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News from Newfound

Conservation Center Updates

Black bear snacks on seed from birdfeeders in early spring.

Are You Prepared for Bears?

Posted 4/7/26

Spring is here and so are the black bears! Be responsible with bear attractants this spring.

Newfound Terrestrial Invasive Plants: What are they, why do we care, and how can I help?

Posted 4/2/26

Volunteer Blake Robbins is mapping terrestrial invasives to measure their potential impact on the health of the watershed.

Conservation Program Manager, Paul Pellissier takes samples from the Cockermouth River.

Tracking Spring Runoff

Posted 3/20/26

What can this seasonal surge of water tell us, and why does it matter?

Boot prints show on a muddy trail in early spring.

"Stay on the Trail" in Muddy Conditions

Posted 3/20/26

Mud season has arrived! Help protect Newfound's natural areas by staying on the trail in all conditions.

Ice-in on Newfound Lake

Ice-In on Newfound Lake

Posted 1/22/26

The lake was fully covered by ice beginning January 3rd, the earliest ice-in date since 2019. Along with recreational opportunities, ice cover plays an important role in keeping Newfound Lake healthy.

Tufted titmouse sitting on a tray feeder.

Winter Bird Feeding

Posted 12/22/25

Backyard bird feeding is a rewarding way to connect with nature and support non-migratory birds during the toughest months of the year.

Stormwater flows into the lake.

Winter Rain and Water Quality

Posted 12/22/25

After weeks of cold and snow, the Newfound Watershed experienced warmer temperatures and rain. Winter rainstorms come with unique challenges, especially when rain falls on snow or frozen ground.

Person spreads ice melt across driveway.

It's Salt Season

Posted 12/5/25

Salt is an important tool for keeping roads, parking lots, driveways and walkways safe in winter, but it also pollutes waterways. Under current state and federal guidelines, a teaspoon of salt is enough to permanently pollute five gallons of…

Winter track and sign

Discovering Wildlife Across the Newfound Watershed Through Animal Track and Sign

Posted 12/5/25

As snow settles across the fields, forests, and wetlands, it becomes a clean slate—ready to record the movements of the animals who share our landscape.

NLRA staff member samples for invasive spiny water flea in Newfound Lake.

A Special Message from the Executive Director

Posted 11/25/25

November 2025 Dear Newfounder, Across New Hampshire, invasive species and pollution are damaging lakes that were once pristine. Now, Newfound faces the same danger.  In September, the invasive spiny water flea was discovered in the lake, a tiny…

Northern lights shine over Newfound Lake

Gratitude for the Darkness

Posted 11/18/25

As November nights grow longer, we’re reminded of the quiet beauty of dark skies—crystal-clear views of the moon, stars, and unlit hillsides. This is a perfect time to reflect on the value of darkness, not just for now, but year-round.

View of Bear Mountain

Protecting Land to Protect Water Quality

Posted 11/11/25

One of the best ways to protect the quality of the water in Newfound Lake is to conserve the lands surrounding it. Forests and fields soak up rainwater like a sponge, filtering it into the ground before it picks up pollution and runs into waterways.


The Monitor

NLRA’s biannual publication, highlighting stories from the watershed and insights into current conservation efforts.