Join Us On the Water
LGA Community Scientists are dedicated Lake Protectors™, participating in a variety of programs to monitor water quality in the lake and its streams, invasive species, harmful and concerning algae growth, and local wildlife. All of the data brought in by our Community Scientists supports the LGA and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation programs that work to keep the lake pristine.
Want to join an initiative? Email [email protected]
Our Community Science Programs
AlgaeWatch
The Lake George Association collaborates with Lake-loving volunteers to "adopt" and monitor shorelines or near-shore areas to document the growth of various types of algae – particularly harmful algal blooms (HABs) – and report your findings to the LGA. In recent years, Lake George experienced cyanobacteria blooms categorized as HABs in 2020-2022. While these blooms have only been in the South basin, monitoring HABs throughout the lake is essential. Algae growth, not just cyanobacteria, has been an increasing complaint, and we need to know where it's happening to research and manage it.
You can help! Volunteer for AlgaeWatch now.
Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring Weekend
Get out on the Lake this summer as part of the LGA's Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) monitoring weekend. AIS monitoring is crucial for early detection of new invaders that may get by the inspection station and boat launch stewards. As a weekend volunteer, you will survey a section of shoreline for aquatic invaders, including plants, mussels, snails, and fish. In-person training will be held in advance to help with species identification.
Water Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators (WAVE)
Sampling: July 1 - September 30
Want a reason to spend more time by the water? Help New York State map and evaluate one of the many streams that flow into Lake George. As a volunteer for the WAVE program, you will collect macroinvertebrates from a stream near you in the Lake George watershed. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will use these samples to help determine the water quality of the stream.
All you need to bring is some time and the desire to be outdoors. The LGA will supply training and equipment.
WAVE is a stream sampling program organized by NYSDEC and coordinated at Lake George by the LGA.
Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP)
A Community Science program where trained volunteers collect water quality samples from the lake and document lake conditions that get analyzed and reported by NYSDEC. This is our most involved program, where you sample your location every other week from June through October. The LGA coordinates this program on Lake George for NYSDEC and the NYS Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA).
Loon Census
Help us count loons on Lake George as part of the wider Loon Census in the Adirondacks. This annual program is conducted in partnership with the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation to determine the population health of this signature Adirondack bird. You tell us what part of the Lake you’ll be monitoring, and we’ll give you the materials you need for counting.