Photo Credit : Rick Kloeppel; Flickr
The Goose Lake in the Highlands
Secondwind Water Systems proudly serves New Hampshire. We celebrate and honor our rich natural and cultural history. As a water treatment company, we care deeply about the conservation of our lakes, rivers, and streams. One of our most treasured and conserved lakes in the state are the Squam Lakes, located in the Holderness area.
Long before it was ‘On Golden Pond,’ what is now called Squam Lake was known as Keeseenunknipee, or, The Goose Lake in the Highlands, by NH’s original indigenous inhabitants, the Abenaki. White settlers ‘shortened’ it to “Casumpa,” “Kusumpy.” Eventually, they gave it another Abenaki name, Asquam, which means water. Then they shortened it to Squam.
Refuge For Humans And Birds
One can imagine why the Abenaki referred to the lake as the Goose Lake in the Highlands. It covers over 7,000 acres and has over 64 miles of shoreline. Because it hosts 30 islands, it provides nesting areas for a wide range of bird life, most importantly, the Common Loon. Squam Lake has the densest Common Loon population in the state. It’s been the home to breeding pairs of Bald Eagles as well as Ospreys, American Bitterns as well.
Loons are listed as a threatened species in NH. Threatened wildlife are those species which may become endangered if conditions surrounding them begin, or continue, to decline. The conservation efforts to protect loons began in the 70’s on the Squam Lakes and continue to this day. Protecting loons is the responsibility of all who live in and visit Squam Lakes.
Photo Credit : Nick Carruthers
Because of their place at the top of the aquatic food web, loons act as sensitive indicators of environmental contamination, and are severely impacted by changes in shoreline habitat and human lake use. The focus on these birds helps residents to be aware of the threats to the entire ecosystem. Because of this, there is an extraordinary diversity of life in this region that is actively being conserved.
There is a concerted conservation effort underway for the entire Squam Lake region. It is one of the most protected lakes in the state. The Squam Lakes Conservation Society, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, and the Squam Lakes Association all partner together to preserve and protect this vital natural and cultural resource in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.
Explore and Enjoy The Lake
Summer is high season in the Squam Lakes region, and so there are a multitude of ongoing events and volunteer opportunities through Squam Lakes Association. Activities for the entire family to enjoy. The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center hosts ongoing events, and exhibit trail, and volunteer opportunities as well.
Take some time this Summer to get outside to explore The Goose Lake in the Highlands. Here is a great Guide to Squam Lakes Region from New England Today, Travel to help your planning!
