FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFreedom — July 30, 2006 — From the birds of Ossipee Lake to the alpine flowers of Mount Washington, naturalist-photographer Chris Lewey has spent years documenting the arrival of summer in New Hampshire’s north country.

On Saturday, August 5th he’ll present his fascinating illustrated lecture “North Woods Summer” outdoors under the big tent at Calumet Conference Center as part of Freedom’s 108th annual Old Home Week celebration. The 8 PM event is free and is co-sponsored by Calumet and Ossipee Lake Alliance.

Lewey’s adventure starts at the summit of Mount Washington, where man has adapted in order to survive some of the most severe weather ever recorded. In this land above the trees, rare and intriguing alpine flora can be seen surviving the harsh Arctic-like conditions.

Descending into the forests and valleys below, Lewey will take a closer look at some of our area’s wildlife and consider the ways in which they have adapted to be able to survive the dramatic changes in New Hampshire’s seasons.

“The ‘North Woods Summer’ presentation focuses on why this area of ours is so interesting,” said David Smith, Ossipee Lake Alliance’s executive director. “It has a great mix of topics, touching on the seasons, unique plants, ospreys, owls and other birds and mammals in ways that visitors and residents will relate to.”

Native New Englander Lewey, who has spent many summers on Ossipee Lake, is the founder and executive director of RAVEN, a Chatham, New Hampshire-based organization offering interpretive wildlife programs and adventure tours. He is a naturalist for the Appalachian Mountain Club, and has led natural history tours for Maine Audubon Society, Smithsonian Study Tours and the National Wildlife Federation.

Calumet Conference Center is on Ossipee Lake Road in Freedom. Directions are online at www.calumet.org or may be obtained by calling 603-539-4773. Additional information on RAVEN may be found at www.ravenwildlife.org.