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Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission
Watershed Newsletter
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Happy spring!
Today is the spring equinox, when the sun crosses the celestial equator and we have equal hours of day and night. For the next few months we will have more hours of daylight than darkness -- a welcome change!
We're excited to take advantage of the warmth and daylight by hosting a number of events in the upcoming months. From our Live Staking Month activities, to nature ID walks, we're excited to get outside and enjoy the watershed with you all. We have more events planned than will fit in this newsletter, so be sure to check out the events page on our website for more info!
Phoebe
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LAWPC is Hiring!
LAWPC is seeking to hire two to three Courtesy Boat Inspectors (CBIs) for the 2026 boating season. The CBI Program is a statewide effort to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species in Maine water bodies. The program had a record-setting season in 2025, and LAWPC is excited to continue our participation at Lake Auburn this year. For more information and to apply visit the link to the left, and please pass along if you know of someone who would be a great fit!
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Hunting Permit Application Now Open
Spring hunting season is coming up, from May 2nd to June 6th. LAWPC allows hunting on a number of properties, and we have made some small changes to our application program. The application window for spring hunting permits for LAWPC properties is now open, and will remain so until April 15th. Click the buttons to the right to access the application and sign up for our hunting communications mailing list.
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Septic Program Informational Session
When: Wednesday March 25, 5:30-6:30pm
Where: Meeting Room at Auburn Senior Community Center
48 Pettengill Park Road, Auburn
Do you own a septic system and live within the Lake Auburn watershed? If so, you may be required to have your septic system inspected under the City of Auburn's subsurface wastewater ordinance. Join LAWPC to learn more about the ordinance and the types of support that LAWPC can provide to property owners. This session is geared toward those in Year 3 of the inspection schedule, though all are welcome to attend. For more information about LAWPC's Septic Program, click the link below.
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Live Staking Month
When: Multiple dates throughout April
Where: Various locations
Join us for three different live staking events throughout the month of April, hosted by our Shore Corps Steward, Lilit! Learn about all live staking -- its purpose, the best plants to use, and tips for implementing on your own property -- during the webinar on April 4th. Then get some hands-on experience in live stake harvesting (and take home some stakes to use on your own property) on April 11th. On April 18th, join us for a planting workshop to get direct experience with live stake placement and planting methods. Each event is stand-along, though we hope you'll join us for all three! Visit the link below for more information, and to RSVP.
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Birding Walk for Global Big Day
When: Saturday May 8, 8:00-10:00am
Where: meet at Lake Auburn Community Center
115 North Auburn Road, Auburn
Whether you're brand new to the hobby or have been birding for years, join LAWPC and Maine Master Naturalist Christine Murray on Global Big Day! Plenty of birds pass by Lake Auburn on their migratory routes, and we'll be keeping our eyes and ears open for migrating and resident birds alike. No experience or tools necessary, though binoculars may be helpful if you have them. Click the link below for more information and to RSVP.
| | Upcoming Events Hosted by Our Colleagues | | |
AVSWCD Native Plant Sale
When: currently accepting orders
Where: virtual, click button below to place order
Androscoggin Valley Soil & Water Conservation District is hosting their second annual plant sale! They are now accepting orders through their online platform, and have a large selection of native plants and live stakes to offer. Native plants are well-suited to our local climate and environment, and are great for preventing erosion and protecting water quality. Pickup with be on May 15th at Open Heart Farm in Auburn or Mailly Waterfront Park in Bowdoinham. Click the link below to explore their options and place your order!
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Maine Audubon Loon Webinars
When: various dates
Where: virtual, click button below for more information
Maine Audubon is offering a series of webinars on the Maine Loon Restoration Project. The goals of the project are to improve loon nesting success and decrease loon mortality, and there are a number of different ways to get involved! Webinars will cover loon pair monitoring, deploying and maintaining loon rafts, and providing outreach and education to others about loon protection. Click the button below for more information on all available webinars, and to RSVP.
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How Can I Help?
Spring Erosion
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Many erosion problems can be exposed when the snow melts in early spring. Frost heaves and plowing can move soil a great deal during the winter, which can cause problems when water begins to flow again. Read on to learn more about common erosion problems and how you can address them.
What is the problem? Increased soil erosion in the springtime
Why does it matter? Erosion of soil moves phosphorus into the water, contributing to nutrient pollution. Phosphorus is usually the limiting factor for plant growth in water bodies, so a large influx of it can lead to algal blooms and even fish kills. While some degree of erosion is natural, forested landscapes and those with many native plants actually do a great job of holding down soil and slowing the flow of water. Erosion is more typically a problem in areas with exposed soil (like gravel or dirt driveways), or those primarily covered with short-rooted plants (like lawns).
What can I do to help? This is a great time of year to do a walk-through of your property to look for new problem areas and address them. LAWPC's Shore Corps Steward, Lilit, is able to assist with this process and can provide a free site assessment and personalized recommendations to address erosion issues on your property. Email LakeAuburnShoreCorps@awsd.org for more information.
How can I get more involved? Attend one (or all!) of our live staking events throughout the month of April to learn more about this method of erosion control! Live staking is an easy and cost-effective way to add native plants to an area. Many of the species used for live staking are particularly well-suited to wetter soil, with deep roots that help hold soil in place and direct water into the ground. Click the link below for more information and to RSVP.
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Reflections
Wildlife Tracking Walks
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This winter was abundant in snowfall, and we took advantage of it to host a number of snowshoe walks! Ben Nugent, USDA Wildlife Biologist, led a series of wildlife tracking walks at LAWPC's Tot Lot Trail in Auburn. We found a porcupine den, deer bedding areas, and a number of different species' tracks, and had ample time to soak up the sunshine and play in the snow. A huge thank you to all who participated, and to Ben for guiding us!
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Thank You
Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission is incredibly grateful to have community members like you who care about Lake Auburn and support the protection of the watershed. Together, we can protect the drinking water source for tens of thousands of our neighbors in Auburn and Lewiston, provide a multitude of recreation opportunities, and keep Lake Auburn beautiful and clean for many years to come.
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Join Us
If you are interested in becoming more involved with LAWPC, please fill out our
general inquiries form or email us at lakeauburnwater@lakeauburnwater.org. We are always looking for volunteers, and can work with you to find the best fit for your individual or group needs. We look forward to hearing from you!
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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
If you would like to partner with us, or have ideas for events, volunteering opportunities, or other things you’d like to see happening in the watershed, let us know! Send us an email at lakeauburnwater@lakeauburnwater.org, or fill out our general inquiries form at this link. We look forward to hearing from you!
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