Countdown to Earth Day
April 22, 2025
Earth Day on April 22, 2025 is a global movement that celebrates our environment and encourages preservation and conservation of our natural spaces.
Our Countdown to Earth Day celebrates our volunteers and supporters that come together year after year to support Clear Lake conservation, highlighting the collaboration and teamwork within our community that makes our work possible.
Thank you for supporting our mission on Earth Day!
We are extremely grateful to share that our community has come together to raise over $12,000 in donations this Earth Day, exceeding our Earth Day Match of $10,000! Thanks to our Earth Day sponsors - the Horrell Family and an anonymous donor - alongside all Earth Day donors, we have gained over $22,000 in support of our mission.
For over 33 years, our work has been made possible through the contributions and commitment of this dedicated community. The long-term goal of preservation and protection of natural spaces within the Clear Lake Township and watershed is as important as ever.
As Earth Day comes to an end, we look forward to another summer of friends, family, and continued progress of our conservation mission. Thank you for supporting your local Clear Lake Township Land Conservancy.
We are grateful for our community!
TODAY IS EARTH DAY!
The Earth Day Match of up to $10,000 is still active for donations received through the end of Earth Day. Sponsored by the Horrell Family and an anonymous donor, all gifts will be matched, dollar for dollar, to DOUBLE your impact.
Our goal of $10,000 in total Earth Day donations, matched to raise $20,000, will build a strong base of support for various land and water conservation projects.
We are nearly halfway to our goal with $4,402 raised for Clear Lake Conservation. By joining us today, you can take part in protecting our natural environment for future generations. Thank you for your support.
1 Week Away!
To celebrate Earth Day, the Horrell Family and an anonymous donor have come together to offer a generous Match Challenge up to $10,000! Donations received from now until Earth Day, April 22, will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000 in total donations.
Your unrestricted donation today will support our mission, including our upcoming projects of:
• Native prairie planting at South Bridge Preserve
• Habitat improvement and Invasive Species Control in our woods and prairies
• Year-round Water Quality Monitoring with the Watershed Diagnostic Study
• Aquatic Vegetation Survey and Invasive Species Removal for Clear and Round Lakes
• Environmental Education Programs to inspire environmental connections for all ages
1 Week Away - 1 Lasting Legacy We Leave Behind
From inspiring connections with our natural environment, recording decades of water quality data, and restoring functioning habitats, the work of our volunteers and community has left a lasting legacy we continue to build upon today. Our children, our grandchildren, and our grandchildren's children should be able to experience the peace and beauty of Clear Lake. The active efforts to preserve and protect this special place have been supported by this community, and we look forward to many more years.
Here are just five of the many Legacy Stories that continue to thrive at Clear Lake.
The Webster Family
On the South Shore, three generations of the Webster family gather annually for Memorial Day weekend. Traveling across the country from 6 different states, they always make the time for a fun-filled family weekend at the lake.
Don Luepke
Don Luepke has enjoyed a lifetime in the Clear Lake community. Over the years, he has been active in habitat protection, water quality preservation, and has volunteered countless hours teaching younger generations to appreciate the natural features of Clear Lake.
The Horrell Family
The Horrell Family believes Clear Lake is a special place worthy of preservation and conservation. From the gentle morning waves to the breathtaking evening sunsets, they cherish the daily awe of Clear Lake's natural beauty.
The Dreyer Family
Four generations of the Dreyer family, including now Great Grandma Ruth Dreyer Nicolet, gather for a family Thanksgiving at Clear Lake where all have made countless summer memories since 1926.
The Voigt Family
Tom and Wendy Voigt have enjoyed their summer cottage since 1995 where their children and grandchildren visit often, especially to run the "Perfect 10K" each July.
2 Weeks Away - 2 Considerations for Lake-Friendly Living
Minimizing Phosphorus
As you prepare your plan for landscaping and lawn care this season, consider the impacts of phosphorus on our lake and the role we play in phosphorus management.
Phosphorus is found naturally in our soils and plants. However, an overabundance of phosphorus, especially from fertilizer, can be carried away in runoff and enter our lake. This feeds the excessive growth of algae and invasive aquatic plants.
We know that our lake has more phosphorus than it needs. To learn more about phosphorus and its impact in our lake, check out Page 2 of our March Clear Thinking - What's the Big Deal with Phosphorus?
Reducing Erosion
As stormwater runs over our land and into our lake, small soil and sediment particles are carried with it. Once in the lake, this eroded soil is pulled to the bottom, creating a mucky lake floor and impacting the habitat for our fish and macroinvertabrates.
To prevent soil erosion on your property and landscaping, consider what methods you currently use or could improve upon for reducing soil runoff.
3 Weeks Away - 3 Events that Showcased our Determined Volunteers in 2024
Water Quality Testing
Building upon 3 decades of data, volunteers have continued to join together each summer and monitor water quality in Clear Lake, Round Lake, and nearby ditches. Whether it's testing for oxygen and phosphorus or identifying macroinvertabrates (small aquatic animals without backbones), our water quality volunteers get it done with a smile!
Run Day, Fun Day
In the busy month of July, our community came together to celebrate the 5K/10K Run Day, Fun Day Fundraiser! With 64 volunteers and 192 runners and walkers, this event was certainly a highlight of our summer. From providing race directions, passing out awards, watching the bounce house, organizing the dunk tank, face painting, and leading scavenger hunts, this could not have been done without our amazing volunteer squad! Save the date to join us this year - JULY 12, 2025!
Kasota Island Cleanup
On a sunny Saturday morning in June, thirteen volunteers sailed out to the island with gloves, rakes, and shovels to beautify this beloved piece of Clear Lake. Pictured to the left, Eddie Hughes helped plant nearly 100 native Blue Flag Iris flowers between the glacial stones on the shoreline. Mark your calendars for this year's Kasota Island Cleanup on June 7th - we would love to see you there!
