Belknap Landscape Company..."We turn Dreamscapes into Landscapes."

Local Builders Association Donates TV Production Set to WLNH Children’s Auction

LRBRA
LRBRA Member companies design, build and donate new custom-made cabinetry for the 30th Anniversary of the WLNH Children’s Auction. Shown from left to right are: Jared Guilmett, Bob Glassett, Dale Squires, Steve Custance, Sharon Sheehan, Bob Anderson, Julie Hayward and Mike Hayward.

(Lakes Region – December 5th, 2011) The Lakes Region Builders & Remodelers Association, known as the LRBRA, is one of 9 New Hampshire builder trade groups within the statewide Home Builders and Remodelers Association (HBRANH). The LRBRA, with a long history of contributions to the WLNH Children’s Auction, accepted the challenge of creating a functional, custom-crafted TV production set for the Auction’s 30th Anniversary. Further, LRBRA Member companies joined together to design, build and deliver the furniture at no cost to the Auction, set this season to run from Tuesday to Saturday December 6th - 10th at the Conference Center at Lake Opechee Inn and Spa Laconia, NH.

In a series of spring meetings, representatives from the Auction's Board of Directors and the LRBRA came to agreement on future needs for TV production. Architects Misiaszek Turpin pllc came to mind first for the TV set designs. Located in downtown Laconia, Misiaszek Turpin was established in 2004 by Sonya Misiaszek and Rob Turpin, providing services to both public and private sector clients. Their work includes full architectural services, from concepts and permitting to contract documents for institutional, municipal and residential projects, as well as adaptive re-use and historic preservation. Misiaszek Turpin's intern, Jared Guilmett, a volunteer at the WLNH Children's Auction for years, designed the TV production sets with oversight by Sonya and Rob. Jared and Misiaszek Turpin were connected through the Huot Technical Center's School-To-Career Program. The designs were then constructed by LRBRA member builders.

For over 100 years Custance Brothers Woodworking (Steve, Matt, Brad and Dan) in Ashland, NH have been serving their clients with their fine custom woodworking, cabinetry, and home building services. From stock kitchen and bath cabinets to full built-ins to full house construction and additions they provide their clients with one-on-one service throughout their project. The Brothers built unique display pillars and the Presentation Station for the Auction items. Custance Brothers also painted all the furniture pieces from all of the contributing Member builders in their paint booth to insure a premium quality finish.

LRBRA Member builders, father and son Chuck and Jonathan Barnett of Barnett Building Contractors in Gilford have built some of the finest homes in and around the Lakes Region. From small renovations to full house construction Chuck and Jon specialize in complete construction management. Barnett’s staff consists of skilled craftsmen with over 30 years’ experience in residential construction and renovation projects, that fine craftsmanship shown in the Bid Board they built and donated to the Auction, including all the materials.

Island residents rely on K.A. Clason Fine Woodworking of Gilford as owner Kurt Clason and his staff specializes in construction on the water-bound properties of Lake Winnipesaukee. Working on the islands takes a great deal of experience and specialized equipment. For fine workmanship, renovations of waterfront cottage kitchens, baths or porches or complete design-builds should start with services provided by K.A. Clason. Clason built, donated and delivered the new Anchor Desk for the Auction MC and Announcers.

In Bristol, NH Mike and Julie Hayward of Hayward & Company Log & Timber Homes work together to complete turn-key custom projects for their clients all over the State of New Hampshire. Hayward & Company has extensive experience with log and timber frame home construction, specializing in log and timber home renovations as well as construction of Post & Beam barns. Hayward built and contributed a new Super Board for the TV production set, the fireplace-like unit incorporating both an electric firebox and a large flat-screen monitor over the mantle.

Manager Bill Blanchette and his staff at Middleton Building Supply in Meredith has been huge supporter of the Lakes Region Builders and Remodelers Association and the WLNH Children’s Auction for many years. Middleton provided top-quality materials and service to contractors as well homeowners. Great selection and service makes them a great team member for any project and their delivery vehicles with hydraulic lifts came in handy. Middleton drivers collected the TV production sets from LRBRA Member builder’s workshops all over the Lakes Region, delivering all the pieces to the Auction site without a scratch. Further, Middleton Building Supply donated much of the materials for the new TV production sets. Every year for many years over $500.00 in new tools is purchased by the LRBRA from Middleton for donation as auction items, generating many times that investment for local children. Middleton graciously allows the LRBRA to obtain these tools at cost.

Dale Squires, LRBRA Executive Officer from Member company Belknap Landscape said "The teamwork exhibited by LRBRA Members and the resulting fine furniture, entirely donated to benefit local children, is astonishing.” And continued, “We are thankful that the LRBRA is comprised of such a generous group of skilled contractors, perfect for the needs of the WLNH Auction coordinators. This contribution represents over $5,000.00 in labor and materials, a terrific achievement.”

Lakes Region Builders and Remodelers Association is a dedicated group of the Lakes Region’s finest designers, builders, remodelers and associate businesses related to the building industry. This trade organization provides business support to all in the building trades as well as a resource for the general public who are in search of building professionals. Though LRBRA member fundraising efforts, community projects like the donations to the WLNH Children's Auction and the LRBRA's Scholarship Program are made possible. LRBRA invites the public to follow their activities through Facebook. For more information contact Dale Squires, Executive Director, by calling (603) 455-1594 or by email at lakesregionbuilders@gmail.com

The WLNH Children’s Auction, an annual event held every December, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps community organizations in the Central New Hampshire region. All donations are tax-deductible. The fundraiser made $2,100 in its first year and with the help of countless volunteers and donors grew by 2010 to over 2,100 auction items, raising $283,808 for local charities. Over the years that the community has come together, over $2.3 million dollars has been raised for local charities, all through volunteer efforts, community donations and corporate sponsorships.

Belknap Landscape Crane Places Holiday Wreath on Historic Belknap MilL

The BLC crew

Laconia, NH (December 2, 2011) - Belknap Landscape Company Inc. (BLC) is the Lakes Region’s premier landscape design-build firm, providing an unmatched scope of landcare services to area residential and commercial clients throughout all four seasons. Continuing a track record of community service, Belknap Landscape contacted the Opechee Garden Club (OGC) to see what support could be provided for the upcoming December 3-4 Homes for the Holidays House Tour of five local residences and, again this year, the Belknap Mill.

The Historic Belknap Mill will host the Opechee Garden Club, serving as the tour's home base. The tour will return to the 1823 Belknap Mill in downtown Laconia, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated in 1976 the Official Meeting House of New Hampshire because of the architectural, geographical, and historical significance of the building. This stately brick building, dressed in candlelight and greens, will again be home to the popular Trees for the Holidays exhibit.

Throughout the event the club's Greens Boutique will offer a variety of fresh greens such as wreaths, swags, and centerpieces for resident’s own ‘holiday home’ and a Raffle table will tempt tour goers with a variety of items, most everything homemade by Club Members. Other entertainment from guitar and piano to school choirs will delight tour goers. A moment with a light refreshment will allow time reflect this holiday event not to be missed.

“OGC Past President and this year’s Co-Chair for the Tour Sandy Gove gave us another warm welcome” said BLC Owner Hayden McLaughlin “Hanging the Holiday wreath on the Mill this afternoon, along with placing hemlock trees in barrels flanking the doorway is a nice compliment to the Club’s handcrafted decorations and the Tour.” Adding, “This not to be missed event supports the Opechee Garden Club scholarships and environmental projects involved with horticulture and conservation, consistent with our company’s community service objectives.”

The Homes for the Holidays House Tour is on December 3rd and 4th this year, 10am to 4:00pm Saturday and 11am to 3pm Sunday. A self-guided tour of Mill and five festively-decorated theme homes, this year’s tour offers a wonderful variety including "Memories Made Here”, a Christopher Williams designed lakefront home built for family gatherings built to take advantage of the land; “An Adirondack Escape”, a truly traditional home boasting classic colors of cream, cranberry and hint of black—but with an unexpected Adirondack surprise; a “New England Christmas” in a rambling vintage 1755 cape expanded and ‘modernized’ in 1791 with wide board floors, tin ceiling and other colonial era appointments; “ A Shorefront Holiday”, a stunning lakefront home in the appealing Dockham Shore area; to “Small Things Come in Small Packages” highlighting condo living at its best where the view is everything! For more information please Call the Mill at 603-524-8813 or go to www.opecheegardenclub.com

Belknap Landscape Company Breaks Ground at WOW Trail Elm St. Entrance

Wow Trail

Laconia, NH (November 18, 2011) - Belknap Landscape Company Inc. (BLC) is the Lakes Region’s premier landscape design-build firm, providing an unmatched scope of landcare services to area residential, commercial municipal clients throughout all four seasons. Specializing in solving problems in Lakes Region landscapes, the company was recently selected to build easy access to the Elm St entrance of the WOW Trail from the parking area below and to construct stunning guest area at the Trail entrance.

For this project, Belknap Landscape crews are guided by a landscape design created by Laconia’s Tim Jordan, an award-winning Landscape Architect. While there have been notable beautification initiatives along Phase 1, including newly installed Trail entrance planting beds by the Opechee Garden Club, this effort focuses on easy access from the O' Steak & Seafood parking lot and on providing Trail-user amenities at the entrance.

The Gilford Company’s efforts will include site preparation with erosion control and the installation of a 6-foot wide granite stairway with safety railings and a gate at the top landing. Once WOW Trail visitors walk to the top of the new stairs they will be greeted by a redesigned landscape with a large brick paver patio and walkways throughout the area, those bricks available for purchase to help fund the Trail. Complementing these enhancements is a new picnic area surrounded by cobblestone edging and a bike rack. Once these hardscapes are installed, construction crews move into the softscape installation, replacing and adding plants and shrubs, grading and seeding, with the slope on each side of the stairway planted in wildflowers.

Allan Beetle, VP of the Board of Directors of the WOW Trail and Owner of the nearby Patrick’s Pub & Eatery commented, “We are excited about the additional improvements at the gateway to the Trail and thrilled that Belknap Landscape is on site.”

Heidi Blakely has been a WOW Trail volunteer for several years, serving as Chair of the Brick Sales Committee for the last year. All engraved bricks, sold for $50.00 each, serve as a fundraiser for continuing Wow Trail improvements and fund future Phases. There are many new opportunities available for anyone who is interested in working on the WOW Trail, and all may be found at www.wowTrail.com. Heidi was on hand for the project’s ground breaking Friday morning, noting “This will be a terrific improvement, providing a comfortable place for WOW Trail users to relax after a nice walk or bike ride.” And continued “ A great place to stop for lunch, with lake views in the background.”

The project is anticipated to be complete by the end of the month, weather permitting.

Belknap Landscape Company is a Lakes Region eco-friendly business - family owned since 1988. A Business NH magazine 2001 Business of the Year Award Winner and 2010 NH Business Review Business Excellence Award winner for Landscape Construction. Most recently, the company received a Building NH Award for the rejuvenation of Laconia’s Stewart Park on Union Avenue. The company is a member of the NH Landscape Association, with Certified Landscape Professionals on staff.

Picture Caption: Heidi Blakely, WOW Trail and Dale Squires, Belknap Landscape at Elm St Ground Breaking

At the Building NH Awards Ceremony for Laconia's Stewart Park transformation. L to R are Kendall Buck of the HBRANH, Dale Squires, BLC Marketing Manager, Hayden McLaughlin BLC Owner and Stephanie Sanford, BLC Landscape Designer, along with Kevin Dunleavy, Director of Recreation & Facilities, Laconia Parks and Recreation and Jerry O'Donnell, BLC Sales Manager.

PORTSMOUTH, NH (November 2, 2011) – Belknap Landscape Company, (BLC) led by owner Hayden McLaughlin, was one of 14 New Hampshire contractors, architects, and homeowners named as winners of the prestigious 2011 Building New Hampshire Awards. The announcement was made the morning of November 2nd at an awards breakfast held at the Residence Inn/Portsmouth Harbor Events & Conference Center, New Hampshire’s first LEED-certified hotel and conference facility.

The winning entries were selected in recognition of their work to build, remodel, or retrofit an energy-efficient, high-performance residence, a commercial building or an outdoor community space. The award-winning projects were designed and built to minimize their carbon footprint and impact on the environment.

“The winners of the 2011 Building New Hampshire Awards are the people to watch,” said Kathy Poggi, principal of Seacoast Ink and producer of the awards program. “With a sense of responsibility, they’re the ones who are producing some of the most innovative, sustainable building and remodeling projects in the Granite State.” Seacoast Ink is a media, event, and custom publishing company.

The award for Outdoor Community Space was given to Belknap Landscape for its rejuvenation of Laconia’s Stewart Park and River Walk Extension. Stewart Park, a three quarter acre municipal park on Union Avenue is now a Winnipesaukee Riverfront gem. The design-build company turned the Laconia’s dreamscape into a landscape by producing a comprehensive landscape design, supplied by an in-house landscape design team. Belknap Landscape then executed their plan with the approval of Laconia’s TIF Advisory Board. The Board approves projects utilizing tax increment financing (TIF). TIF financing allows projects to be funded by tax revenues generated from increased assessed values resulting from the City’s investment in new construction or renovation of other city owned properties. Essentially, one improvement, which increases the assessed values and tax revenues, funds another property improvement.

Belknap Landscape's renovation of Stewart Park included rebuilding underground utilities and water supplies to provide the safe new lighting and protection for plants and turf with a new irrigation system. Trees were professionally pruned and some removed by the company’s Tree Service division. New 8-foot wide multi-use ADA-compliant walkways were installed, as were striking circular paving stones at walkway intersections. New park seating maximizes views of the landscape across the river and into Rotary Park, designed by local landscape architect Tim Jordan and built by Belknap Landscape crews back in the mid 1990’s. Prominently placed planting beds full of native plant selections adorn the renovated Stewart Park, creating a mid-town oasis at downtown Laconia’s doorstep. Though Stewart Park renovations were completed well before Memorial Day weekend, the new park was officially dedicated at a Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 9th.

Of the guest speakers, Kendall Buck, the primary lobbyist at state legislature from the Home Builders and Remodelers Association (HBRANH) had especially encouraging words for the winners even given the dire economic state of the NH building industry, focusing on the rippling economic benefits of new construction and remodeling projects. The Association membership totals 1,100 throughout nine local associations. Belknap Landscape is an active member of the Lakes Region Chapter (LRBRA).

BLC Owner Hayden McLaughlin accepted the Building New Hampshire Award and commented, “The renewal at Stewart Park has not stopped with our efforts. On October 1st the Laconia Rotary Club donated 5,000 tulip bulbs, planted by Club volunteers and dozens more from the community on that rainy Saturday morning.” and continued, “In the spring, Stewart Park will explode with color and we are anxious to see it. Now comes today’s award, recognizing the accomplishment and the foresight by the City of Laconia. Stewart Park keeps coming back to please us all!”

Kevin Dunleavy, Director of Recreation & Facilities also attended and added, “The City of Laconia has received nothing but positive feedback from the results of the recent Stewart Park renovation and Riverwalk improvement. The talented and dedicated staff at Belknap Landscape Company made this project a reality. The City of Laconia continues to have a focus on the improvement of our community spaces, along with the goal of creating an enhanced pedestrian experience. It was a pleasure to partner with Belknap Landscape Company as we work toward these objectives.”

Sponsors of the 2011 Building New Hampshire Awards are Laconia Savings Bank, ReVision Energy, WellHome, Quality Insulation and Xtreme Audio-Visual. “By spotlighting these progressive members of the New Hampshire building community, it’s our hope that others will follow their leads,” commented Poggi. “Through their commitment, they’re making New Hampshire a more sustainable place in which to live, work, and play.”

Mayor Seymour Presents Adopt-a-Spot Awards; City Accepts Building NH Award for Stewart Park

Laconia, NH (November 14, 2011) – At the recent Laconia City Council meeting where the Mayor and new City Council were sworn in, Laconia’s 2011 Adopt-A-Spot Awards were presented. The Adopt-A-Spot was started in 1994 as a way of encouraging individuals, civic organizations, garden clubs, businesses and other organizations to assist with the beautification of the City by planting flowers and other civic improvements.

This past year beautification efforts ran the gambit from cub scouts to professional landscape service providers. All services and plantings were provided as a courtesy for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike.

For areas adopted on City property, recognition for such efforts includes an on-site sign with a name or organization, provided by the City. Annually, by August 15th, a committee judges adopted areas in the various categories and chooses the winners who are acknowledged at a City Council meeting. While the awards committee acknowledged all participants put forth a wonderful effort, they chose select businesses and individuals for special recognition.

Mayor Seymour presented Best Barrel Awards to Prescott’s Florist, Patrick Wood Law Office and Cub Scout Pack #68. Larry Poliquin, GM of the Hannaford Supermarket, directed the Cub Scout effort. A Best Planter Award was presented to Laconia Main Street Outdoor Marketplace.

Landscape Recognition Awards in the Residential Category went to Linda Vollmerding on Windmill Lane and, in the Civic Category, to the Laconia Rotary Club/Garden Artisans, who won for their stellar efforts in Rotary Park, along with Martin, Lord & Osman who plant and care for 1 Mill Plaza each season.

Belknap Landscape Company received an award for the rejuvenation of Stewart Park and the seasonal enhancements to Centennial Garden within the park. “This is a terrific, high profile program that puts you in company with professional landscapers and master gardeners and allows your efforts to be seen and enjoyed by everyone” said Dale Squires, of Belknap Landscape Company. In turn, Squires presented a Building NH Award to the City. The Publishers of the Granite State Builder magazine, the voice of the Lakes Region Builders and Remodelers Association (LRBRA) originally presented this award to the City and to Belknap Landscape on November 2nd for Stewart Park’s sustainable landscape transformation. Only one commemorative plaque was provided at the time. Building NH awards recognize eco-friendly construction practices in homes, buildings and public spaces and recognize civic investments in public areas.

Special Recognition Awards went to CBH Landscape Contractor for their care and maintenance of the Laconia Library grounds. Laconia expanded Adopt-A-Spot areas by adding select sections along the WOW Trail. A lovely new perennial garden orchestrated by the Opechee Garden Club, with plants supplied at cost by nearby Appletree Nursery, earned the Club a Special Recognition Award. The Club was also recognized for plantings at the Belknap County Court House.

To participate, an application is submitted with contact information and the location of the adopted area on City property or your own. You will be asked to plant and maintain your adopted area, including watering and weeding, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For information, contact the Parks & Recreation office at 603-524-5046 or e-mail at parks@city.laconia.nh.us.

MEREDITH — While many teens are spending their vacation time swimming, boating and enjoying the lakes in central New Hampshire, a group of students from Inter- Lakes High School are working hard in the hot summer sun to help protect a local lake for years to come.“It’s the water we drink. So that’s pretty important to us all,” said incoming I-L sophomore Johnny Connell.

Life Science teacher Kristine McGurkin is heading up the team of students participating in this summer’s Lakes conservation Corps projects on Lake Waukewan, which is funded through grants and overseen by the New Hampshire Lakes Association. McGurkin said she spent a summer two years ago leading a crew under the NHLA’s summer employment program and was contacted again this year to see if she could rally a group of students to work on shoreline protection projects around Lake Waukewan.

“I was really excited about it. This gave me a chance to work with students to give back to the community. We’re all thankful for this great opportunity as a learning experience, a resume builder for them and a chance to have some fun together, too,” McGurkin said. The students are mostly incoming sophomores and juniors at Inter-Lakes High School and, while none have specific plans to study environmental services in the future, they all recognize the importance of clean water and have learned a lot over the past weeks.“I wanted to get into the environment more and help the lake. I never knew about phosphates and urban run-off from parking lots and things like that until now,” said sophomore Josh Lorden. For Maeghan Warburton of Sandwich, clean water is an important part of her family’s everyday life on Squam Lake and she was happy to join the project.“My family has always been into the environment and this is helping me understand more about it. It’s a beautiful lake and keeping it healthy is important,” she said.

The work scheduled for the crew was estimated to take six weeks, said NHLA program coordinator Robbie Parsons, but she said the students had done an amazing job and will most likely finish up earlier than expected. Among the projects assigned to the group was work on weeding a previously planted rain garden at the Waukewan boat ramp as well as establishing more plant life and rocks along the same shoreline to retain soil and filter pollutants from runoff. They’ve also spent a lot of time on other erosion projects for the Waukewan Lake Association.“The hardest thing we’ve had to do is dig a ditch (38-feet long, four-feet wide and twofeet deep) at the Winona Shores Beach. There were gigantic rocks that had to be moved- that was a tough job,” said I-L junior Victoria Jollimore. That ditch was then filled with loam for juniper and other plantings and capped with crushed stone. They also trenched run-off down the side of the sloping land to protect the beach, filling that, too, with crushed stone to prevent beach erosion. Despite the backbreaking work, there have been many benefits to their job. As they worked along the waterfront they had a chance to observe many wonders of nature. Bald eagles, loons, large frogs and observations of dragonflies feeding on “huge insects” have opened their eyes to a world that might otherwise have gone unseen.“It’s been kind of like ‘Wild Kingdom’ out there when we’ve been working some days,” said McGurkin. Residents have also played a huge role in encouraging them as they work. The students said support has been overwhelming, as people have stopped to thank them and compliment them on their efforts.“It’s nice to know what we’re doing is appreciated. And then there was Rita. There should be a whole paragraph about how good she was to us,” said Connell. Rita, they explained, lives off Winona Shores Road and made certain the students were fed and had plenty to drink as they built protective berms and drainage areas above Vittum Beach. Each day she brought them soda, chips, and cookies and provided an area on her property to store their equipment so they wouldn’t have to transport it to the site each day.“She was awesome,” each of them agreed, adding they had sent her a card to thank her for her kindness and support.

Once the shoreline is buffered on the sites identified for this year, the team will then expand their knowledge through classroom and field research for NHLA. Along with Parsons, McGurkin and her students will obtain lake water samples to test the conductivity of Lake Waukewan and examine phosphate levels and other chemical components of the lake. The project was made possible by grants from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the assistance of Belknap Landscape Company who stored and transported plantings for the projects, and the cooperation of local resident Tim Whiting and the Waukewan Lake Association. The Lake Conservation
Corps was begun in 2009 and is meeting with great success in encouraging students and young adults to help create a cleaner environment in lakes throughout the state. Further information on their mission and ways to contribute toward clean water projects and public efforts to prevent invasive aquatic plants in New Hampshire lakes can be found at their web site, www.nhlakes.org.

To the Editor: On Tuesday, Sept. 6, PaWe are fortunate to live in a community whose business partners support local businesses and organizations. Belknap Landscape Company, Inc. is an example of such. As many of you may know, they are responsible for the landscape design and maintenance of the Gilford Public Library. The Library Trustees wish to acknowledge them for going above and beyond with their contributions and support of the Library grounds. The entire community benefits from their hard work when they come to the Library and enjoy the aesthetic beauty if offers to Gilford residents and visitors. Thank you,Belknap Landscape Company, for your continued support!

With our appreciation, the Library Trustees:
Robert Kameraad
Steven Geer
Jack Lacombe
Kate Bishop Hamel
Sue Cutillo

Student conservationists in fight against invasive plants
BY DONNA RHODES
DRHODES@SALMONPRESS.COM

Kneeling are NHLA president Dave DeJohn, Zachary Berger of Northern Nurseries and Dale Squires of Belknap Landscape. Standing are SCA members Daniel Martin,Venice Wong, Allison Dawson, Dylan Disque, Gina Frassetta, Emily Cook, and SCA NH director Mike Vecchiarelli.

BELMONT — Members of the Student Conservation Association of New Hampshire come from all over the country and all walks of life, but those working in Belmont over the next three weeks have just one goal in mind.

That goal is to help the Belmont and Belknap County conservation commissions eradicate the invasive Glossy Buckthorn plant from the Tioga River Conservation Area off Route 140.

The shrub resembles young birch trees, but has shinier, smooth-edged leaves, as compared to the ragged edged
birch leaf, and often, clusters of berries hang amidst those leaves.

Volunteering to assist the SCA staff last Wednesday were three companies from the New Hampshire Landscapers Association who each
sent a representative to help the students in their endeavors.

“Glossy Buckthorn was originally brought here as an ornamental shrub, but it’s very invasive, and if it isn't removed from this land,it will take over and create a mono culture environment, which we don’t want to see happen,” said Dale Squires of Belknap Landscape Company in Gilford.

A mono culture occurs when a particular species of plant becomes so overbearing that it crowds out other species of plants, also limiting the wildlife living in the area. Squires explained that the multiple varieties of plants, grasses and trees along the Tioga River are important in filtering the water which eventually leads into the Belmont town water supply.

“All of these plants growing here along the river keep that water supply clean, but if the Glossy Buckthorn should take over, that would be compromised,” Squires said.

Students involved in the national program are working under director Mike Vecchiarelli from SCA NH headquarters in Bear Brook State Park, and are being paid through the county conservation commission. While the assignment might have sounded easy at first, they are
finding the Glossy Buckthorn to be a worthy opponent.

“Just cutting them down is not as effective, so we are pulling the whole thing up,” explained Daniel Martin, one of the students, who hails from California.

The tools of their trade are shovels, a pick, matlock, and a wooden grip whose handle provides leverage to rip the roots from the ground as they work their way over the more than 20 acres of land.

Gina Frassetto of San Francisco said in the first few days, the crew spread out across the property, but finally set up lines to designate one section at a time from which to pull the plant.

“It was a little more random at first, but this is much more systematic now, and it’s working well,”Frassetto said.

The six young men and women are part of a larger group of 17 SCA members working throughout the state this year.They arrived in January and spent their winter working with students in the Manchester School District, teaching them about a variety of conservation topics.

While in Belmont, the group is experiencing the rougher side of life in the Lakes Region as they live and toil in the heat and rain amidst all types of insects.

“We don’t really use the flashlights we have for light as much as we use them for tick checks each night,” said Martin.

“Swamp logging in Greenfield was probably the hardest thing I’ve done with SCA so far,” one member said.

Veccharelli said the SCA NH team will spend a total of 24 days working on the Tioga project. As workers pull each shrub from the ground, they are being piled up for the commission to burn this winter.

Glossy Buckthorn is not the SCA’s only goal at the Tioga Conservation Area, however.

“We’re still waiting for the okay to do it, but we’re hoping to put up a couple osprey nesting platforms out here just before we leave,” said Frassetto.

Squires was joined for the NHLA volunteer day by group president Dave DeJohn of DeJohn Landscaping in Canterbury and Zachary Berger of Northern Nurseries, based out of Barrington. The men said it was the least they could do to help preserve the delicate wetlands of the Tioga River.

“The goals of the SCA are consistent with goals of the NHLA with this project. When we see opportunities to help like this, we throw it out
to our board, and members sign on to volunteer whenever they can. We’re very pleased we could come out and give them a hand today,” Squires said.

Once this “hitch” is complete, the SCA staff will move on to other projects around the state.

“No matter what it is we do, it’s always something outdoors, and that’s fun,” said Martin as the group headed back in search of the Glossy Buckthorn.

More information on the Student Conservation Association and the New Hampshire Landscape Association
can be found at www.thesca.org and www.nhlsonline.org.

TILTON — In celebration of Earth Day, students from the Winnisquam Agricultural Center assisted in a cleanup effort in their own backyard with the help of Belknap Landscape Company.

More than 60 students throughout the morning and afternoon were transported to Buffalo Park off High Street Extension in Tilton where they cleaned and cleared the trail system free of natural debris.

Janet Rosequist, director of the agricultural center, said the students focused the entire day at one location, hoping that some of them may want to Click here to read more...

Improvements to downtown park reason to remember contributions of its namesake
By AdAm drApcho
THE LACONIA DAILY SUN

LACONIA — The city’s downtown area wouldn’t look the same today if it weren’t for the labors of people such as Paul Stewart, a founding member and chairman of the Laconia Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The authority was responsible for planning the urban renewal project of the late 1960s and early 1970s, which gave downtown its current layout. The authority also created the senior housing facility, Sunrise Towers, at the foot of Union Avenue.

In 1973, Stewart died of a heart attack at age 50. A few months later, a riverside park that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority had helped create, across the street from Sunrise Towers, was named in his honor. On June 16, a re-dedication ceremony was held under the threat of rapidly-approaching thunderstorms, commemorating the completion of a major renovation of the park and linking it to the
pre-existing Laconia Riverwalk.

Stewart Park is located on the bank of the Winnipesaukee River opposite Rotary Riverside Park. Recent improvements to the sloping area, completed earlier this month by city workers and Belknap Landscaping, include the addition of a walking path, lighting fixtures, irrigation, benches, a new fence along the river and plantings.

Architect Peter Stewart, Paul’s son, was one of three descendants present for the ceremony on Thursday. He said his dad would be “overwhelmed” to know the park was dedicated to his memory. “I think he would be pleased with the work that has been done,” he added.

Peter was a young teenager when his father was immersed in the major urban renewal project. He recalled that his dad would bring home armloads of plans and discuss the project with his son.

Recalling his father’s vision for the city, he said, “I think the goal was to establish an active retail center in a mall-type configuration.” Peter said his father would likely be “disappointed that so many businesses had moved out” of the downtown, but that Paul would be “optimistic” about the downtown’s future, especially in light of projects such as the effort to revive the Colonial Theater on Main Street.

The renovation of Stewart Park would be another reason for Paul to be hopeful for the city. Peter said, “I think it provides a gateway for the downtown area, a nice visual spot, a resting area to ponder and reflect.”

Peter remembers his father as, “a hard-working guy, dedicated to the city, who worked very hard for the city, much in the same way that people who put this project together do.”

Landscaping is an art form for a local business owner
BY LAUREN TINER
LTINER@SALMONPRESS.COM

G. Hayden McLaughlin, creator and owner of Belknap Landscape, was recently recognized at the first annual Self Made in New Hampshire
Gala, which honors local business owners who have “carved” their own place into the heart of the state.

McLaughlin was among other notable entrepreneurs, such as Bob Lawton, the creative force behind Funspot in Laconia.

Before his nomination for the Self Made event, the New Hampshire Business Review also recognized McLaughlin, and awarded him click here to read more...

Pollution carried by stormwater is one of the greatest threats to water quality nationwide. Many waterfront residents do not know that porous pavements are readily available. As stormwater seeps through the porous asphalt, concrete or pavers, it is filtered of pollutants like sediment, heavy metals and petroleum products. By eliminating runoff, porous surfaces replace other stormwater management systems like retention ponds and catch basins. Porous surfaces also reduce reliance on chemical deicing and anti-icing practices, resulting in significant potential economic savings for winter maintenance and environmental benefits.

At a recent meeting of the Lakes Region Builders & Remodelers Association (LRBRA), Stormwater Run-Off Pollutes Our Waters by Dale Squires arranged by Belknap Landscape Company, the NH DES provided 75 local contractors with an update on procedures, and Redimix Companies, Pike Industries, and Belgard Hardscapes all provided solutions to impervious surface limitations imposed by the Comprehensive Shoreline Protection Act (CSPA) rules. Contractors learned how to maximize permissible building space on tight waterfront lots and still protect the water quality for homeowners.

Products were presented, including a unique, clear Lucite water tank showing water running through the pavers. Also on display was Belgard’s environmental line of permeable pavers from the Subterra collection. Permeable pavers allow rainwater to be absorbed by the ground where nature filters the water, instead of becoming runoff. The display was used later in March at the NHLA booth at the Home and Better Living Show of New Hampshire, held at the Hampshire Dome In Milford.

In August, 2007, Redimix Companies donated the use of it’s Dover, NH plant’s concrete materials and delivery services for the installation of a 20,000 square foot pervious concrete parking lot at the University of New Hampshire, Durham. Members may learn more about porous concrete at www.redimixcompanies.com/ pervious_concrete.html.

In December of 2009 a new active adult community in Pelham had the state’s first porous asphalt road installed, thanks to the efforts of the University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center in partnership with developers, contractors, and civil officials. More at www.unh. edu/news/cj_nr/2009/dec/bp- 07storm.cfm.