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!
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Wood Ducks: A Conservation Success Story |
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Habitat destruction and overhunting led to the near extinction of the wood duck. By the late 1800s and early 1900s, ornithologists believed the species' extinction was imminent. Thanks to conservation efforts, wood duck populations are now increasing over much of their range. Here's what made the difference: |
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The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, enacted in 1918, led to a moratorium on wood duck hunting until 1940, after populations had rebounded to sustainable levels. The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act supported wetland conservation projects across the country, protecting wood duck habitat. |
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Once the most hunted waterfowl species in the east, current harvest management plans, based on scientific data and population trends, ensure sustainable hunting practices. |
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Habitat is the most critical factor affecting wood duck populations. Wood ducks have proven to be resilient, moving to "second-rate" habitats when their prime bottomland forest habitats are destroyed, but land conservation and protection and wetlands restoration have been key in the return of the wood duck. |
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Wood ducks nest in tree cavities adjacent to wetland habitat. Nest boxes have been critical in maintaining brooding habitat in areas where development has left fewer natural tree cavities available.
Wood duck nest boxes at Grey Rocks Conservation Area, built and maintained by NLRA volunteer Les Mills, held up to 24 eggs this spring.
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Volunteer Les Mills, preparing a nest box at Grey Rocks for the 2022 nesting season. |
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Lessons Learned from a Duck |
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Human activity can devastate wildlife populations and the environment, but it doesn't have to. With science-driven, sustainable management practices, we can balance conscientious development with conservation.
Whether it's protecting the Newfound watershed or the wood duck, conservation requires a multi-faceted strategy, buy-in from all stakeholder groups, broad collaboration, and ongoing maintenance. By donating, volunteering, and advocating for NLRA and local conservation, you can help us make conservation of the Newfound watershed another story of success.
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Wood duck chicks spend only a day in the nest before being coaxed out by mom. Known as "Jump Day", its a treat to watch: |
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August 28-October 3
Grey Rocks Conservation Area
178 North Shore Rd, Hebron, NH
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Follow the Floodplain Loop Trail to enjoy this year's StoryWalk, "The Secret Pool" by Kimberley Ridley. |
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September 25, 1-3pm
Grey Rocks Conservation Area
178 North Shore Rd, Hebron, NH
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Join ecologist Rick Van de Poll for a Mushroom Foray at Grey Rocks Conservation Area to learn about and collect edible and medicinal mushrooms found in the Newfound watershed.
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October 21, 10am-12pm
Sugarloaf Ridge-Goose Pond Conservation Area
614 West Shore Rd, Bristol, NH
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Join Watershed Steward Karen Candia for a guided hike around Goose Pond looking for beaver activity and learning about beavers' role as a keystone species. |
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Stewardship Journal: Tenzing Syelneon |
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Read about the service experience of NLRA's Watershed Stewards. |
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Stewardship Journal: Tenzing Syelneon - Newfound Lake...
The leaves are slowly changing colors as the hue of summer is crawling by like a tortoise. The foliage is still green, but rebels have emerged, yellow and brown tints. As the days get chilly the will of life seems to weaken.
Read more
newfoundlake.org
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Turn Off the Lights
Light pollution disorients migrating birds, leading to confusion and weakness that makes them vulnerable to predation and fatal collisions. Turning off outdoor lights and keeping indoor light inside can make a big difference.
Read more about how you can take action to help migrating birds, and more reasons to turn off the lights, from the International Dark-Sky Association:
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What You Should Know About Bird Migration and Light...
Across the United States in the spring and fall, the sight and sound of Canada geese flying overhead is a clear sign that bird migration is underway. Less visible are the millions of birds that travel while we are sleeping, in the dark...
Read more
www.darksky.org
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Other Events Around The Watershed |
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September 25, 6:30-8:30pm
Bristol Town Square, Bristol, NH
September 25, 5-10pm
Tapply-Thompson Community Center
30 N Main St, Bristol, NH
September 30, 10-11am
Slim Baker Foundation
301 New Chester Mountain Rd, Bristol, NH
October 2, 9am
Around Newfound Lake
October 5, 6-7pm
Slim Baker Foundation
301 New Chester Mountain Rd, Bristol, NH
October 9, 9am-2pm
Tapply-Thompson Community Center
30 N Main St, Bristol, NH
October 14, 10-11am
Slim Baker Foundation
301 New Chester Mountain Rd, Bristol, NH
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Our work to keep Newfound clean is only possible with the support of the people who love this special place. Every dollar makes a difference for Newfound Lake and its watershed. |
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Keep Connected
We do not sell or share your information.
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The Newfound Lake Region Association is dedicated to protecting Newfound Lake and its watershed. Learn more...
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