Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE – Backed by 15 years of thorough research and numerous research studies, the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams announced Lake RX, a prescription for healthy lakes.
Through Lake RX, the Lilly Center offers a vision to make Kosciusko County’s lakes clean, healthy, safe and beautiful through projects on land, in the water and in the community, according to a provided news release.
Imagine a future where your family enjoys the lake without worrying about blue-green algae toxins. Toxic algae blooms are a thing of the past, and the water is clear and healthy.
Such a future is possible, but first we must understand the problem. The Lilly Center's research shows that an overabundance of nutrients feeds harmful algae, encourages weed growth and can even contribute to unsafe E. coli levels. These threats are serious, as shown by Grand Lake St. Mary’s in Ohio. If left unattended, these problems will have a negative impact on the economy, recreation and human health.
Through partnerships with lake associations, watershed groups, government agencies and other universities, the Lilly Center will activate wholistic and scientifically-sound solution that will move the needle in lake health.
Solutions on Land
Agricultural land and wetlands are key components of land-based solutions. Most of the land draining into our lakes is used for agriculture. The Lilly Center and other university partners are currently working to quantify the impact of specific agricultural management practices around our lakes. Practices with the best “bang for buck” will be identified and incentivized, keeping nutrients on farmland and out of the water.
Wetlands act as kidneys and sponges, filtering and absorbing water before it reaches the lake. Revitalizing existing wetlands or constructing new wetlands serve several purposes. These wetlands can hold back sediment, reduce the nutrients available to algae and even prevent flooding.
Solutions in
the Water
Often over 90% of the algae in local lakes are blue-green algae. In other words, there is great potential for toxin production! Zebra mussels, an invasive species, have unnaturally shifted algae populations toward blue-green algae. In partnership with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, we can work to rebalance a lake’s ecosystem to reduce harmful algae populations.
Most lake residents view weeds as pests, making swimming and boating difficult. But what if weeds were our friends rather than part of the problem? Weeds, also known as aquatic macrophytes, incorporate nutrients into their plant tissue that could otherwise fuel blue-green algae blooms. Mechanical harvesters are like lawnmowers for a lake. Removing plant tissue from the lake makes swimming and boating easier and harvesters remove nutrients at the same time.
Solutions in our Community
Inspiring and equipping the next generation to steward our lakes well will ensure that our work today lasts for years to come. Through innovative educational programs, youngsters will dive into lake science from an early age.
This investment in the future of our lakes must be paired with actionable steps today. Everyone lives in a watershed, that is, the area of land that drains into a nearby body of water. Equipping our community with the tools they need to make a difference will have a direct impact on lake health. Best practices include planting native plants, optimizing fertilizer use, keeping yard waste out of the lake, and thoughtful boat use.
By following the steps in Lake RX, our lakes will be safe for everyone (including Fido!) to enjoy, the news release states. We can end the need for algae toxin notifications, keep our public beaches free from E. coli, and enjoy peace of mind on the lake.
Sign up for the Lilly Center’s monthly e-newsletter for updates on Lake RX: lakes.grace.edu.
The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College conducts research, provides resources, engages and educates residents, and collaborates with local organizations to make the lakes and streams of Kosciusko County clean, healthy, safe, and beautiful. To date, the Lilly Center has conducted scientific research on over 30 streams and 45 lakes. The Lilly Center is driven to create a legacy of stewardship by equipping community members, visitors, and future generations with understanding and to enjoy the county’s natural beauty. For more information, visit lakes.grace.edu.
