July is Lakes Appreciation Month!

You work and play on them. You drink from them. But do you really appreciate them? Growing population, development, and invasive species stress your local lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. All life needs water; let’s not take it for granted! 

Help make Lakes Appreciation Month great this year!

And how about these ideas?

• Organize a shoreline cleanup
• Develop an educational self-guided lake tour
• Organize a hike or biking event with a focus on your local lake
• Reach out to a local restaurant about hosting a “Lakes Appreciation Night” with a percentage of the proceeds donated to your local lake association
• Enjoy your local lake, pond, or reservoir with fun summertime activities, such as: boating, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, or rowing; swimming; SCUBA diving; fishing; or enjoying the natural scenery with friends and family
• Help monitor your local waterbody or watershed
• If you manage a lake, host an activity. Bring enough sampling gear, id keys and other materials for everyone to join in.
• If you don’t manage a lake, ask your local lake agency about shadowing a lake manager for a day
• Start a watershed storm drain stenciling program
• Have your septic system pumped if you live close to a waterbody
• Go birding or take pictures at a lake or pond (don’t forget your mask!)
• Tap into your artistic side and draw or paint a lake scene for your home or office. Be sure to send us a copy!
• Organize a lake field trip for students

Thank you to these states/provinces for declaring July Lakes Appreciation Month!

States are color-coded based on the date the proclamation was received.

Thank you to our 2024 program sponsors!