April is National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate the power of community action and the dedication of individuals who give their time to protect and enhance the places they cherish. We cannot fulfill our mission to protect and enhance the quality and beauty of Lake Leelanau and its surrounding watershed without our generous and talented community. This year, we're debuting a new community-based EWM monitoring program. Whether you're looking for ongoing or one-time opportunities, solo or group activities, hands-on experiences or social engagements, we have a volunteer opportunity for you. Read on to discover the perfect fit for your interests.
Introducing the North Lake Leelanau Community-Based Monitoring Program
Just recently, through the diligent efforts of observant lake enthusiasts, Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) was discovered in Glen Lake for the very first time. This discovery has served as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat posed by invasive species. This discovery, while concerning for our neighbors, underscores a critical truth: vigilance is our first and most powerful line of defense.
While we are fortunate to have no known infestations of Eurasian watermilfoil in North Lake Leelanau or the Leland River, we cannot afford to be complacent. The rapid spread of EWM can have devastating consequences. This invasive plant forms dense mats on the water's surface, choking out native aquatic vegetation, reducing oxygen levels harmful to fish and other wildlife, hindering recreational activities like boating and swimming, and impacting property values.
Early detection is absolutely paramount in effectively managing and potentially eradicating an EWM infestation. That is why we are launching a brand-new initiative: The North Lake Leelanau & Leland River (NLL) Community-Based Monitoring Program!
We are calling upon the passionate riparians who live along the shores of North Lake Leelanau and the Leland River to become the vigilant stewards of your lake. We are seeking 80 dedicated volunteers to join this crucial early detection network.
The Power of a Distributed Sensor Network
The strength of the NLL Community-Based Monitoring Pilot Program lies in its distributed sensor network. By engaging 80 shoreline property owners, we will have a dedicated team actively monitoring a significant portion of our lake. This vigilance dramatically increases our chances of spotting a new EWM introduction in its earliest stages, when intervention is most effective and the potential for widespread damage is minimized.
Here's how you can become an NLL Monitor:
Twice every week during the months of June, July, and August, at a time that is convenient for you, you walk and/or kayak along your shoreline. During this brief observation, your mission will be to scan the water's edge and nearshore areas for any signs of unusual aquatic plant fragments that resemble Eurasian watermilfoil.
Should you observe a suspicious plant, document your sighting with a clear photograph, and send it to Ron Reimink, the LLLA lake biologist, to identify the plant.
Our collective effort provides a far more comprehensive and frequent level of monitoring than LLLA could achieve alone. You, as a steward, will be a critical node in this vital early warning system.
Don't be afraid, it's as easy as walking your shoreline and texting a photo!
Ready to Become a Steward of Our Shores?
We will provide all participating monitors with comprehensive training materials, including detailed information on how to identify Eurasian watermilfoil, best practices for shoreline observation, and clear instructions on how to report any potential sightings. We will also offer ongoing support and resources to ensure you feel confident and well-equipped in your role.
To join the North Lake Leelanau Community-Based Monitoring Pilot Program and become a part of this exciting new initiative, please sign up below.
Interested in Other Opportunities to Volunteer?
Whether you have a knack for organization, a passion for education, skills in communication, or a desire to get involved in hands-on efforts to support the control of invasive species, there is a way for you to contribute. We are looking for volunteers for
Sign up today to become a steward of Lake Leelanau's future
Conclusion
This National Volunteer Month, we invite you to embrace the spirit of community and become a steward of our cherished waterways. By volunteering, you will play a direct and meaningful role in protecting the ecological health and recreational enjoyment of Lake Leelanau for generations to come.