Earth Day Match!
April 15, 2026
Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, 2026, is a global movement that honors the environment and promotes the protection of our natural spaces.
Our Countdown to Earth Day celebrates the volunteers, supporters, and partners that come together to make conservation happen in our Clear Lake watershed.
Double Your Impact Today!
To celebrate Earth Day, Barb Wenger and an anonymous donor have come together to offer a generous Match Challenge up to $10,000! Every donation received from now until Earth Day, April 22, will be matched, dollar for dollar, to double your impact in support of our mission!
Your unrestricted donation today will support our mission, including our upcoming projects of:
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Public Trail improvements at Clear Lake Nature Preserve, Waterfield Preserve, and Elizabeth Hanna Nature Preserve
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Habitat preservation and invasive species management in our woods and prairies
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Year-round water quality monitoring with the Watershed Diagnostic Study
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Aquatic vegetation surveys and management for Clear and Round Lakes
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Environmental education programs to inspire environmental connections for all ages
With just 1 week to go before Earth Day, we are excited to announce this match and share the 1 Lasting Legacy we are proud to support here at Clear Lake.
The Geiger Family
Bill and Chris Geiger are lifelong Clear Lakers. They raised their daughters right here where they cherish memories made with friends and family and supporting efforts to keep making memories for generations to come.
“The Conservancy is the best way to give back to the lake, to keep an eye on the future,” says Bill.
The Wilhelm Family
For seven generations, the Wilhelm family has called Clear Lake home, beginning around 1900 with Jessie Hadley and later the Mirador Hotel connection through the Rieke family. John Wilhelm, and his wife Nancy Hadley Rieke Wilhelm, continued that tradition. Now their great-grandchildren - Job, Lucy, and Otto - cherish this special corner of Heaven.
The Wenger/Cochrane Family
Jack and Fran Cochrane invested on Clear Lake's West Shore in 1960. Since then, four generations have enjoyed sailing, Ski Club, Tennis/Pickleball, July 4th parades and fireworks and the natural beauty of Clear Lake.
Their granddaughter, Barb Wenger, is proud to join the Earth Day Match Challenge to encourage all Clear Lake residents to support the preservation of our special Clear Lake for future generations!
The Fenton Family
Nancy Fenton and Rich Karlsson return to Clear Lake from California every summer to continue a tradition started by Nancy’s grandparents in 1916. Now, fifth generation laker, Sophie, is learning to love Clear Lake during her summer visits just like the generations of Fenton women before her.
"Protect, conserve - and enjoy this special place!" says Nancy.
The Wendorf Family
After finding their summer oasis on the south shore in 2023, the Wendorf Family quickly became active in the Clear Lake community and Conservancy. Dan and Krista find peace in preserving the lake for their children to enjoy for decades to come, growing a new generational legacy.
