LAKE FRIENDLY LIVING PROGRAM
As watershed residents, we all share the responsibility in protecting the health of Canandaigua Lake. The good news is, we are empowered to make sound management decisions that will have a positive impact on our watershed. Start by adopting lake-friendly living practices around your home today!
Excess nutrients and pollutants in our lake can contribute to harmful algal blooms, increased aquatic plant growth, and the degradation of our water quality. So, let’s work together to preserve the integrity of our beautiful lake for years to come.
Being lake-friendly means making active choices that prioritize the health of the lake. There are many easy ways to get started:
- Practice lake-friendly lawn care by saying no to harmful chemicals and excess fertilizers
- Maintain septic systems
- Reduce household hazardous waste
- Avoid flushing medications
- Take your vehicle to a car wash instead of cleaning it in your driveway
- Pick up pet waste
- Identify and report terrestrial invasive species
- Reduce the size of your lawn and plant native species
Take the Lake Friendly Living Pledge!
Take the pledge today and volunteer to proudly display a “Lake Friendly Living” sign. Signs are free for dues-paying CLWA members and can be displayed proudly on your property to let your neighbors know that you are doing your part to protect the lake.
Fill out the below form and we will contact you to make arrangements to get you a sign.
I KNOW that my choices can affect the water quality of Canandaigua Lake and therefore,
I PLEDGE to incorporate lake friendly living practices into my home activities to reduce my impact on the lake.
I WILL adopt these practices that help reduce or eliminate pollutants and minimize runoff:
I Pledge…..
I will make informed lawn care choices.
I will reduce/eliminate applying fertilizers, only using phosphorus-free versions when necessary.
I will not leave yard waste on roadways or shorelines of the lake or waterways.
I will pick up all pet waste.
I will maintain my septic system.
I will reduce household hazardous wastes and dispose of them properly.
I will dispose of prescription drugs correctly. I will NOT flush them!
I will maintain my automobiles, watercraft, and other recreational vehicles to prevent fluid leaks and spread of invasive species.
LAKE FRIENDLY LIVING AND LAWN CARE RESOURCES AND LINKS
LAKE FRIENDLY LAWN CARE VIDEOS
Lake Friendly Lawn Care Resources:
CLWA Reccomendations for Lake- friendly lawn care
Homeowners Lawn Care and Water Quality Almanac
E-Book with video links:
Lawn Care: The Easiest Steps to an Attractive Environmental Asset
Managing Stormwater
A rain barrel attached to your downspouts can collect rainwater which would otherwise pick up soil, fertilizer, oil, pesticides and other contaminants from hard surfaces and landscapes. Learn more by checking out this Virtual Rain Barrel Worshop with the Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District.
VISIT THESE WEBSITES AND PUBLICATIONS FOR MORE GREAT LAKE-FRIENDLY TIPS
Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District – Managing Your Stormwater
CCE Onandaga County – Landscaping for Water Quality
NYS DEC – Green Yard and Garden Tips
Native Shrubs and Trees for New York Streamsides
Find Native Plant Suppliers Using this Link