Every month should be Lakes Appreciation Month

Did you know that July is Lakes Appreciation Month? And what a perfect month to appreciate Lake Winnipesaukee as locals and visitors came out to enjoy the water during the summer heat.

I grew up visiting Lake Winnipesaukee from the Boston area during the summers, before moving up here full-time two years ago, after graduating with a bachelor of science in earth sciences from the University of Maine. Lake Winnipesaukee has always been a special place for me as it holds many childhood memories: learning how to swim, kayaking with my grandfather, catching fireflies with my friends, enjoying ice cream cones on the dock with my father, and jumping off the boat with my dog. This past month, I joined the LWA team after working at the Mt. Washington Observatory as a weather observer and education specialist, and I’m looking forward to engaging with our local communities to share how we can all work together to “Keep Winni Blue”.

Known for its clean and clear water and abundant fishery, the lake is home to and enjoyed by many, and has been for generations. However, the lake’s ecosystem is under threat from stormwater runoff, invasive plant and animal species, and excessive nutrient loading amongst other threats. As Lakes Appreciation Month ends, let’s continue to show appreciation for our lake every day by practicing some lake-friendly actions to help “Keep Winni Blue”.

Some measures that can be easily implemented by everyone are:

Wash boats and cars away from the lake

Inspect your boat and trailer for invasive plants and animals

Never feed the ducks and geese

Never rake leaves or dump sand into the lake

Inspect and pump septic systems regularly

Put a bilge sock in your boat

Eliminate or reduce the use of household hazardous products

Stabilize soil with native plants or mulch to prevent erosion

Aid our lake protection efforts — become a member or donate to LWA

Use phosphate-free fertilizers and cleaning products

Keep the natural vegetation and buffer along the shoreline

Educate your friends and neighbors

Enjoy the beauty, it’s why we live here

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Jacquelyn Bellefontaine is the conservation outreach manager for the Lake Winnipesaukee Association. She manages communications and outreach initiatives. Jackie can be reached at jbellefontaine@winnipesaukee.org. 

The Lake Winnipesaukee Association is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the water quality and natural resources of the lake and its watershed. To learn more, visit winnipesaukee.org.