Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association

Since 2007, CLWA's Watershed Education Program has taught students about the Canandaigua Lake watershed and water-quality stewardship. Serving the Canandaigua, Marcus Whitman, and Naples districts, the program reaches 3,000+ participants annually through classroom and field lessons. Educators link human activity to watershed health, inspiring responsible citizenship. CLWA also conducts community workshops, presentations, hikes, and events that educate residents and businesses on lake-friendly practices and environmental issues. Populations Served: K-12 students and adults.(Continued on Schedule O)CLWA's supports trained stewards at the State Marine Park in Canandaigua and DEC Woodville launches from May to October. They inspect boats and educate 14,000-18,000 boaters on "Clean, Drain, Dry" practices to prevent aquatic invasive species (AIS). Terrestrial programs monitor hemlock woolly adelgid and other pests affecting forests and agriculture. AIS prevention protects lake health and avoids costly eradication efforts seen in neighboring Finger Lakes. Populations Served: Boaters and watershed residents.CLWA partners with academic and statewide researchers to study the causes of declining lake water quality and harmful algal blooms (HABs). Citizen scientists assist in data collection for programs including the Shoreline HAB Monitoring Network, Lake Foam Study, Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program, and Stream Monitoring Program. Findings inform management strategies to protect the lake and its ecosystem. Populations Served: 70,000 residents and visitors relying on the lake for drinking water and recreation.Launched in 2018, the Lake-Friendly Living Program educates residents and businesses on reducing fertilizer and pesticide runoff to improve water quality. Through workshops, social media, and outreach, CLWA promotes sustainable lawn care and stormwater management. Over 300 properties, including parks, churches, and businesses, have taken the pledge and many display participation signs. Program partners include the City and Town of Canandaigua and the Watershed Council. Expansion to other Finger Lakes is planned. Populations Served: Watershed residents, businesses, and municipal parks.These programs are also supported by contributions.