Cruise for a Cause on the Canandaigua Lady: To Benefit Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
2025-08-01 16:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York)
When: Friday, August 1st, 2025, 4:30 PM
Where: Canandaigua Lady, 205 Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Please join us for the Canandaigua Lady’s monthly “Cruise for a Cause” to help raise money for the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association (CLWA). A portion of the ticket and bar sales will be donated to fund efforts to help preserve and protect the lake. These cruises are open to all community members so bring your family and friends!
It is recommended that you arrive at 4 PM. Boarding will begin at 4:15 and take off at 4:30 PM sharp. The boat is handicap accessible, there are two bathrooms onboard, no outside food or beverage is permitted on the boat, and there is full-service bar with snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for sale. No smoking is permitted on the boat.
The Canandaigua Lady boat tour is an attraction that is memorable for all, whether you are a local or a visitor to the area! Please join CLWA for this lovely experience on beautiful Canandaigua Lake and learn how you can help protect the lake. We hope to see you there!
Buy your tickets on the Canandaigua Lady website here.
For more information on the canandaigua lady, please visit cdgalady.com

Heron Hill and CLWA Collab Wine Tasting Event
2025-09-24 17:30 - 19:00
When: Wednesday, September 24th, 5:30-7:00 PM
Where: Heron Hill Tasting Room at Canandaigua Lake, 5323 Seneca Point Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Join CLWA and Heron Hill at the Canandaigua Heron Hill Tasting Room to celebrate the wine collaboration between us! Come try the two wines that Heron Hill has graciously chosen to use for the CLWA collab, enjoy light snacks, and great company! Learn more about the delicious wines you will get to taste below.
Register here: https://forms.gle/J3wyLybZctm2Kte47
Chardonnay:
A bright golden straw colored wine with powerful aromatics of lemongrass and green apple skins balanced with minerality. The palate is bracing, but balances with medium to full body.
Cabernet Franc:
Rich and exciting with plum, blackberry, mint, and clove aromatics. On the palate the wine shows tremendous strength with ripe tannins, seamless acidity and wonderful fruit and herbal tones leading to a long finish. This is a wine that will do well over the next 8-12 years in the cellar as well.
WHERE DO THE GRAPES COME FROM?
Ingle Vineyard, situated on the west side of Canandaigua Lake, is the largest vinifera vineyard on the lake. Owned and maintained by the Ingle family for over 50 years, the vineyard is rooted in sustainability, free of herbicides and pesticides, and for using environmentally responsible practices. All grapes are hand-harvested to ensure only the finest fruit is selected.
$24 PER CASE IS DONATED BACK TO THE CANANDAIGUA LAKE WATERSHED ASSOCIATION
Preserve the Lake, One Bottle at a Time

Trail Work Day with the Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT)
2025-09-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Great Hill Preserve, 4756 S Hill Rd, Middlesex, NY, 14507
Join the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association and the Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) for a trail work day at the Great Hill Nature Preserve in Middlesex NY. The main focus of the day will be side- hilling and working on switchbacks. All gear, including gloves and clippers, will be provided by FLLT.
When: Friday, September 26th, 10:00AM-12:30PM and 1:30-4:00PM.
Where: Great Hill Preserve, 4756 S Hill Rd, Middlesex, NY 14507
*Meet location will be Clark’s Gully parking area because parking is a bit tricky at the preserve. We will then carpool to the preserve.*
Please wear appropriate attire for trail clean-up and bring plenty of water and a snack if you’d like.
*Registration is required so we know how many volunteers to expect. Register at the link below. Thank you!*
Register here:
https://forms.gle/RGCQRTdpkaiqc9PV9

CLWA Chipotle Fundraiser
2025-10-15 16:00 - 20:00
Mark your calendars for October 15th from 4-8 PM and for our fall Chipotle fundraiser in support of the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association!
Cottages are closing up, and back-to-school season is in full swing – we know you have a lot on your plate. Why not take a break from cooking dinner and let Chipotle handle it? Swing by, grab some delicious burritos or taco salads, and support lake protection efforts.
It’s a win-win—treat yourself to a tasty meal and make a positive impact on the watershed! 25% of sales is donated to CLWA.
Order online for pickup using FTMN6Z7 or show this flyer in the restaurant.

New York State Federation of Lakes Association (NYSFOLA) Western Region Conference
2025-10-25 09:30 - 14:30 | The Woods, 6021 State Rte 21, Naples, NY, 14512, United States
When: Saturday, October 25th, 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Where: The Woods, 6021 State Route 21, Naples, NY 14512
Join NYSFOLA for its 32nd Annual Western Regional Conference at this gorgeous location with breathtaking views of the Lake. During this conference, you will have the opportunity to learn from water quality experts on current lake and watershed issues facing our region, and have the chance to connect with fellow lake lovers involved in surrounding lake associations.
You will find further conference details, including the cost and agenda at the registration link below. We hope you can join us for this fabulous event. Register here.
Photo by The Woods

You’re Invited: The Fight for Freshwater: Protecting the Finger Lakes and the Great Lakes.
2025-11-09 16:00 - 17:00 | Fort Hill Performing Arts Center
You’re Invited: A powerful conversation on the future of our lakes — with Pulitzer finalist Dan Egan
We’re excited to share that the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association is partnering with the Ewing Forum to welcome Dan Egan — two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and best-selling author of The Death and Life of the Great Lakes and The Devil’s Element — for a special talk on the growing threats to North America’s freshwater systems.
WHEN: Sunday, November 9, 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Fort Hill Performing Arts Center, 20 Fort Hill Ave, Canandaigua
Egan’s work has shaped national conversations around invasive species, phosphorus pollution, and the urgent need for stronger freshwater policy. His talk will explore how warming waters and nutrient runoff are altering the ecosystems that sustain us — and how community action can make a difference.
Moderated by our friend Andy Zepp, President of the Finger Lakes Land Trust, this discussion promises to be both eye-opening and inspiring.
Tickets: $30
Get yours today: gmeforum.org or call (585) 412-6043
CLWA is proud to partner on this important event — one that speaks directly to our shared mission to protect, preserve, and restore Canandaigua Lake.
We hope to see you there!

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Workshop in Partnership with FLPRISM
2026-01-21 12:00 - 14:00
Please join us for an upcoming Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) workshop that we are co-hosting with the Finger Lakes PRISM this winter at Onanda Park. We would like as many volunteers as possible involved in this program! Our Hemlocks are under threat and we need all hands on deck to help identify where HWA is located so better plans and efforts can be made to treat it and limit its spread.
On the Finger Lakes PRISM website, you will find online training resources for the HWA Survey Program. Participations are encouraged to survey outside of just the workshops.
We hope to see you there. Please Register below:
https://bit.ly/4aInkNO
Citizen Science Programs

Understanding Waste Disposal and Recycling in Ontario County
2026-02-12 18:30 - 19:30 | Via Zoom
When: Thursday, February 12th at 6:30 PM
Where: Via Zoom
A common misconception is that one person’s actions don’t make a difference. All of the small decisions that you make every day add up. Whether you are choosing to reduce waste, finding ways to reuse materials, or looking for recycling information. What you do matters! Keep choosing to do the right thing and learn where to find resources and information. Staff from Ontario County Department of Sustainability and Waste Management are here to answer questions during this zoom presentation in partnership with the CLWA. Learn more about our presenters and register below:
Carla Jordan, Director, Ontario County Department of Sustainability & Solid Waste Management
Carla Jordan is the Director of Sustainability and Solid Waste Management for Ontario County. With over 20 years of experience in the waste management industry, she is responsible for guiding her Department in their implementation of the County’s Local Solid Waste Management Plan and Sustainability & Solid Waste Strategic Plan, providing landfill oversight, and assisting with the creation of waste reduction public policy, education and program development.
Kaitlynn McCumiskey, Sustainability Assistant, Ontario County Department of Sustainability & Solid Waste Management
As a sustainability assistant for Ontario County, Kaitlynn is responsible for the planning, implementation and logistical support of a variety of special collection events, she spearheads special projects aimed at waste reduction, and serves as the County’s primary recycling educator.
Register at the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/jvMMKrDmRwWGhPENA9QXuA

Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Zoom Presentation
2026-02-24 18:30 - 19:30 | Via Zoom
Join Emily DeBolt, Executive Director of the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association, for a discussion on native alternatives to invasive plants for this zoom presentation. Emily will explain what makes a plant invasive, outline New York State regulations on invasive plant sales, and highlight beautiful, easy-to-grow native plants you can use instead.
Register at the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pYXkjUshTzOU3NSaDOQ2oQ

A Living Canandaigua Lake: How Wildlife Shape Watershed Health
2026-03-03 18:30 - 19:30
When: Tuesday, March 3rd, 6:30-7:30 PM
Where: Finger Lakes Community College, Stage 14, 3325 Marvin Sands Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424

Join the CLWA on National Wildlife Day for a presentation by FLCC Professor John Bateman on how wildlife shape Canandaigua Lake watershed health. This will be engaging with lots of great visuals.

Register at the link below:
https://forms.gle/vpXLskr7JA4edYLt6

Photo by Joann Long

Canandaigua Lake Fisheries Update
2026-04-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Finger Lakes Community College, Canandaigua, New York, 14424
When: Wednesday, April 8th, 6:30-7:30 PM
Where: Finger Lakes Community College, Stage 14, 3325 Marvin Sands Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Join the CLWA for a presentation by DEC Aquatic Biologist Pete Austerman. Summaries of recent fish sampling on Canandaigua Lake and habitat enhancement work on Naples Creek will be shared.
Register here:
https://forms.gle/13UjHTRc2LzzT3Md8

Rain Barrel Workshop at Star Cider
2026-05-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Star Cider, 3365 NY-364, Canandaigua, NY, 14424
When: Tuesday, May 12th, 6:30-8:00 PM
Where: Star Cider, 3365 NY-364, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Please join the CLWA for a rain barrel workshop presented to you by Alaina Robarge of Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District (OCSWCD) to learn about the importance of managing stormwater and the benefits of using rain barrels at home.
Benefits of Rain Barrel’s:

Installing a rain barrel is an easy way to protect our environment and save money
They collect and store rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains or streams
The water from your barrel can be used for watering gardens and lawns, cleaning outdoor furniture, etc.

Cost for the workshop is $30 for your 55 gallon rain barrel. Space is limited so register today!

REGISTRATION FULL! THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST.

2026 Life on the Lake Photo Contest
2026-05-23 08:00 - 2026-08-15 23:00
Our Annual Photo & Video Contest entry period is Open Now! Enter today for the chance to win great local prizes!
Enter here: https://woobox.com/4bv63fVoting begins July 1Entry Period Closes August 15Winners Announced by August 29

CLWA 2026 Annual Meeting
2026-06-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Finger Lakes Community College, Canandaigua, New York, 14424
Where: Finger Lakes Community College, Stage 14, 3325 Marvin Sands Drive, Canandaigua
Time:

5:30 PM – Mingle, hors d’oeuvres, beverages, coffee, cash bar
6:00 PM – Business meeting and post-mingle
7:30 PM – End

Join us for our Annual Review and our Board Elections. As always our meetings are open to all, but per our by-laws only members-in-good-standing (annual membership is current) may vote.
Agenda:

Delivery of the Annual Report of the Directors
Treasurer’s Annual Report
Election of Directors and Officers
CLWA Presentation
Celebrate CLWA Stewardship Award Recipients

If you can’t attend and would like your vote counted, appoint a proxy by completing the proxy form on the Annual Meeting registration page. You may also designate CLWA Secretary Marty Lasher, who will vote in support of the nominations and By-law amendments.
Please register and review the CLWA Board of Directors and CLWA Officers proposed for new terms here.
We look forward to seeing and connecting with you at this year’s CLWA Annual Meeting.

Canandaigua Lake Plant Paddle at Woodville
2026-06-23 10:00 - 12:00
When: Tuesday, June 23rd, 10:00-12:00 PM
Where: Woodville Boat Launch, Rte 21, 3 miles north of Naples
Join us for a guided Plant Paddle as we explore the fascinating aquatic plants of the lake by kayak or canoe. Participants will meet at the Woodville Boat Launch to launch and begin a relaxed shoreline paddle focused on discovering the plants that thrive in and around the water. Along the way, we’ll observe shoreline vegetation, emergent plants growing in shallow water, and submerged aquatic plants beneath the surface.
Learn about the important role native plants play in supporting water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and the overall health of the lake ecosystem. We’ll also discuss several invasive aquatic plant species now found in the lake and how they can impact recreation and the environment.
Participants must bring their own kayak or canoe, along with life jacket. This program is perfect for paddlers interested in nature, lake ecology, and learning more about the underwater world of the lake.
Register at the link below:
https://forms.gle/8mZqN295e5iyYzWEA

Rain Gardens for a Healthier Canandaigua Lake
2026-07-14 18:00 - 19:00 | The Wood Library
When: Tuesday, July 14th, 6:00-7:00 PM
Where: Wood Library, 134 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Join CLWA’s Executive Director Emily DeBolt for a special talk during Lakes Appreciation Month focused on how rain gardens can help protect Canandaigua Lake. Learn how these simple, attractive landscape features capture and filter stormwater, reducing runoff that carries nutrients and pollutants into the lake. We’ll cover how rain gardens work, where to place them, what plants to use, and how homeowners can install and maintain their own. We will have a chance to see some plants in action in the new rain garden in the Wood Library’s garden.
Register here:
https://forms.gle/pBDqRxLtHkHmhdEe8

Community Science Boat Trip with CLWA Educators and Seager Marine's Freedom Boat Club
2026-07-15 16:00 - 19:00
When: Wednesday, July 15 with sessions at 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Where: Seager Marine, 811 South Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Please join CLWA Watershed Educators and Seager Marine’s Freedom Boat Club in a fun-filled evening of science exploration and water quality monitoring on the lake! There will be three 45 minute sessions available for folks to sign up for starting at 4:00 PM. You will get to experience what our middle school Water and Wildlife Campers get to participate in at the summer camp every summer at Onanda Park in August. Here are the fun things you will get to do:

Run chemical analysis on water samples
Use a plankton tow to collect phytoplankton
Look at phytoplankton and zooplankton under a microscope
Use a secchi disk to determine water clarity
Take a sediment sample of the lake bottom with a dredge
And more! But of course, also the opportunity to enjoy the lake

Register below:
https://forms.gle/9Upddvf4ao76nTRn9

Macrophyte ID Workshop with FLPRISM and CLWA
2026-07-23 12:00 - 14:00
When: Thursday, July 23rd, 12 – 2 PM
Where: Kershaw Park, 155 Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Join the FLPRISM and CLWA at Kershaw Park to learn how to identify native and invasive aquatic species, understand their impact on our ecosystems, and gain the knowledge you need to survey on your own.

West River Invasive Species Pull with FLPRISM and CLWA
2026-07-29 09:00 - 12:00
Join the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association and the Finger Lakes PRISM (FLPRISM) in the West River in Naples to pull Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS).
The AIS that we will be focusing on are European Frog Bit and Water Chestnut. Both AIS have been identified in the West River, and this is a management effort in partnership with the FLI.
FLPRISM can provide some watercrafts. Otherwise you can bring your own kayak or canoe. If you need a watercraft, please let us know in the survey so we can plan for you!
When: Wednesday, July 29th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Meet at Boat Launch. We will get acquainted and do a quick lesson on AIS
Where: Woodville Boat Launch, 7202 State Route 21, Naples, NY 14512
Please wear appropriate attire for paddling:
-Sunscreen
-Sunglasses
-Hats/sandals/light clothing
-Bring plenty of water and a snack if you’d like
Thank you for volunteering to help manage invasive species in our watershed!

Register below:
https://forms.gle/YtAU4pbx3F17rhqY8

Canandaigua Mile Race (and walk) on Lakeshore Drive
2026-08-02 08:00 - 11:00 | Kershaw Park, Canandaigua Lake
Up to 200 racers will take off on Lakeshore Drive in Canandaigua at 8:30 am on Sunday August 2nd to race the fastest mile in the Finger Lakes. The race is also open to folks that just want to walk and support the cause! The race will conclude with a post-race party at Kershaw Park along Canandaigua Lake.
Following the post race party, there will be a lake shoreline cleanup event in partnership with the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association to raise awareness for water quality and reduce trash in the community of Canandaigua. We hope you can join us!
A huge thank you goes out to Abbie Sullivan, A.J. Beers, and their team for all their time and effort in organizing this fabulous event for the fourth year in a row and for their passion to raise awareness on water quality issues. Every year they have generously donated proceeds to CLWA to help fund lake protection efforts. We are so grateful for your support.
Sign up for the race and the clean-up at the Mile Race website here.

Water and Wildlife Summer Camp for Middle Schoolers
2026-08-17 09:00 - 2026-08-21 15:00 | Onanda Park, Canandaigua NY
Where: Onanda Park, 4965 County Road 16, Canandaigua NY
When: August 17-21st, M-F, 9 AM- 3 PM (Before and aftercare available from 8 AM- 4 PM)
Who: 7th- rising 9th graders

The interactive and fun camp activities for the week include:

Find crayfish, mayflies, dragonfly nymphs, and many more critters while exploring the streams and forest
Learn about invasives, food webs, water quality, and enjoy a bus ride around the lake to stream sample
Explore a variety of the fish and amphibians that are commonly found in the lake
Learn special fishing techniques and tying skills, and how to assess populations
Enjoy a boat ride and/or canoeing around the lake while water sampling
Have fun playing educational games and hiking
And much, much more

Another year of camp is made possible with the extremely generous support of the Guido & Ellen Palma Foundation. The Guido & Ellen Palma Foundation has made the Water and Wildlife Summer Camp possible and affordable for the past three years. We can’t thank you enough for your continued support and generosity, which makes it possible to educate the next generation of lake stewards!
The camp has also received a generous in-kind donation every year from Seager Marine’s Freedom Boat Club for a chartered boat ride on the lake while participants partake in water sampling. Fitzgerald Brothers bus service has also offered a significant discount on their bus service during the camps stream sampling activity. They you so much to you both for making these opportunities possible for the campers!For more information on camp and to register please visit the camp page below:
Water and Wildlife Summer Camp – CLWA (canandaigualakeassoc.org)
