Lake Days
Introduction
It is a beautiful summer day at the beach. One group of kids and adults gathers around a plastic model of a watershed, braining storming ways to reduce pollution flowing into the lake (right). At a nearby table, students help other children print their own tee-shirts using leaves and stencils to create the message, "Plant a Buffer".
Over by the boat ramp parents and older children plant shrubs to stop erosion and protect water quality. Everywhere you look concerned citizens are working together and learning ways to help protect their favorite lake. Family Lake Day is an opportunity to educate all ages and spark community wide interest in protecting the local watershed.
The DEP can help you realize this vision. All you need is a core of community volunteers, usually a lake association, and a willing team of teachers who can commit to using the Adopt-A-Watershed curriculum. Boys and Girls Clubs, scouting troops, YMCA and other youth organizations are encouraged to collaborate. The school district will receive free training, supplies and curriculum materials. The lake association will benefit from the heightened community interest and appreciation of the lake. In this process they can gain new members who get involved in water quality improvement projects. This could be a great way to elevate the annual lake association meeting to a community event.
