Want to learn more about how to reduce the spread of certain quick-growing plants without using chemicals that pose risks to pollinators and to soil health?
On Friday, September 12, from 10 AM–12 PM, join Chocorua Lake Conservancy for a Bittersweet Pull with Chocorua Lake Conservancy Outreach Coordinator Anna Paddock, a morning of camaraderie, exercise, and invasive plant control at the Brown Lot across from Chocorua Lake. This outdoor volunteer morning will focus on removing non-native bittersweet, a twining vine that if left unchecked can climb trees and damage them. Afterwards, celebrate your hard work with a refreshing lemonade by the lake.
Bittersweet, glossy buckthorn, Japanese barberry, and knotweed are all considered invasive plants in New England: plants brought to the US as ornamentals that in some environments can grow abundantly, disburse large quantities of fruits or seeds, and often grow from underground root systems. Invasive plants can grow so thick in some places that they take over habitats normally available to native shrubs that provide cover and food for wildlife. This is an ongoing project after receiving Natural Resources Conservation Service cost-share funding to help with efforts.
CLC owns the Brown Lot, an undeveloped property located across Rt. 16 from the lake. Working to limit the spread of invasive plants there helps to reduce the chances these species will spread to the lakeshore. Bring work gloves and your favorite clippers if you have them. We will have some tools available if needed. Wear sturdy close-toed shoes or boots and bring water and a snack, if you like, as well as bug or sun protection as needed, and a bathing suit if you’d like to go for a dip after! Meet at the Island public access area on the lake, right off of Route 16. Feel free to come for all or some of the morning. Please register in advance above so that we can let you know of any changes to the schedule.
Anna Paddock moved to Tamworth in 2023 and quickly fell in love with the community and the abundant forests, tranquil lakes, and stunning mountains. Before joining CLC in 2025 as Outreach Coordinator, Anna worked with towns in the Greater Portland region of Maine, supporting the creation of climate action plans and other projects to build climate resilience. Anna graduated from the University of South Florida with a BA in Biochemistry and a minor in Environmental Science in 2021. Anna lives with her partner and cat, and enjoys playing guitar, knitting, and hiking in any season. She is also a member of the Tamworth Planning Board.