KAYAK/CANOE Paddle on the Lake
Brenda Susman, Ecology Committee
Ecology Canoe Paddle
Brenda Susman and Joan Ross, Ecology Committee Co-Chairpersons
Last Saturday, paddling in winds more suitable for sailing, kayakers and canoeists paddled their way to three interest points on the main lake to learn about lake ecology and lake management. At the dam, our leader, Kira Dacanay, the Wallkill River Watershed Ambassador, told us about the year she has spent volunteering in the Americorps Program (like the Peace Corps). Her job was working in Sussex County monitoring stream water quality and teaching groups like ours about non-point source pollution.
Our next stop was a quiet cove covered with water lilies. Kira explained that this is ideal habitat for spawning fish, turtles, frogs, herons, etc. She showed us samples pf native vs. invasive species growing in the lake and on the shore. Undesirable species push out those which provide food and cover for insects, birds and animals. We talked about non-point source pollution which flows into our streams and lakes with stormwater. Examples of this are animal wastes, litter, oil from cars, phosphorus from lawn fertilizers, etc. Their accumulated effect on the lake is degraded water quality and unwanted weed and algae growth.
The last point of interest on our tour was a lakeside home with an excellent vegetated buffer on the shoreline. In addition to the shoreline being reinforced with stones to prevent erosion, there was a large natural area containing native Blueberry bushes, Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron. When we paddled around the point, we saw a lovely perennial garden planted along the water. Such a garden stops the rapid flow of storrmwater from entering the lake, reduces soil erosion and filters out any pollutants before they enter the lake.
Our trip was very successful and the Ecology Committee would like to thank Kira for teaching us about lake water quality plus much more and to Gina Cox and Girl Scout Troop #774 for assisting her.
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Kayak/Canoe Paddle on the Lake
Paddle over to the Clubhouse on Saturday, June 23rd at 4 PM to begin a tour of the Lake with our Wallkill Watershed Ambassador, Kira Dacanay. We will paddle the shores and coves of the lake while learning about the watershed in which we live. Do you know that fish love the cool water in the shade of trees growing along the shore? Kira will have a wealth of information to share with us. Living in nature, we will learn how to preserve our precious environment. Assisting Kira on the tour will be Highland Lakes Girl Scout Troop #774 and the Ecology Committee.
We will see you there. A rain date has been scheduled for the following day, Sunday, June 24 at 4 PM. If you have a question, please call Brenda-5769.
