Camaraderie and conservation at community paddle in Contoocook Lake

RINDGE — Laurel Cameron’s paddle split the surface of Contoocook Lake on July 19, gently nudging lily pads out of the way as her bright green kayak glided across the water. A broad-brimmed hat protected her from the sun as she and her fellow paddlers set off on their aquatic adventure.

As part of the Rindge Conservation Commission’s free, family-friendly community paddle, seven people in canoes and kayaks spent two hours navigating the lake. The crew launched from the boat ramp on County Road at the edge of the Contoocook Marsh Conservation Complex in Rindge before heading north to Jaffrey Dam.

In years past, the conservation commission has held a paddle or a hike at Converse Meadow Pond, but this was the group’s first time inviting people to come together to spend time on Contoocook Lake.

“I think people were blown away by how nice it was to be out there, how quiet it was,” said Rob Rubendall, commission clerk.

Rubendall and Vice Chair Richard Mellor led the event. Paddlers fought the wind but were rewarded for their efforts with scenic views of Mount Monadnock. They also saw ospreys, turtles, heron and sandpipers.

More than merely offering a chance for community members to be active on the water, the activity allowed people to mindfully engage with the natural world and consider the importance of conservation.

“We want people to respect the nature and the open space that we have in Rindge,” Rubendall said. “And by connecting them with the different properties we have and getting them out into the open space we hope that when it comes time to vote for conservation at the town meeting they’re going to think about how important it is that we have these spaces and how much it means to them.”

For Cameron, a dedicated conservationist, each body of water she explores is a unique experience. She has been paddling for decades and enjoys the feeling of water lapping at the side of her kayak. She takes pride in being able to push herself into nature using the power she generates, relying on her own abilities rather than a motorized vehicle.

“I love nature. I’d rather be outside than inside,” Cameron said. “But being on the water, it’s very relaxing, and there’s so much to really see. From one boat you see a lot of things happening from the shore and the sky and the trees. It’s just a great experience.”

Assistant Scout Master Hutch Hutchinson has spent time on the water with BSA Troop 33 in Jaffrey, but this was his first time paddling with the conservation commission. He said a community paddle is a great way to spend time with other people while also ensuring water safety by not being out on a lake or in a river alone.

“I just think it’s so peaceful, and it’s so powerful to be out on the water,” Hutchinson said. “One of the things I love about the Monadnock Region is there’s so much water, so much flat water, to explore.”

Hutchinson said he views conservation as a civic duty. People can easily take for granted the natural landscapes of the Monadnock Region, and if they don’t protect the area’s biodiversity and existing ecosystems they could quickly vanish, he said, adding he is glad the Rindge Conservation Commission has been able to protect parcels of land to preserve the ecological health of the community.

“How do we conserve what we have and protect what we have so we don’t lose it?” he said. “And often, piece by piece we lose a lot of the ecosystem and we don’t realize how much we loved it until it’s gone.”

Eventually, after taking a brief bonus trip to nearby Pool Pond, the paddlers returned to land. Rubendall said the event was well-received, and he hopes to find a way to bring additional kayaks and canoes for people who may not have their own boats for future paddles.

He said he is optimistic this paddling tradition will continue in future summers, connecting people with the water bodies that exist in their communities and instilling in paddlers the value of conservation.

“We always hope to get more people involved,” he said.

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