Rebecca Hanson, Newfound Lake Region Association Executive Director (second from right), stands in front of a Newfound Lake access channel located directly behind where the new Grey Rocks Conservation Center is under construction in Hebron. She gave a tour of the site to local MVSB employees, from left, Megan Piazza, Branch & Business Development Manager in Ashland, Martha Clifford, Branch & Business Development Manager in Plymouth, and Samantha LeClair, Business Development Officer.
The Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA) has been working to protect Newfound Lake and its watershed for nearly 60 years. The organization, along with its staff and volunteers, do so through a variety of programs focused on conservation, education and community engagement.
Rebecca Hanson, NLRA Executive Director, said the nonprofit organization is based in Bristol for their administrative activities. But with all the work they do directly on Newfound Lake, it has always been a goal for NLRA to have headquarters with waterfront access. That objective came to fruition when they broke ground earlier this year.
“We are so excited to be under construction on the new Grey Rocks Conservation Center in Hebron and we look forward to opening our doors in spring 2025,” said Rebecca. “This will be a publicly-available, environmentally friendly resource center, and will serve as a hub for science, education, community engagement and nature-based exploration. We have received overwhelming community support from local organizations who understand the importance of protecting this beautiful lake for future generations.”
The NLRA is nearing their $2.2 million fundraising goal through donations and partnerships. The nonprofit was also recently awarded tax credits from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) to assist with construction. MVSB is proud to purchase $10,000 in tax credits to support this project.
“Newfound Lake is an amazing community resource and we are so fortunate to have it right at our doorstep,” said Martha Clifford, MVSB Branch & Business Development Manager in Plymouth. “This new facility will better equip the Association to do important research, engage in conservation activities and offer public learning opportunities. We are proud to support this wonderful initiative and organization.”
Newfound Lake is often touted as one of the deepest lakes in New Hampshire, and one of the cleanest lakes in the world. It has 22 miles of shoreline that offer boating, beaches, hiking and more. Visit newfoundlake.org to learn more about the work of NLRA.