 Bald eagles nesting near Squam Lake can be observed during cruises held by the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. (Theodore Nilson Photo) |
At 1 p.m. on three Tuesdays in June — 16, 23 and 30 — visitors can join Iain MacLeod, the center’s director, to learn about these eagles, as well as the recent nesting recovery in the state. The tours last 90 minutes. Reservations are required.
The bald eagle nest on Squam was first occupied in 2003, and so far has produced eight eaglets, including two last year. The pair has two eaglets in the nest again this year, and the tours will allow close viewing of the youngsters, without disturbing them.
These tours are part of an extensive schedule of lake tours offered by the center through the summer and fall. The center offers three daily Explore Squam Lake Cruises from June 13 through Oct. 18. Tours are 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m., with additional Nature of the Lakes Cruises at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from July through October. The eagle tours on June 16, 23 and 30 will replace the regular 1 p.m. Explore Squam tour.
Other offerings
Also new this summer, the center is offering a Loon Cruise at 3 p.m. on Fridays from June 19 to Aug. 21. On these tours the staff will be joined by a biologist from the Loon Preservation Committee who will guide the tour, and discuss the work LPC is doing across the state to protect these birds.
The route of the Loon Cruise will vary to maximize bird observations.
The regular Explore Squam tour will allow visitors to experience the area where the Oscar winning-film “On Golden Pond” was filmed, and hear a bit of Squam’s human history through stories of those who have enjoyed this area over the years.
The lake cruises depart from the dock on Route 3 at the bridge, next to Walter’s Basin Restaurant in the downtown. Cruise passes are $22/non-member adults ($20 for members); $20 for non-member seniors ($18 for members); and $18 for non-member youth (ages 3-15) ($16 for members). Children ages 2 and under are free. Discounted trail/cruise combo passes are available. Binoculars are available for wildlife viewing.
The mission of the center, which has educated visitors for more than 40 years, is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world.
The center is situated on Route 113 from exit 24 off I-93. It is open daily from May 1 through Nov. 1.
In 2006 the center gained national accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This accreditation distinguishes SLNSC as one of the finest educational facilities of its kind throughout the nation, and the only AZA-accredited institution in all of northern New England.
For more details about events, admission fees, upcoming programs, lake cruises, and membership go to nhnature.org, or call 968-7194.
