July is Lake Appreciation Month

You work and play on them. You drink from them. But do you really appreciate them? Growing population, development, and invasive species stress your local lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. All life needs water; let’s not take it for granted!

One of CVRLT’s properties is located on Ball Pond in New Fairfield. Ball pond recently had a potentially harmful “algae bloom.” According to the EPA, “Algal blooms can reduce the ability of fish and other aquatic life to find food and can cause entire populations to leave an area or even die. Harmful algal blooms cause thick, green muck that impacts clear water, recreation, businesses and property values.”

To help preserve Ball Pond, and all of the ponds and lakes that we are fortunate to have in Danbury and New Fairfield, please consider the following:

Do’s & Don’ts

• Do reduce or eliminate use of fertilizer and pesticides. Lawn fertilizers increase the risk of algae in the water
• Don’t sweep or blow leaves or grass clippings into ponds or lakes, try composting them instead
• Do clean septic systems annually
• Don’t put anything in storm drains other than water
• Do pick up pet waster and dispose of it properly
• Don’t wash your car where runoff flows into storm drains

Get out there to enjoy and protect our lakes…

• Organize a physically-distanced shoreline cleanup (make sure to follow CDC guidelines)
• Develop an educational self-guided lake tour
• Organize a hike or biking event with a focus on your local lake
• Enjoy your local lake, pond, or reservoir with fun summertime activities, such as: boating, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, or rowing; swimming; fishing; or enjoying the natural scenery with friends and family
• Go birding or take pictures at a lake or pond