Explore Lakes with NH LAKES Webinar Series
Explore our lakes through the seasons from the comfort of your own home! These webinars are FREE but pre-registration is required.
Dragonflies and Damselflies and New Hampshire’s Waters
Wednesday, May 3, 2023, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
If you’ve spent time in or around New Hampshire’s waterways, you’ve most likely seen one of these insects. Maybe one has even landed on you! Join this webinar to learn about these members of an ancient order of insects (Odonata – meaning “toothed ones”) that has been on this planet for 300 million years. For a small northern state, New Hampshire hosts a high diversity of species, with 166 currently recorded. These insects occur in freshwater habitats statewide, from our largest rivers to ponds above treeline in the White Mountains, and the myriad bogs and beaver ponds in between. They spend most of their lives as aquatic nymphs, and in many cases this life stage can be an indicator of high water quality.
Presented by Pamela D. Hunt, Ph.D., Senior Biologist for Avian Conservation, NH Audubon
New England Ice Harvesting
Wednesday, February 1, 2023, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Ice harvesting on New England’s lakes in past centuries provided cold cash for small farmers and industry magnates alike, and it still takes place in some locations today! Join us for an invigorating look into this tradition.
Presented by Jane M. Hennedy, Site Manager, Southern R.I., Historic New England Presented by Jane M. Hennedy, Site Manager, Southern R.I., Historic New England
The State of Lake Health & Advocacy in New Hampshire
Wednesday, October 5, 2022, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
If you are worried about the health of the lake you love and are wondering how you can influence lake-friendly policy in New Hampshire, don’t miss this special discussion! NH LAKES President Andrea LaMoreaux will kick off the conversation with an update on the health of New Hampshire’s lakes—including what we saw during summer 2022.
Michelle Davis Farnham, NH LAKES Policy and Advocacy Program Manager, will then take you on a deeper dive into the state of lake advocacy in New Hampshire, highlighting the core issues NH LAKES advocates on and what transpired during the New Hampshire 2022 Legislative Session that impacts our lakes. Michelle will then invite you to participate in the “Vote Like Your Lakes Depend on It” initiative to help make lake-friendly policy a priority at the polls in November.
Presented by Andrea LaMoreaux, President, NH LAKES and Michelle Davis Farnham, Policy and Advocacy Program Manager, NH LAKES
Lake Plants—The Good, the Bad, the Ugly, and the Beautiful
Wednesday, August 3, 2022, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
This time of year, you’re probably noticing all kinds of plants in the lake. Wondering which of them are good for the lake and which are bad? Tune into this session and learn how to identify what plants are growing in your favorite lake and what to do if you think you’ve spotted a problem plant.
Presented by Amy P. Smagula, Limnologist/Exotic Species Program Coordinator, Watershed Management Bureau, Water Division, NH Department of Environmental Services
Perfluoro-what? PFAS and Persistent Contaminants in Our Lakes
Wednesday, July 6, 2022, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Toxic “forever” chemicals called PFAS are contaminating our water. Tune into this session to hear about the human health and ecological implications of PFAS in New Hampshire’s lakes.
Presented by Jonathan Petali, Ph.D., Toxicologist, Environmental Health Program, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
This webinar is sponsored by the New Hampshire Rivers Council
LakeSmart – Where to Start
Wednesday, June 8, 2022, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Are you interested in becoming LakeSmart by living in a lake-friendly way but not sure where to start? Tune into this session to learn what it means to be LakeSmart and the steps you can take to achieve the coveted LakeSmart Award.
Presented by Krystal Costa Balanoff, NH LAKES Conservation Program Manager and Gloria Norcross, NH LAKES Conservation Program Assistant
Water Quality Friendly Lawn Care
Wednesday, May 4, 2022, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
One thing we can all agree on is the importance of clean water. How we take care of our lawns and landscapes can either cause water pollution problems or help guard against them. Tune in to this session to learn some easy practices for creating and maintaining a truly healthy lawn that is both attractive and safer for the environment, including our lakes.
Presented by Julia Peterson, Water Resources State Specialist, UNH Cooperative Extension, and Emma Erler, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Waterfowl on the Lake – Beautiful and Sometimes Problematic
Wednesday, April 6, 2022, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
New Hampshire’s lakes are home to many beautiful birds. Tune in to hear about the many species of waterfowl living on and near the water in New Hampshire. Learn how NH Fish & Game manages these migratory species in the state. And, learn what you can do to manage Canada Geese–beautiful creatures that are sometimes known for a few ugly habits!
Presented by Jessica Carloni, Waterfowl Project Leader, New Hampshire Fish & Game Department
Septic Systems and Our Lakes
Wednesday, March 2, 2022, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The septic system at your property can affect the quality of the lake, even if you’re not directly on the water. Tune in to learn how regular maintenance is crucial to the health and effectiveness of septic systems as well as the health of our lakes.
Presented by Matthew Raumikaitis, Owner, Septic Check Inspections and NH LAKES LakeSmart Service Provider Partner
Microplastics and Our Lakes
Wednesday, February 2, 2022, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
You may have heard that microplastics are making their way into our oceans but did you know they are also found in our lakes in New Hampshire? Tune in to learn how the Green Mountain Conservation Group has been studying microplastics in the Ossipee Lake system, what they’ve found, and what it means for water quality and food webs.
Presented by Jill M. Emerson, MB (ASCP) CM, Water Quality Coordinator, Green Mountain Conservation Group
Climate Impacts on Our Lakes
Wednesday, January 5, 2022, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Have the droughts and heavy rains in recent years impacted you in some way? Perhaps caused a well to go dry at your house? Or flooded your lakefront property or dock? Or made the lake too low for boating safely? Tune in to hear how climate changes and the glacial geology of New Hampshire are impacting our lives—and our lakes.
Presented by Abby Thompson Fopiano, P.G., Edgewater Strategies
Healthy Forests, Healthy Lakes
Wednesday, December 1, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
New Hampshire is approximately 80% forested. Trees on the landscape act as natural sponges collecting and filtering rainfall and polluted runoff water, helping to keep our lakes clean and healthy. Tune in and learn about the threats facing our forests and what you can do to keep the trees on your property (and beyond) healthy—and the lake healthy, too!
Presented by Wendy Scribner, Forestry Field Specialist, UNH Cooperative Extension, and Robert Craycraft, Lakes Monitoring Program Coordinator, UNH Cooperative Extension
Help Put Our Lakes on a Low-Salt Diet this Winter!
Wednesday, November 3, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Winter is approaching and that means it’s time to start planning for snow and ice removal. Tune in to this session and find out why road salt is a problem for our lakes and what you can do to help put our lakes on a low salt diet this winter!
Presented by Dave Neils, Chief Aquatic Biologist, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, and Steve Landry, Supervisor, Watershed Management Bureau, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
Shoreline Tree and Vegetation Management Rules for Waterfront Properties
Wednesday, October 6, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Do you live along a lake, pond, or river? The Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act was established to protect these natural resources and to oversee the management of shoreline properties. If you are considering re-designing or adding any additional landscape features to your waterfront property, this webinar is for you! Tune in to hear from John Stephens, owner of Stephens Landscaping Professionals and NH LAKES LakeSmart Service Provider Partner, to help you maneuver through local and state regulations—it’s not too early to plan for your spring landscaping project and get the permits you will need.
Presented by John Stephens, Owner of Stephens Landscaping Professionals.
The Geology of New Hampshire’s Lakes
Wednesday, September 1, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Did you know that most of New Hampshire’s lakes are more than 10,000 years old? As old as this seems, the lakes are geologically young features compared to the long history of geologic change that has shaped New Hampshire’s Lakes! Tune in and find out how our lakes and landscape were formed and how they have changed over time due to geologic forces.
Presented by James Vernon, Director of Water Supply Services, Nobis Group.
Cyanobacteria Update: What We’ve Seen & What to be on the Lookout for
Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Tune in for an update on the status of toxic cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire’s lakes during Summer 2021 and find out what to be on the lookout for this fall.
Presented by Amanda Murby McQuaid, Ph.D., Harmful Algal and Cyanobacteria Bloom Program, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.
What Plants are Growing in the Lake?
Wednesday, August 4, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Summer is in full swing and the plants in our lakes are reaching the height of their growing season. While most plants are good for our lakes, some are not and can cause big problems. Attend this session and learn how to identify what plants are growing in your favorite lake and what to do if you think you’ve spotted a problem plant.
Presented by Amy Smagula, Exotic Species Program Coordinator, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.
Your Summer Rx: Enjoy Clean & Healthy Lakes!
Wednesday, July 28, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
There’s no better place to be than at one of New Hampshire’s 1,000 lakes during summer! Our lakes provide for a myriad of recreational activities and science has shown that spending time along, on, and in the lake is good for our health in so many ways. Tune in to this session and hear about how being at the lake is good for you and find out some simple things you can do to help keep the lake(s) you enjoy healthy too!
Presented by Krystal Costa Balanoff, Conservation Program Manager, NH LAKES and Erin Mastine, Outreach Program Coordinator, NH LAKES.
Enjoying Lakes While Protecting Wildlife
Wednesday, July 7, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
New Hampshire’s lakes and ponds provide us with a variety recreational activities during the summer—they are also home to a variety of wildlife species. Hear from biologists from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the Loon Preservation Committee about how you can enjoy our lakes while helping keep wildlife safe and healthy, too.
Presented by:
- Lindsay Webb, Wildlife Educator, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
- Harry Vogel, Executive Director & Senior Biologist, Loon Preservation Committee
Lake Level Management: A Balancing Act
Wednesday, June 16, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
While most of New Hampshire’s lakes were formed naturally by nature, the water level in many of our lakes is managed by dams. Attend this session and learn about how dams are maintained and operated in a safe manner and about the challenges of lake level management in New Hampshire.
Presented by Jim Gallagher, Chief Engineer, Dam Bureau, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
Boating Safety 101
Wednesday, June 2, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
New Hampshire’s lakes are warming up and so is the boating season! Whether you enjoy exploring our lakes by motor boat, paddle board, sail boat, canoe or kayak, be sure to tune into this session for a refresher on basic boating laws and safety practices. This session will help you stay out of trouble while enjoying smooth sailing all summer long.
Presented by Timothy Dunleavy, Captain, New Hampshire State Police—Marine Patrol
Keeping the Family Lake House in the Family
Wednesday, May 5, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Family properties along our lakes are special places, often passed down and enjoyed and cherished by generation after generation. Sometimes, though, hanging on to the family lake house can be challenging and complicated. Tune in to this session and hear from two New Hampshire attorneys with extensive experience helping families plan gracefully for the future of their beloved property.
Presenters:
- Caitlin McCurdy, Associate, Trusts & Estates Department, McLane Middleton
- Christopher Paul, Director and Chair, Trusts & Estates Department, McLane Middleton
Introduction to Lake Modeling – Is Your Lake Ready for the Runway?
Wednesday, April 28, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Tune in to learn about the fundamentals of lake trophic state modeling and how this can be a useful tool to help your community plan for clean and healthy lakes in the future. Two experts in this field from Comprehensive Environmental, Inc., will kick off the session with an overview of lake biology principles and landscape concepts that provide the foundation for lake modeling. Then, they will dive into how models are developed to predict biological conditions in lakes and how they will respond to future changes on the landscape.
Presented by:
- Bob Hartzel, Principal Scientist, Comprehensive Environmental, Inc.
- David Roman, Senior Water Resources Engineer, Comprehensive Environmental, Inc.
Lakes in Spring
Wednesday, April 7, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Find out how our lakes are waking up from a long winter’s nap and what lake-friendly actions you can take this spring and summer to do your part to keep them clean and healthy!
Presented by:
- Krystal Costa Balanoff, Conservation Program Coordinator, NH LAKES
- Andrea LaMoreaux, Vice President of Programs & Operations, NH LAKES
The Secret Life in Lakes
Wednesday, March 3, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Join biologists from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and take a look into the lake to see and learn about the curious and beautiful array of microscopic and other largely unseen critters that live in our lakes—including your favorite lake!
Presented by:
- Amanda Murby McQuaid, Ph.D., Harmful Algal and Cyanobacteria Bloom Program, NH Department of Environmental Services
- Amy Smagula, Limnologist & Exotic Species Coordinator, NH Department of Environmental Services
- Sara Steiner, Volunteer Lake Assessment Program Coordinator, NH Department of Environmental Services
Eagles and New Hampshire’s Lakes
Wednesday, February 3, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Eagles soaring over our lakes is becoming a more and more common occurrence here in New Hampshire. Tune in and find out how the population of eagles is recovering throughout the state and what you can do to help!
Presented by Chris Martin, Senior Biologist, New Hampshire Audubon.
Lakes In Winter
Wednesday, January 6, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Find out how our lakes freeze and what happens under the ice…and see and hear some strange and usual winter phenomena!
Presented by Krystal Costa Balanoff, Conservation Program Coordinator, NH LAKES, and Andrea LaMoreaux, Vice President of Programs & Operations, NH LAKES.
New Hampshire’s Changing Climate & Lakes
Wednesday, December 2, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The climate in New Hampshire is changing. Find out how and what this means for our water resources and our lakes.
Presented by Sherry Godlewski, Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Manager, NH Department of Environmental Services, and Andrea LaMoreaux, Vice President of Programs & Operations, NH LAKES.
Climate Change in New Hampshire – Making Connections slides
NH’s Changing Climate and Lakes – A Special Focus on Lakes slides
Otters, Beavers, Turtles, & Frogs!
Wednesday, November 4, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Our lakes are home to many animals, including otters, beavers, turtles, and frogs. Find out about the fascinating lives of these critters and where they go and what they do during winter.
Presented by Patrick Tate, Wildlife Biologist, New Hampshire Fish & Game Department, and Josh Megyesy, Wildlife Biologist, New Hampshire Fish & Game Department
View the Turtles & Frogs slides
View the Otters & Beavers slides
Otters, Beavers, Turtles & Frogs Zoom Chat Box
Answers to Questions After Webinar
Lakes in Autumn
Wednesday, October 7, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Find out how our lakes are getting ready for a long winter’s nap and what lake-friendly actions you can take to make sure they wake up healthy and rejuvenated in the spring!
Presented by Andrea LaMoreaux, Vice President of Programs & Operations, NH LAKES, and Krystal Costa Balanoff, Conservation Program Coordinator, NH LAKES