Come join us in an exploration where water and land meet, as we venture into the upper wetlands of the Chocorua River, stopping along the way to appreciate the ephemeral spring wildflowers that grow near and along the wetlands!

On Saturday, May 24 from 8–10:30 AM, join Chocorua Lake Conservancy (CLC) for Wetlands & Wildflowers. Naturalist Lynne Flaccus and CLC Communications Director Juno Lamb will lead a walk along and into the wetlands that border the river along the CLC Charlotte C. Browne Woods property. The wetlands that the Chocorua River flows through on its journey from the mountain to Chocorua Lake support a diversity of plants and animals that have adapted to this saturated place. Here the river slows to a meander through a mat of sphagnum moss, sedges, orchids, ferns, other herbaceous plants, and a whole host of shrubs. In this wet, nutrient poor and acidic habitat, there are a number of adaptations that resident plants and animals use to survive. 

In among the moss and sedges, insectivorous plants like sundew, bladderwort, and pitcher plants thrive. Alder, winterberry and various heaths add color, texture, and scents to the wide-open spaces of the wetland. Dragonflies, butterflies, phantom craneflies, and other insects make their home in the wetlands, where there is plenty of food and space to lay eggs. Songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and great blue herons also either make their home in the wetland or along its margins.

Wetlands, where water and land meet, come in all shapes and sizes, acting like a huge sponge absorbing flood waters, filtering sediments, providing a nursery, motel, and diner for a diversity of animals. Our exploration will allow us to look closely at the community of plants and animals in this section of the river, and explore how this habitat, and its residents, functions in support of the lake miles downstream. We’ll use all our senses and observation skills as we investigate the nooks and crannies of this special place.

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Pink lady’s-slipper, Cypripedium acaule. Photo: Alex Moot

As we walk through the diverse habitats of CLC’s Charlotte C. Browne Woods toward the Chocorua River and the wetlands, we may spot other spring ephemerals, flowering plants so called because they bloom for a brief time in the early spring, often before the trees have fully leafed out, and touch on ethical foraging and plant medicine. 

You’ll want a pair of rubber boots (knee high is fine), or shoes you don’t mind getting wet. We won’t venture out too far and we’ll be careful where we are walking, but it’s still a wetland, after all! The hike into the river is an easy 10 to 15 minute walk, so feel free to have extra shoes for walking down and back, but we will spend most of our time at the wetland where you’ll want your boots. As always in May, don’t forget to plan for bugs, ticks and sun protection, not to mention a snack and a water bottle! Bring a pencil and paper or a journal if you like to take notes or make sketches. Interested and patient kids 6 and up are welcome with an adult. Free for CLC members and kids; $10 suggested donation for non-members. Please register above so that we can let you know of any changes in the schedule. Rain date will be Sunday, May 25.

Naturalist Lynne Flaccus has a lifetime of experience in land conservation and stewardship, managing protected properties, studying wildlife, and educating adults and children.

CLC Communications Director Juno Lamb is a writer, teaching artist, lifelong gardener, plant lover, and herbalist in training.

Banner image: The Chocorua River near CLC’s Charlotte C. Browne Woods. Photo: Alex Moot