KEEPING UP WITH CLEAR LAKE - Clear Thinking Issue 61
July 20, 2025
Read the full Newsletter here.
Welcome summer! As we reach the peak of lake season in July, the energy of Clear Lake remains unmatched. Keeping up with the local activities and projects may seem challenging, but we hope to make it easy. This newsletter simply highlights 10 things to know about the Conservancy this summer. As always, check out our website or contact our office for more details.
1. Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan
Good news! Our spring survey of aquatic vegetation on Clear and Round Lakes showed only 2 acres of invasive watermilfoil and 12.5 acres of invasive curly-leaf pondweed. With no spring treatment planned, the growth of our aquatic vegetation will continue to be monitored for future control plans.
2. Borton Wetlands Restoration
With the support of a $5,000 NIPSCO Environmental Action Grant, restoration work has begun at Borton Wetlands. Our work focuses on allowing a variety of deep-rooted native plants to grow, filtering groundwater, and improving habitat in the ecosystem.
3. Watershed Diagnostic Study
Our Watershed Diagnostic Study continues monitoring our two major inlet ditches, the outflow dam at Round Lake, and deep portions of the lake basin. When weather patterns change with increased rainfall, dry spells, heat waves, or pop-up storms, the automatic samplers gather data on how our lake reacts.
4. Public Trails
This summer, consider visiting our public trails at Clear Lake Nature Preserve, Waterfield Preserve, and Elizabeth Hanna Nature Preserve. Our public trails are open from dawn to dusk, foot traffic only, and pets are welcome when on a leash.
5. Knee-High Naturalists
Join us from 10 - 11:30 am, on July 11, 18, and 25 at Memorial Woods near Point Park and on August 1 at the Clear Lake Marina for our free youth education programs. This year’s topics include “Bugs Bugs Bugs!”, Water Quality and Aquatic Insects, Wilderness 101, and Gone Fishin’.
View the flyer
6. Indiana Wild on August 30th
Mark your calendars! On August 30th at 10 AM, Indiana Wild will be bringing LIVE animals to Memorial Woods at Point Park for an exciting presentation about our Indiana critters. More details to come.
7. Summer Guided Hike – August 9 at 9 AM
Start off your Saturday morning with a peaceful hike through the woods by joining us at Waterfield Preserve on August 9 at 9 AM. Learn about trees, grasses, habitat restoration and water quality filtration at Koeneman Lake.
8. Glacial Stone Reinforcement at Kasota Island
The Kasota Island Shoreline Protection project began in 2017 to reduce erosion and protect the Island’s shoreline. This summer, we received a generous donation to reinforce the east shoreline with additional glacial stone.
9. Lake Friendly Living
We all play a role in the health of our environment and the water quality within our lake. Remember to minimize or reduce phosphorus/fertilizer use, reduce erosion of your property and shoreline, and avoid stirring up the lake floor by idling in shallow areas.
Lake-Friendly Living Tips
10. Run Day, Fun Day Support
We are extremely grateful for 28 amazing sponsors that supported Run Day, Fun Day and our mission to protect Clear Lake’s environment. Over 60 volunteers showed up to ensure this event was a day to remember. Catch the full Run Day, Fun Day recap in our next Clear Thinking newsletter.
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