Saving Lakes Through Engaged Communities

Saving Lakes Through Engaged Communities

The ecological quality of Adirondack waterbodies faces many challenges that include how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and how to manage existing infestations. Engaging the community can be an effective way for concerned citizens to address issues affecting a stream, lake, trail, or forest that they love, but it’s often difficult to know where to begin. “Saving Lakes Through Engaged Communities” will provide expert guidance on how to best reach like-minded community members and attendees will also hear two success stories from the Lake Pleasant-Sacandaga Association and Friends of Moody Pond on those organizations’ community engagement efforts.

ADK Action Project Manager Kim Trombly and Communications and Operations Manager Kristina Hartzell will review best practices for getting a community together to solve an issue, rallying volunteers, and engaging younger audiences.

Lake Pleasant-Sacandaga Association Education Coordinator Charlie Ascher will share how LPSA engaged young people through a school program that teaches students about lake ecology and invasive species and challenges them to become directly involved with protecting natural resources.

Friends of Moody Pond Vice President Jay Federman will share how his organization launched a successful community engagement effort to raise money for eradicating Eurasian watermilfoil from the pond.

Lastly Brian Greene, Program Director for the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, will give a brief overview of APIPP’s volunteer Lake Protectors Program, which is a great way for concerned people to help protect the lakes they love.