Squam.

Join us Wednesday, February 8th to learn about the art and science of Celestial Navigation from specialist, Steve Durham. This is one speaker series where you are sure to walk away with skills that will guide you in the night sky and beyond.

We continue to make significant strides on the Squam Watershed Plan! A public meeting will be held in late spring or early summer to share project developments. Stay tuned for the date!

Join us on Wednesday January 25th @ 7PM to hear about local ski legend Dan Egan, his ties to the Squam Community, his exciting Skiing Career and the Hall of Fame!

Considering using a de-icer this year? Before you do make sure to consider the safety, environmental and legal issues involved.

Are you ready to make your summer plans for 2017?

The 2016 Squam Ridge Race was a huge success! Despite an early morning thunderstorm many racers took to the ridge line and gave it their all. The fire pit kept folks warm, our amazing volunteers on the grills kept the food coming, and the aid stations and trail monitors supported racers throughout the day!

"To myself and the eight interns that I’m proud to call my friends, this lake has nurtured our bodies and souls the way that only the most special places may."

Join SLA milfoil experts at the Cottage Place on Little Squam this Saturday, August 20th from 9-11. We'll teach you aquatic ecology basics and plant identification, and the Cottage Place will provide coffee, snacks, and a spot to peek into the Lake.

"All of the events and programs organized by or in collaboration with SLA are efforts that bring people together who have a connection to the Squam community in order to communicate ideas, support a cause, or expand our understanding of the region."

"I’ve gained a much deeper understanding of what it means to work to conserve the natural environment, and how to do so while still letting people enjoy and respect nature in a responsible way."

"There’s a light side and a dark side to having days off when it comes to the SLA internship."

"Trail work helps maintain the integrity of the natural landscape for all of us to enjoy."

"I am really enjoying these last few weeks I have left here. I am trying to take it in as much as possible and take advantage of every opportunity I get."

The White Oak Pond Watershed Association, in collaboration with the Squam Lakes Association and the Squam Lakes Conservation Society, is sponsoring a classic rock concert and dance at the beautiful Fisher Family Activity Barn in Holderness! This event raises funds for the Marry H. Perry Conservation fund which helps preserve open land in the White Oak Pond Watershed, for future generations to enjoy.

Join Squam Conservation Intern, Katri Gurney, in a tranquil walk through Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest while discussing the history of the forest surrounding Squam Lake and identifying trees native to the region. Expect to walk a minimum of two miles and a maximum of four miles. Participants will meet in the east parking lot. All ages are welcome.

"Working on Squam continues to be a constant surprise and persistent pleasure."

During the summer months, especially July and August, it is not uncommon to see large masses of green, filamentous algae in the water as you swim or boat through the lake. Learn more about this natural occurrence.

Join Conservation Intern Erin Shilling on Friday, July 22nd from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for a chance to learn more about creative cooking in the outdoors! Ages 12 and up are welcome.

"It feels good knowing that I am not only doing something I enjoy, but I am helping protect the lake as well."

"Simple machines are wondrous!"

"It’s hard to know how well information about conservation work is being received and taken to heart by people not directly involved in the work, so getting out there as a lake host has been a great way to see that people are actually listening and do care."

The Watershed Plan update process is well underway. There are a few opportunities for public involvement coming up in July. Add your insight, experience, and ideas to the plan update this month!

Join Conservation Intern Maggie Gaiero on Friday, July 8th for a scavenger hunt through using navigational skills and compasses! All ages welcome. Family groups encouraged.

Join SLA Conservation Staff on Saturday (7/2/16) in Cotton Cove as we kick off a summer of Weed Watching! We'll be running these events every Saturday morning all summer, stay tuned for specific locations.

Join Conservation Intern Jordan Jones as he teaches basic fishing skills to kids ages 7-13 on Friday, July 1st.

"It is so worthwhile to preserve this watershed."

"As I continue to cross peaks and trails off of my ranger checklist, I am learning that the purpose of becoming a Squam Ranger is not to simply see the sites or walk the land, that is only the means to an end. By traveling the land around Squam, you gain an insight on this special place; you learn the story of Squam and find yourself living in it."

"I have been hiking all of my life, but I never really put much thought into how much hard work went into making the trails I hiked a possibility. It wasn’t until the second week of training for the internship when we learned the basics of trail maintenance that I began to wrap my mind around how much time and energy goes into making every step along a trail possible."

Join the Squam Lakes Association (SLA) on June 17th, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. for a morning of fun and adventure in Belknap Woods. Ages 12 & up are welcome. As part of the SLA Adventure Ecology program series, conservation intern Stevie Raymond will guide a group of participants in a fun exploration of wetlands and the animals that call these fascinating ecosystems home.

"All I could think about was how incredible this watershed is and the opportunity I have to help preserve it. Removing the variable milfoil has multiple benefits that can be felt by many plants, animals, and even us humans. I’m glad to be a part of the ongoing efforts on the lake. The Squam Lakes watershed is the next step I am taking to get closer to my future goals."

Join SLA Conservation Staff on Saturday (6/11) in Grapevine Cove as we kick off a summer of Weed Watching! We'll be running these events every Saturday morning all summer, stay tuned for specific locations.

"One of my favorite parts of the internship so far has been the boating. I have realized that I truly belong on the water."

Have you ever wanted to row on Squam? Squam Community Rowing (SCR) is offering two "Learn to Row" clinics this coming season. Click here to learn more!

The bios for the 2016 Squam Conservation Interns are available now! Meet the faces of those who will be the driving force behind the SLA's conservation mission.

The Watershed Wellness Committee--the group that is steering the watershed plan update--met for the first time on March 23, 2016.

Eastern Adaptive Sports donates $1000 to the Whitten Woods "Climb to the Top" matched contribution campaign. Check out this story and get inspired to join this community effort.

Learn how to manage an emergency in the backcountry from a SOLO certified instructor. This comprehensive two day course is a fast paced, hands-on training program. It's designed to meet the needs of hikers, skiers, hunters, fisherman, trip leaders, camp staff, and other outdoor enthusiasts who recreate in remote locations. It will introduce you to caring for people who become ill or injured far from definitive medical care.

How would the state economy be affected if residents and visitors who fish, boat and swim perceive any negative changes to the water quality in the areas where they recreate?” One of the goals of this study were to create useful information for policy makers, and promote “big picture” thinking that overcomes the perception that growth and healthy public waters are mutually exclusive. Come find out what the numbers mean and why this is so important for the overall health of New Hampshire Lakes.

The Squam Lakes Association has opened the application process for our seasonal positions. This is a great way to gain professional experience while spending time on Squam. We are looking for conservation interns, environmental camp leaders, sailing instructors and more! Check out the details here!

Are you looking to gain experience with environmental conservation this summer? There's no better place than Squam. Apply now to become a Squam Conservation intern!

After 25 years it's time to revisit the Squam Lakes Watershed Plan. This original document set the bar all those years ago and much has been accomplished since its creation. The time has come to look ahead and develop a document to manage the Squam Lakes Watershed into the future. Community engagement will be essential for creating the best plan possible. Click Here to learn more and how you can become part of this important process.

2015 marked another successful year removing the invasive variable milfoil from the Squam Lakes.

Jon Secord is a landscape and wildlife photographer living in Meredith, NH. He specializes in landscape astrophotography, showcasing the beauty of the New England landscape under the amazing night sky.

The 2015 Squam Ridge Race was a huge success! Despite a foreboding forecast many racers took to the ridge line and gave it their all. The fire pit kept folks warm, our amazing volunteers on the grills kept the food coming and the Aid Stations supported racers throughout the day!

"Squam Lake is one of the most preserved areas I’ve ever visited, and it’s like the whole watershed is alive in High-Definition. All of what I’ve seen and witnessed during my few months here is a gift. "

"The skills I have learned here have transcended every possible thought I could have had on what I would learn. I feel like I can do anything."

Come and pick yours up today! After two years in the making the SLA is happy to announce the new Squam Lakes Charts are here and available for sale. While staying true to the origional Washburn map, this version has been updated to reflect all the changes that have taken place since the early 60s.

Coming up next week are two amazing opportunities for people of all ages to get outside, enjoy summer, and dive into the interesting world of nature, art, and ecology on Squam! In Connecting Art with Nature, Conservation intern Coral Tucker will lead participants on an adventure focused on using various art forms to create lifelong relationships with the outdoors. In Composting on Squam intern Kyle Salmons will lead participants on a paddle to Moon Island in order to explain the Clivus composting system employed by the SLA.

Count em' - 34 SAVES! That’s how many fragments of hitchhiking aquatic invasive species Lake Hosts have captured and removed from boats and trailers in New Hampshire so far this summer.

"Lake heroes are all around us, even though we don’t necessarily recognize their presence all the time. Let’s talk about some of the unspoken champions of Squam Lake: the oh-so-luxurious composting toilets."

Adventure Ecology Trip: Guided Nature Walk with Conservation Intern Gabie Wolf and the iNaturalist Smartphone App! Squam Lakes Association Intern Gabie Wolf will be leading an informative “how to” session on the popular *iNaturalist* smart phone application, followed by a guided nature walk through Chamberlain-Reynolds Memorial. Come along for the adventure!

"This Sunday, I watched an inchworm crawl for what seemed like hours. I was bored; Obscenely bored. And it was great. Don’t get me wrong; I hated it in the moment. More than anything I wanted a squirrel to come try to make away with my food or a camper to need my assistance, but looking back on it, it was a wonderful experience of self-reflection."

Got a skunk under the porch or deer nibbling your garden peas? Help for these and other common wildlife issues is now just a mouse click away.

"As I sit in the cabin on this Fourth of July, I read through my personal journal and relive the last two weeks. I do this as a calm and steady rain hit the pine needles and birch trees, droplets trickling down onto the roof of the caretaker’s cabin.The beginning of the first week was hectic, I recall as I flipped through the pages of my journal. My memories are scattered with feelings of anxiety, stress, and most importantly of triumph."

The newly published 2015 Squam Watershed Report that examines water quality, fish populations, invasive species, boat traffic, land conservation efforts, and the loon population.

"One of the tasks for the weekend was raising all the docks. Due to the amount of rain in the past week and the rain that came while I was out camping the docks were almost underwater and were getting hit with waves, adding wear and tear. It was windy, cloudy, and cold when Julian, who was camping on Bowman Island, and I went out to raise the docks."

"I wasn’t sure what to expect for my first night camping alone. The closest thing to camping alone I’ve done is getting a single dorm room at college. That’s basically one step past sleeping in your own room at home. This was different. I had to prepare everything ahead of time to make sure that everything was going to go smoothly. I needed food, water, shelter. The necessities of life. Granted, my food was mac and cheese, my water was encased in a giant five gallon jug, and my shelter was a huge four person tent I was going to be able to stretch out in. Still, that’s rustic for me. I've spent most of my life around electronics, so when I have to clean dishes with lake water I’m out of my element."

"For the first two hours, Coral and I worked tirelessly on the boat to keep the massive amounts milfoil from flooding the DASH table. The divers pulled almost eighty gallons. Not only do all the plants need to be spread out and dried before being piled into bins, all the dirt that comes up the suction tubes clogs the mesh table, which leads to massive flooding and chaos."

Make sure to catch the evening news on WMUR Wednesday night! SLA's sailing program will be featured as part of a segement on sailing in the lakes region.

"I find it hard to believe that we have been here for a month. One third of the internship is over. I feel as if I just arrived, yet as if I have known my fellow interns for much longer. This work doesn’t seem like work, it seems like a vacation where we occasionally have to do “stuff”.

"We have been living and working on Squam for over three weeks, but it feels like a year. Together we have accomplished so much, from earning our scuba diving certification to building an incredibly strong community. A fly on our wall would see a group of productive, driven, and incredibly jovial people who, I believe, have already become life long friends."

"Instead of giving me all the answers, Brett made me figure things out for myself, which helps you become not only a better boater, but a better learner as well. "

I keep waiting for this job to feel like work, yet all of our time spent on Squam has been enjoyable. The other interns and I have quickly evolved into great friends as we bond over our new experiences and there hasn’t been a day when we haven’t ended up all laughing together. I couldn’t imagine a better way to explore, and learn about the beautiful area of Squam Lake than by camping on the islands, hiking the surrounding mountains for a spectacular view of the landscape, or scuba diving along the bottom of the lake...

"Squam" This complete story of the Squam area tells the tale of the people, places and events that shaped a legacy. Order your copy of the limited edition 2nd printing of Rachel Carley’s book Squam NOW at a special pre-publication price!

Our time here out on Squam Lake has been a bit of a work-cation, I’d say. Things are heating up (literally) as we enter into our third scuba lesson tomorrow, with the certification dives on the radar for this weekend. Same goes for the commercial boating test on Saturday. More responsibility is loading onto the shoulders of us interns as we pick up on new skills and procedural protocol to follow out on the job....

The SLA has been battling milfoil on Squam for fifteen years. While this fight is truly a story of success, we need your help!

I can’t believe that it’s been nearly a year since I first set foot at the SLA. After the fantastic experience that I had last summer, I could not be happier to be returning as this year’s Conservation Intern Manager.

Don't miss this! June 27th Squam Community Rowing will host a Learn to Row clinic coached by Kay MacDonald, former head of the US Olympic Development Team for scullers. Kay has been rowing and coaching for over 30 years and brings a wealth of experience. Squam Community Rowing is thrilled to have this opportunity to learn with Kay and hope you will join.

Hundreds came to celebrate the season at this year’s Winterfest. It was the perfect winter day with snow flying, pick-up hockey on the ice and a roaring bonfire.

Sign up for summer camp and get ready for the summer of a lifetime!

Learn about the state of the Squam Watershed in this newly published report.

The results are in. Thanks to all the volunteers, runners, and land owners the event was a success!!

As our last big shebang as interns at the Squam Lakes Association we went on a canoe paddle down the Baker...

Anglers fishing the Squam Lakes are asked to release any largemouth and smallmouth bass they catch that were radio tagged as part of a New Hampshire Fish and Game study

I could not have asked for a better experience being with the Squam Lakes Association this summer. Moving to New Hampshire has been my first extended period away from Wisconsin and has been a great adventure...

Do you have a piece of Squam you cherish and call your own? Are you interested in ensuring the land you love will become part of a legacy that will be enjoyed from one generation to the next? Listen to the stories of four local property owners as they describe how their families have approached this important issue.

Two months in and this internship seems like it has only been a moment. It has all been one moment, frozen in time. I have been told that this single moment is coming to an end though, a rumor that there is only one month left until we return to the realm of the real world...

A friend once told me that the key to finding happiness in life lies in the way you perceive the things that you do and the things that happen to you. ...

Today happened to be one of the most exciting and rewarding days that I have spent as an intern for SLA for a number of reasons. It started bright and early at 7 am...

Wow! It is already half way through the summer. The Squam experience has so far been everything I had hoped and more....

This past Friday, all of the interns, and some of the SLA staff attended the New Hampshire Lakes Congress. Here we learned a lot about the impacts that aquatic invasive species have on bodies of water all over New Hampshire. It was an eye-opening experience overall just to hear the horror stories of variable milfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, and other invasive nuisances...

Join Conservation intern Ian Smith for a day of fly fishing on Squam. There's a 2 hour intro session at 10am followed by FREE kayak rentals too get out there and test out your new skills!

Start the day off with an instructional understanding of sailing including safety, rigging and basic racing skills. Then head out onto the lake and let the wind guide your adventure!

Check out the initial data from Squam's 35th water quality monitoring season.

Today I went on my first milfoil removal dive. Thinking of the situation that we face with milfoil on Squam reminds of a story that I heard during my time in Panama...

Good news! Another pair of loons went on the nest on Big Squam this week!

Hone your rock climbing skills in the SLA barn!

Join SCI Field Martin in his quest to understand the mysterious lichen and their role in the ecosystem....

It's been a very busy week for the loons on Squam, with a mixture of good news and bad news.

Join the Squam Lakes Association on Friday, June 13 from 10am - 12pm for the first Adventure Ecology trip of the summer. The SLA's Director of Conservation Rebecca Hanson, along with Conservation Intern Emily Gross, will lead participants on a morning paddle and a discussion of aquatic ecology and the impacts of invasive aquatic species.

After the long winter, the loons are ready for the summer to get going!

NH Fish and Game outlines current problems facing this magnificent creature. Learn the few simple things many people are doing to protect the bears in the grante state.

Help remove terrestrial invasive species from the Squam Watershed!

Are the rugged moutains of California calling you....?

Join the SLA and for a day of traditional Maple Sugaring at the White's Forest Farm in beautiful Sandwich NH!

NH Department of Environmental Services is seeking the help of anglers statewide to update statewide fish consumption advisories for mercury.

The SLA is delighted to welcome Brian Gagnon to the staff as our new Volunteer and Communications Coordinator.

Apply for a great summer internship on Squam!

PSU graduate student Andrew Veilleux will defend his thesis - Recreational Knowledge, Concern and Behavior for a Resource: A Spatial Descriptive Anaylsi of Squam Lakes using public participation GIS on Wednesday, November 20th at 1:30 pm at PSU Frost Commons.

The 2013 Squam Ridge race was a huge success. Thanks to all of our sponsors and participants.

Join us on Thursday, September 12th at 7 pm for the Squam Speaker Series.

Come by the SLA for handouts from our recent Arsenic and Radon talk

The SLA in partnership with The Holderness Conservation Commission will be holding an evening session at SLA on Wednesday 21st of August at 7pm at the SLA. The program will explore the safety of our drinking water and will cover how we in New Hampshire get our drinking water and some of the things that might be in the water.

Loon Update from Tiffany Grade of the LPC!

Join us for a day of fun at our first annual I Love Squam Day. Annual meeting in the morning, and the rest of the day given over to all the things that make this such an inspiring place.

Learn about upland invasive species in New Hampshire Wednesday, July 10 at 7 pm.

Regional Lightnig Regatta this weekend- awesome fun but congested boat ramp expected!

Loon Update from Tiffany Grade of the LPC!

Join us for an opportunity to share your love and concerns for our Squam Lakes!

Help protect loons. Contact your local legislator today!

The SLA kicks off the summer season on Saturday, May 25th with annual pancake breakfast, barn dance, and more!

Action update from the Loon Preservation Committee: Loon Bill (SB 89) Faces Crucial House Hearing Next Week

The Squam Lakes Association hires a vibrant and well-qualified staff. We are now accepting applications for JSLA and Resource Center staff.

The overall goal of Justin Brigham's study is to learn more about male smallmouth spawning behavior, and its interactions with recreational fishing. Information gained from this work could ultimately be used to educate anglers on proper protocol when catching spawning bass which may help reduce the likelihood of nest abandonment.

check out the pictures and video from taken from the lake.

From NH F&G: a one-day program where women can learn outdoor skills to enjoy during the winter months.

The Results are in! check out this years winners.

Join the SLA this Thursday, June 13th at 7 PM for an evening program on the history of Moon Iland. Local Squam resident and Antioch New England Graduate student, Dan Kemp will present the program.

Surviving chicks continue to do well! Last regular report of the season.

You've seen the weekly Loon updates, come to the SLA Fisher Barn on August 15th to hear an in depth talk about these amazing birds!

I am thrilled to report that all of our chicks are still with us! There was a scare this past week when one of the families was battling with another pair of loons for several days and the chick was not being seen.

Check out our summer line-up of interesting speakers!

The persistence of the Little Squam pair paid off and they hatched one chick!

Our trails need your help! We are looking for a few good people to adopt a few of our trails to help keep them clear and well-maintained.