8th GMCG Annual Polar Plunge for Healthy Water

Saturday, April 4, 2026

Blue Heron House | 236 Huntress Bridge Road, Effingham, NH

Take the Plunge. Protect Our Water.

Join Green Mountain Conservation Group for our annual Polar Plunge into the Ossipee River — a bold, refreshing tradition and a powerful show of support for clean water in our community.

This spirited event brings together neighbors, families, and local water champions willing to brave the cold for a cause that matters. Every splash supports GMCG’s work protecting the Ossipee Watershed and safeguarding our region’s sole-source aquifer.

When you plunge or donate, you help fund:
• Water quality monitoring
• Aquifer protection efforts
• Watershed science and research
• Youth and community education programs
• Conservation advocacy throughout the year

Event Schedule

12:00 PM – Registration check-in. Coffee, cocoa, lunch & desserts.
1:00 PM – The Polar Plunge begins!
2:00 PM – Prizes and thank you message.
3:00 PM – Close.

Stick around to cheer on plungers, enjoy warm food and drinks, and celebrate our shared commitment to protecting local water resources.

Become a Water Hero

Gather pledges from friends and family, form a team, or register as an individual plunger. Prizes will be awarded to the top three fundraisers — and every plunger receives a small thank-you gift.

Suggested minimum donation for plungers: $10

Not plunging? You can still support the cause by donating or cheering on participants!

Meet the Aquifer Angel

Keep an eye out for GMCG’s Aquifer Angel, our friendly groundwater guardian cheering on brave plungers and reminding us that clean water needs heroes year-round. Snap a photo, share your plunge, and help spread the word about protecting our precious aquifer.

Why It Matters

The Ossipee River and the underlying aquifer supply clean drinking water to thousands of residents and visitors. Protecting this vital resource requires science, stewardship, and strong community support. The Polar Plunge is a fun and meaningful way to show your commitment to clean, abundant water for generations to come.

Ready to Dive In?

Register today, start fundraising, and join us on April 4 for one of the most exciting and impactful events of the year.

How to Get Sponsored

Participating as a plunger? Register to plunge here. Invite friends, family, and coworkers to support your icy leap for clean water by sending them to our donate link below and entering your name upon check out.

1. Visit gmcg.org/give

2. Select “Polar Plunge” from the designation dropdown menu

3. In the additional notes or name field, enter the plunger’s name

We will track and tally all donations made in each participant’s name.

Fundraising as a Team

Plunging as a team? Teams should register here. Rally your group and fundraise together!

Supporters should:

1. Visit gmcg.org/give

2. Select “Polar Plunge”

3. Enter your team name in the additional notes or name field

All donations made under your team name will be combined toward your team’s total.

Prizes & Recognition

GMCG will track all Polar Plunge donations and tally totals for individuals and teams.

🏆 Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers, and winners will be announced at 2:00 PM following the plunge festivities.

Many thanks to last year’s sponsors including: Hurry Slow Hat Co. for gifting beautiful high quality hats to the top fundraising plungers, as well as Barley & Salt taphouse and kitchen of North Conway who are donating gift certificates for dinner for two. Thanks as well to our growing list of sponsors including Minute Man Press of North Conway, Bank of New Hampshire, Infinger Insurance, Leisure Time Cocktails of Portland, ME, Friends of Constitution Park, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Big Dave’s Bagels, and Rotary Club of Ossipee Valley. If you are a business or organization who would like to sponsor the event please contact GMCG to get in on the action.

Thanks to our past year’s Polar Plunge Ambassadors!