Alliance Report

It's the state's largest stratified drift aquifer, and it's been in the news lately. But are you confused about what the Ossipee Aquifer actually is and why it's important? A public presentation on August 1 will help.

Over the last few years, you may have noticed fewer tree swallows competing for your nest boxes' occupancy, while you earnestly hope to attract a bluebird pair on your open land. Populations of birds that eat flying insects have been dropping at an alarming rate, especially in northeastern North America.

Our area's communities are publicly at odds with one another over an irreplaceable shared resource that is vitally important to our future. Green Mountain Conservation Group's proposal to establish an Aquifer Advisory Committee to get our towns on the same page regarding protection efforts has our support. The kick-off meeting, on July 17, is open to everyone who wants to learn more.

Years ago the titmouse was deemed a southern bird, often only experienced below the Mason Dixon line. But the tufted titmouse pair visiting my feeder occasionally reminds me this small relative of the chickadee is still expanding its range in New Hampshire.

For years, Bruce Bedford documented our area on film, largely for the Carroll County Independent. He had a keen eye for rural life, and the distinctive style of an artist that informed routine news photos and photo-features alike. Now an archive of his work is being posted online.