 The Swim Celebrates its 10th Year! On August 11th, a team of eight swimmers will swim the seven-mile length of Squam Lake, from the Squam Channel in Holderness to the Sandwich Town Beach, to raise funds for loon preservation. The 2016 Swim team led by Wendy Van de Poll, includes Rose de Mars, Jennifer Marts, Lisa Davy, John Eisner, Carol Zink, Richard Chau, and Rick Van de Poll. Rockywold-Deephaven Camps is generously donating its boat to accompany the Swimmers across the lake, and spotters Van Adriance, Jeff Marts, and Ralph Kirshner (captaining the boat) will keep a close eye on the Swimmers to ensure a safe trip across the lake. |
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The triumphant end to the 2015 Swim.
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To celebrate The Swim's 10th anniversary, LPC will also be offering a special loon cruise on Squam Lake the morning of The Swim. The cruise boat will leave from Walter's Basin at 10:45 am for a guided tour with the Loon Preservation Committee's Squam Lake Biologist Tiffany Grade and then stop at the Sandwich Town Beach in time to welcome the Swimmers at the end of their swim and join them for a picnic lunch. The cost of the 10th Anniversary Cruise is $25 per person. Space is limited so call the Loon Preservation Committee at 603-476-5666 to reserve your spot. The 10th Annual Swim is a fundraiser to benefit the Loon Preservation Committee (LPC)'s Squam Lake Loon Initiative, an ongoing effort to increase monitoring, research, management and outreach to change the fortunes of Squam's loons. Squam Lake saw a dramatic decline in its number of loon pairs between 2005-2007; and, since that time, Squam's loons have continued to experience low breeding success. Since 2005, "The Swim" has become a much anticipated yearly event in the Lakes Region and has raised over $150,000 to support LPC's work to benefit Squam Lake loons and to recover a healthy population of loons on the lake. This year, funds raised through The Swim will allow LPC to extend its field season on the lake; test eggs from failed nests for contaminants; continue banding and monitoring the health of Squam's loons; expand its research into the causes of declines; educate lake users to encourage a culture of respect and appreciation for loons; and continue its intensive management to help loons cope with their growing challenges.
The Swimmers have been training throughout the summer for this event, and the public is invited to the Sandwich Town Beach at 12 pm on Thursday, August 11th, to celebrate with them as they complete their journey. The Loon Preservation Committee thanks local businesses including Squam Marketplace, EM Heaths Supermarket, and the Corner House Inn for donating food for the celebration. We would also like to extend special thanks to the 2016 Swim Sponsors:
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| | Breakaway Athletic Coaching |
For more information on the Squam Lake Loon Initiative or to make a donation, please visit www.loon.org or call the Loon Preservation Committee at 603-476-5666.
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Save the Date:
Volunteer Appreciation Potlucks
We hope you can join us at one of the following celebrations:
Tuesday, August 23 at 6 pm: The Harris Center, Hancock
Wednesday, August 24 at 6 pm: Canaan Meeting House, near 450 Canaan Street, Canaan
Thursday, August 25 at 5:30 pm: The Loon Center, 183 Lee's Mill Road, Moultonborough*
Please bring a dish to share. We will provide beverages, plates and utensils. RSVP to Susie at [email protected] or call 603-477-2884 and let us know what you are bringing.
Friends & family are welcome.
After the potluck, Harry Vogel will present trends in New Hampshire's loon population and a wrap-up of the 2016 season.
* On August 25, Nature Photographer John Rockwood will also present a slide show featuring the loons on Lake Massabesic.
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