Squam Lakes News

"Luckily for me, scuba diving for the prolific variable milfoil is one of the more common things that we do as interns for “work” and it is quickly becoming my favorite."

"Now that I am scuba certified, I can assist in SLA’s mission to remove variable milfoil from Squam Lake. "

"Being away from home is challenging, diving still gives me a shock of anxiety, and the thought of trail work makes me feel like I am Bilbo going up against Smaug... BUT, I know in my heart that all of these challenges and all of the work that the interns are doing will force me to grow in all aspects of my life. "

Join Conservation Intern Elizabeth Wolf for a fern identification walking tour through SLA's Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest. Ages 8 & up are welcome.

"Together our efforts allow the public to enjoy all the trails here on Squam. I am very much looking forward to not only working to maintain the trails, but also spending my off days hiking them for pleasure."

"I go to bed exhausted every night entirely satisfied having accomplished something that day."

"I bonded with my house-mates through hours of talking and snacking in the kitchen and living room. Constantly munching on something or other as we moved from ten strangers to ten friends."

Great News!! All 52 miles of SLA Trails are now Open!

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.

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.

On the schedule for March, local artist and photographer, Jon Secord will present time-lapse photography of various landscapes in New Hampshire.

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!

The SLA has one final dock slip and moorings open for seasonal rental. Get yours while supplise lasts!

Here's the proof April in Piper Cove in 15 seconds

Plymouth State University graduate students investigate land use planning in the Squam Watershed.

Learn the basics of Fly Fishing and tying!

For well over 100 years folks have been carving out 120lbs blocks of ice our of Squam Lakes for year-round refrigeration

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

Participate in a discussion about past, present, and future land use issues in your community and the Squam Lakes Watershed.

End of Season Paddle Board Sale

What do PSU and PES have in common!?

2013 Squam Ridge Race Results up now

Last Friday, SLA staff, board members, and volunteers gathered out on Bowman Island to enjoy an afternoon on the lake and celebrate the end of a successful program season.

This year on Squam we have only one surviving loon chick. Likewise Little Squam has only one remaining chick. Two total chicks for the two largest of the Squam Lakes.

Join this Thursday, August 15th at 7 pm for the Squam Speaker Series: White Pine Health.

Loon Update from Tiffany Grade of the LPC!

Drop in at the SLA every Wednesday from 4:30 - 6:30 pm through August for supervised adult sailing sessions!

Loon Update from Tiffany Grade of the LPC!

July 4th is almost upon us, join us that week at the SLA where we have a different programs each day for families to enjoy Squam!

Loon Update from Tiffany Grade of the LPC!

The first Loon Update of the summer from Tiffany Grade of the LPC!

Get involved in the SLA's invasive species management efforts!

The SLA and Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) are working to re-establish a Loon Chick Watch volunter program on Squam.

Plymouth State University, the Center for the Environment and the Squam Lakes Association working together to protect and improve the health of the Squam Lakes Watershed ecosystem.

Join the SLA on Thursday, April 11, at 7 PM for our the Squam Speaker Series: Wolves. Myrtle Clapp from the Loki Clan Wolf Refuge will present a program about wolves, why they are important to the natureal ecology of our world. We will also learn about the work and mission of the Loki Cland Wolf Refuge in Conway, NH.

Registration for 2013 summer camps is now open. Use links in this news item to register online!

Join the SLA on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 7 PM for the Squam Speaker Series: Snow Rangers and Avalanche Awareness

The SLA is selling: 2 Kayaks, 1 Mirro-craft Aluminum row boat.

Don't miss the opportunity to build your own Fox Double Paddle Canoe, August 19th - 25th! Registration for this workshop closes on Wednesday, August 14th and only two spaces remain!

Spend a day at the lake and help us clean-up for fall! Saturday, October 18, 2014 from 9:30 am - 3:00 pm.

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.