Lake Boon going up, dam board in / Just say no to phosphorus

Happy spring, Boonies!

As we ‘spring ahead’ in time and temperature, be aware that the first dam flash board was put in place today and the lake level will gradually rise by about a foot over the next month or so, depending on rain and snow melt runoff as well as groundwater inflows. This is the time window for chilly waterfront maintenance at low levels!

At this time of year for those contemplating service contracts with landscaping or DIY, they or you should minimize use of any fertilizers and not use any containing phosphorus. The Healthy Lake Boon study is finding that runoff (including fertilizers) is the dominant source of phosphorus going into the lake and promoting the growth of algae and aquatic weeds. A full report will be available late this spring.

Sustainable Stow talk focuses on how trees protect climate

This month’s talk from Sustainable Stow and the Randall Library focuses on the role trees play in drawing down carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It takes place Wednesday, March 16 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Register in advance at https://bit.ly/3IHbuTh

The speaker is Glen Ayers, a soil scientist and long-time advocate for forests. Glen will explain the important role that trees can play in addressing climate change. New research on forests and climate shows how the old trees in our yards and conservation areas can really make a difference. The state’s new 2050 Roadmap even looks to forests as a key means of getting the Commonwealth to net zero.

Also, if you missed the last Sustainable Stow talk on “Current Living: No Gas, Less Noise, Better Health,” you can tune in on Stow TV’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGlBeLgFKd0. Learn about electrifying your home, from cooktops to lawn mowers. As a follow-up to last month’s session, the Randall Library can now loan you an induction cooktop to try out at home!