Here are just a few ideas for people to learn more about lakes, to do something to protect them, and to celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month:

Organize a lakeshore clean up to collect trash and other wastes that have washed up on shore.

Begin a storm drain stenciling program. A number of citizen groups stencil "Drains to Lake ____" or "Drains to ____ Creek" on storm drain inlets to advise people where the storm water goes and to discourage the dumping of wastes into storm drains. The Florida Lakes Management Society has a very active storm drain program and they feel that plaques are longer lasting and look better than stencils. They have made and distributed over 28,000 aluminum plaques that can be attached to storm drains with construction adhesive. For more information contact Mike Britt at telephone: 863.291-5850.

Contact your local newspaper and radio station to prepare an article about how valuable your lake is.

Contact your state’s volunteer lake monitoring program and become an active volunteer.

Ask your governor or provincial government to declare the month as Lakes Appreciation Month in your state or province. See the sample proclamation and guidance.

Plan a picnic, water festival, or other event to get lake property owners and lake users involved with lake appreciation.

Photograph community participation in lake activities and send the photo and related caption to the local paper.

Initiate or become an active member of the lake organization in your community. Contact the NALMS office at 608-233-2836 or on the Internet at www.nalms.org for a listing of state and provincial lake organizations.

Contact your local newspaper, radio, or TV station to prepare an article or editorial about how valuable your lake.

Get involved in developing a long-term community plan for your lake to balance the needs of the lake-environment with those of people.

Participate in the Great American Secchi Dip-In to measure your lake's water clarity. Visit the Dip-In web site at http://dipin.kent.edu

Learn more about how to control exotic species like Eurasian Water Milfoil and zebra mussels that threaten our enjoyment of lakes. Call your local state or provincial lake coordinator for more information.

Tell others about Lakes Appreciation Month and share your enthusiasm for lakes with local media, family, friends, colleagues, and youth groups.

Relax and enjoy the view of your lake!