By Jera Dills and Sydney Zinner
As summer heats up, there’s no better time to celebrate where many of us spend the longest days of the year – the lake! July is North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) Lake Appreciation Month, an annual celebration that encourages us to reflect on the ecological, social, recreational, and economic importance of lakes, and ways to protect and preserve them for future generations to enjoy.
This month-long celebration is an excellent opportunity to learn more about lake ecosystems, participate in stewardship activities, and enjoy the natural beauty of our local lakes.
Lakes are vital ecosystems that provide ecological, economic, and recreational benefits. They serve as habitats for diverse wildlife, like fish, turtles, birds, and insects. They play a crucial role in flood mitigation and offer recreational opportunities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and simply relaxing by the water’s edge.
Alabama’s Lakes
Success Stories: Communities Making a Difference
Across North America, many communities are stepping up to protect their local lakes. For example, the Friends of Lake Wingra in Madison, Wisconsin, have been working to improve water quality through rain garden installations, invasive species removal, and educational outreach. Similarly, the Lake George Association in New York has been a leader in lake conservation for over a century, focusing on pollution prevention and habitat restoration.
Back home in Alabama, Lake Watch of Lake Martin was instrumental in upgrading Lake Martin to a Treasured Lake of Alabama, which increases water quality protections in the surrounding watershed.
How You Can Celebrate Lake Appreciation Month
Participate in educational events
Many local environmental groups and nature centers host educational events during July. These might include workshops on water quality, guided nature walks, or presentations about the flora and fauna of local lakes. Attending these events is a great way to deepen your understanding of lake ecosystems.
Explore the Bankhead National Forest, pictured below, through events with Wild Alabama, and check out Alabama State Park events for opportunities across the state.
Organize or join a lake clean-up event
Removing trash and debris from lakeshores and waters beautifies the area and protects wildlife from harmful pollutants.
Renew Our Rivers is an award-winning campaign organized by Alabama Power that provides an extensive calendar of organized cleanups for lakes, rivers, and streams throughout Alabama. Since 2000, it is estimated that Renew our Rivers has removed 16 million pounds of debris from waterways. Take a look at the Renew Our Rivers Events Calendar to see if there are events near you!
You can find or coordinate a clean up near you through Keep Alabama Beautiful, the state chapter of Keep America Beautiful.
Citizen Science Projects
Participate in citizen science projects that monitor lake health – like Alabama Water Watch! Your data can help scientists track changes in lake ecosystems and identify emerging threats.
The Robert Carlson Secchi Dip-In is another citizen science opportunity through NALMS that helps gather important information on lakes. The Annual Dip-In began in July 1994 to celebrate Lake Appreciation Month. They also happily welcome year-round data entries! Visit the North American Lake Management Society’s webpage for steps on how to get involved.
Recreation and Enjoyment
Spend a day kayaking, fishing, or picnicking by the water. By experiencing the beauty and tranquility of lakes firsthand, you’ll be reminded of the importance of protecting them.
Play Lake Appreciation BINGO by NALMS and encourage others to get out on the lake!
Join the Celebration
This July, take the time to appreciate the lakes in your community. Whether through education, advocacy, or recreation, there are countless ways to get involved and make a difference. By working together, we can ensure that these beautiful and essential ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.
For more information about Lake Appreciation Month and the many ways you can participate, visit the North American Lake Management Society’s website at www.nalms.org.
Happy Lake Appreciation Month!
Keep up the good work!