Volunteer: Water Quality Excursion
September 6 @ 9:00 am–3:30 pm
The Squam Lakes Association's water-quality data set is the oldest in the northeast, and we need YOU to help keep it going. Volunteer water quality monitoring is a great way to get involved in the Squam community, get outside, and contribute to important research. Join us to learn about how to identify & report invasive milfoil, collect water column samples and create a data profile at two of our monitoring sites, Sandwich Bay and Loon Reef, on Sunday, August 23rd, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm.
The purpose of this excursion is to get folks out on the water and show them how the SLA and its volunteers collect water quality data and are managing invasive milfoil. Participants will get hands-on experience using our equipment on the boat. We will meet at the SLA headquarters, learn about milfoil identification in Squam Lakes and then head out on the lake to complete two water samples. Once we're finished, we will dock on Moon or Bowman Island to eat lunch and take in the scenic views.
The SLA has been building its water quality data set since 1978. Our volunteer network is crucial to gathering samples and measurements at our deep-water monitoring sites across the watershed.
In 2000, variable milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) was discovered in the Squam Lakes and River. The Squam Lakes Association has tirelessly worked to keep this submerged invasive aquatic plant controlled. Our efforts include hand-pulling and using a Diver Assisted Suction Harvester.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and registration is required for this event.
The purpose of this excursion is to get folks out on the water and show them how the SLA and its volunteers collect water quality data and are managing invasive milfoil. Participants will get hands-on experience using our equipment on the boat. We will meet at the SLA headquarters, learn about milfoil identification in Squam Lakes and then head out on the lake to complete two water samples. Once we're finished, we will dock on Moon or Bowman Island to eat lunch and take in the scenic views.
The SLA has been building its water quality data set since 1978. Our volunteer network is crucial to gathering samples and measurements at our deep-water monitoring sites across the watershed.
In 2000, variable milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) was discovered in the Squam Lakes and River. The Squam Lakes Association has tirelessly worked to keep this submerged invasive aquatic plant controlled. Our efforts include hand-pulling and using a Diver Assisted Suction Harvester.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and registration is required for this event.
Location
Squam Lakes Association
Meet in the Great Room at the SLA headquaters
Squam Lakes Association
What to bring
Volunteers should bring plenty of water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, appropriate clothing, as we will be out on the water for several hours. Be prepared for your hands and arms to get wet as we take water quality measurements. Come prepared for rain as well. As long as it's not too windy or thundering, we will go out.
Meet your guides
Diego Torres and Chloe March are Lakes Region Conservation Corps members serving with the SLA for the 2026 season. Diego is an Education and Outreach Assistant and Chloe is a Volunteer Programs Assistant.
