April 22, 2020
Welcome to the Newfound Connection
Each edition of the Newfound Lake Region Association newsletter features events, news, trivia, and the people of the watershed—everything a Newfounder needs to know! 
Happy Earth Day!
Today marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, a global movement highlighting the importance of protecting our land, water, and air.

On April 22, 1970, 20 million people held demonstrations to raise awareness of environmental issues and demand better protection for our environment. The first Earth Day is recognized as the largest act of civic engagement in history.
Earth Day 2020 - Climate Action
This year Earth Day is all about climate action. While we battle the immediate threat of COVID-19, climate change is still on track to have noticeable short- and long-term effects on the Newfound Watershed.

What does climate change mean for Newfound?
Bigger, more frequent storms
Heavy rainstorms wash sediment and pollutants into our rivers, lakes, and streams, lowering water quality. Storms also damage buildings, roads, bridges, power lines, and disrupt our daily life. It's not just an environmental issue, it's an infrastructure and economic issue.
Warmer waters
Warm water might sound nice for swimming and recreating, but it also means a longer growing season for plants, algae, and even bacteria that can be harmful to human and animal health. Cold water fish species, like our native brook trout and salmon, also suffer as water temperatures rise.
Changes to our ecosystems
Native plants and animals that have thrived here for thousands of years are being forced to move farther north or to higher altitudes to survive. Brook trout, moose, and songbirds, are some of the species that can't take the heat . Even the future of maple sugaring is in jeopardy.
The Good News? Newfound is Resilient

The Newfound watershed has been classified by The Nature Conservancy as having above average resilience to climate change . This is in large part due to very limited development and large, unfragmented blocks of forest like Kimball Hill Forest . But the changes we are facing are real and serious. The work you make possible by supporting NLRA, like erosion control measures and land conservation, increases Newfound's resiliency to climate change threats. Minimizing the effects of climate change require creativity and collective action.
Individuals and Climate Change
Many individual actions contribute to climate change. This is measured as a "carbon footprint", which is the amount of greenhouse gases generated by different kinds of activity. Want to see what your actions add up to? Use this test from The Nature Conservancy to calculate your carbon footprint and learn ways to minimize it:
What is your carbon footprint? | The Nature Conservancy

What's your carbon footprint? What's a good carbon footprint? Use this tool to find out, compare it to the average, and take action.

Read more
www.nature.org
Local Action on Earth Day
This year communities around the world are focused on combating COVID-19, and traditional Earth Day gatherings and volunteer projects have been put on hold or moved to the digital realm, but there are still many ways to continue the annual tradition of celebrating our Earth and promoting it's protection.
Take a trash walk
It's a beautiful time to be outside. Make it even more beautiful by taking a pair of gloves and a trash bag with you to clean up litter around your neighborhood. You can use the app Litterati to challenge others to do the same!
Install a Rain Barrel
Rain barrels reduce energy consumption and stormwater runoff. The water they collect can be used to water your garden or houseplants. Learn how to install a rain barrel in the New Hampshire Homeowner's Guide to Stormwater Management
Try Compost over Chemicals
Cut out synthetic fertilizers that are harmful to the environment and try compost instead. This video can help you get started. Keep in mind that even compost can result in excessive nutrients in our waterways, and manage your stormwater runoff .
Sweep up Salt and Sand
Salt and sand left from winter road maintenance pollutes our water. Sweep it up and dispose of it.
Repair it Before you Replace it
Reduce your waste and consumption and support our local fix-it experts.
And, of course, support your local conservation organization!
At NLRA, every day is Earth Day. Donate or volunteer and join the year-round efforts to protect our own special piece of this beautiful world.
More Ways to Take Action
There's still more you can do! Get inspired with more ideas from this article by EarthDay.org:
11 actions for the planet during a pandemic | Earth Day

But as we exercise our individual and collective responsibility to reduce viral transmissions to preserve human health, we can still exercise our responsibility to act for environmental health. We can use this solitary time to...

Read more
www.earthday.org
Plant a Tree
This classic Earth Day activity is good for the earth and good for the lake.

For the Lake:
Plant roots stabilize soil and filter the water that ends up in rivers, lakes, and drinking wells. By adding healthy vegetation in the watershed, we create an environment that is more resilient to some aspects of climate change, like frequent rain storms.

For the Earth:
And, or course, trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while producing oxygen, which is good for the whole planet.

Here's how it's done:
Need help choosing the right tree or plant for your space? Get help from a master gardener through the Ask UNH Extension.
Upcoming NLRA Events
Other Events Around the Watershed
Virtual Edition
Digital Events are happening around the world!
Click the link to learn more

Every Friday, 9-10am
Minot-Sleeper Library via zoom
Click the link or call 603-744-3352

List courtesy of Minot-Sleeper Library
Click the link to learn more

Basic Ingredients - Garlyn's Culinary Adventures
Various dates and times, click the link to learn more

Picked and Polished
Various dates and times, click the link to learn more or visit www.retafrekot.com

NH Audubon
Weekly challenge, click the link to learn more
Volunteer opportunities and summer staff positions are open! Experience hands-on conservation work that protects and conserves the Newfound watershed.
Available Positions:
  • Youth Conservation Corps Crew Member
  • Youth Conservation Corps Crew Leader
  • Lake Host
  • Weed Watcher
  • EcoTour Boat Captain
What do you love about Newfound?
Newfound means something special to you. It may be cherished memories at the family cottage, swimming in Newfound's crystal clear waters, the beautiful hiking views, or the vibrant community built by hardworking local businesses and active community members. Make sure the things you love are protected into the future by supporting the Newfound Lake Region Association.

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The Newfound Lake Region Association is dedicated to protecting Newfound Lake and its watershed. Learn more...