National lake water monitoring registration open

Registration is open for the third Annual National Lake Blitz by Living Lakes Canada.

 According to Living Lakes Canada, lakes in Canada are threatened by habitat loss, invasive species, pollution and climate impacts like rising water temperatures. They want people to join a network of volunteer lake monitors to track various impacts at a “lake you love” by registering for the third Annual National Lake Blitz. 

 The organization said they are opening registration early this year with February 1 marking the start of “planning your 2023 lake monitoring adventure” with Living Lakes Canada.

Each volunteer will receive a free ‘Lake Blitz Standard Kit’ which contains a thermometer, tape measure, field guide and datasheets. New this year, they are developing a ‘Lake Blitz Level 2 Kit’ for purchase. This will allow volunteers to measure additional information including pH and water clarity. Living Lakes Canada will also provide free online training on how to monitor local lakes, from data collection to data entry. All the lake data that is collected by volunteers will be uploaded into an online observation map.

 All volunteers will also be invited to online workshops featuring guest speakers who will be presenting on a range of topics relevant to lake monitoring.  

 If water monitoring doesn’t interest you, Living Lakes Canada has another way to get involved. Starting May 1, submissions are open for “favourite lake photos” to the Lake Biodiversity Photo Challenge. Photos can be received through the groups’ website or using the #LakeBlitzPhoto2023 on a social media post with the photo. This year’s photo categories include lake biodiversity, lake landscapes, lake impacts and a kid’s category for those age 12 and under. 

Lake Blitz registration closes May 1 or when their supply of kits runs out. 

 To learn more about the program and to register, visit LakeBlitz.LivingLakesCanada.ca or contact the Program Manager at LakeBlitz@LivingLakesCanada.ca.