Friends of Lake Pocotopaug

05/29/2026

This is the site to find out if Sears Park public swim area is open, swim at own risk or closed. Chatham Health District.

At least once a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day, our Environmental Health staff inspect designated public bathing areas. They make visual observations for cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae) at locations known to be at high risk for harmful blooms. They also collect water samples which are submitted to the CT Public Health Laboratory for E.coli testing. You can see those observations and test results on our Beach Status Dashboard:
https://datastudio.google.com/reporting/7f21001b-2095-46fd-b05a-a30f05d54dce

05/28/2026

🦆💛 Friends of Lake Pocotopaug reminds everyone to please slow down and stay alert while driving around the lake!

It’s baby duck and baby goose season, and many little families are crossing roads and exploring near the water. A few extra seconds of caution can help protect our wildlife and keep everyone safe.

Please:
🚗 Drive slowly around the lake
🛑 Watch carefully near road edges and crossings
🦢 Be extra cautious for ducks, geese, and their babies

Thank you for helping keep Lake Pocotopaug safe and beautiful for both people and wildlife! 💙🌿

05/21/2026

Friends of the Lake is pleased to announce the purchase of 10 new Solar Illuminating Rock Buoys. These new Buoys with all new chains and anchors will be installed soon by the East Hampton Park and Rec department.

( Pictured : Shawn Mullen, JD Altobello ,Carol Lane and Kevin Kuhr )

05/14/2026

It is with great sadness that the Friends of Lake Pocotopaug share the passing of one of our founding members, Nikki O’Neil.

Nikki dedicated countless hours to Friends of Lake Pocotopaug, from selling raffle tickets to volunteering at Old Home Days, where she was always a familiar and welcoming face. Her love for Lake Pocotopaug and our community was evident in everything she did.

Alongside her late husband, former Governor O’Neil, Nikki made many wonderful memories at the lake she cherished so deeply. She graciously hosted the judges on her deck each year during our Annual Boat Parade, creating traditions and moments that so many of us will always remember.

Nikki was truly a wonderful person whose kindness, generosity, and dedication touched many lives. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.

05/12/2026

Register for a fun fundraiser for the East Hampton Rotary Club!

05/12/2026

Fishing Tournament winners 🏆

04/30/2026

Great tips to help the Lake 🚤

Lake Smart Tip: Living in the Watershed Matters, No Matter Where You Are!

Many of us in East Hampton enjoy beautiful Lake Pocotopaug, whether we're on the water or just driving by. But it's important to remember that everyone who lives in the watershed has a role to play in its health. Even if your property isn't directly on the lakefront, your everyday choices can impact the water quality. Here's why:

Stormwater is a Connection

Think about what happens when it rains. Water runs off your roof, down your driveway, and along your lawn. If your property isn't designed to properly manage this stormwater, it can pick up pollutants like:

Fertilizers and Pesticides: These can fuel algae blooms and harm aquatic life.

Pet Waste: This contains bacteria and nutrients that can contaminate the water.

Oil and Grease from Cars: This can be toxic to fish and other wildlife.

Soil Sediment: This can make the water cloudy and harm aquatic habitats.

This polluted water then flows into streams or storm drains and eventually makes its way to Lake Pocotopaug. So, even if you don't live right next to the lake, the water from your property can still contribute to its problems.

How You Can Help: Simple Lake Smart Steps

You can make a difference by incorporating these simple Lake Smart practices into your property:

Reduce Lawn Size: Consider converting some of your lawn to native plants, shrubs, or a rain garden. This will help absorb stormwater and reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides.

Maintain a Buffer Zone: Plant a "buffer zone" of trees and shrubs along your property line, especially if you live near a stream or storm drain. This will help filter pollutants and slow down stormwater runoff.

Pick Up Pet Waste: Always clean up after your pets. This will help prevent bacteria and nutrients from entering the water.

By taking these steps, you can help protect Lake Pocotopaug and keep it a valuable resource for our entire community. Remember, we all share a responsibility to care for our water.

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that Lake Pocotopaug remains healthy and beautiful for generations to come.

Hampton CT

04/30/2026

Every little bit helps the Lake 🛶

Consider a Rain Garden to capture roof runoff. It filters water through soil and plants, turning a pollutant into groundwater.

Check out local nurseries for native species that thrive in rain gardens! 🌸

04/10/2026

Let's extend color the town Red,White and Blue to Beach Associations and Docks around the Lake 🇺🇸

🇺🇸 East Hampton, Let’s Celebrate America 250! 🇺🇸

This summer, as we lead up to the 4th of July, we’re inviting homeowners and businesses around East Hampton to help us celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by decorating your homes in the spirit of America 250!

Bring out the flags, bunting, red, white, and blue lights, patriotic porch décor, and historic flair. Let’s fill our streets with American pride so that everyone who drives through town can see East Hampton celebrating in a big way.

This isn’t a contest — it’s simply about coming together as a community to show our pride and excitement as we build toward the Fourth of July and this incredible milestone in our nation’s history.

✨ Imagine driving through town and seeing patriotism on every street.
✨ Let’s make East Hampton shine in red, white, and blue all summer long!

Start planning those decorations and join us in celebrating America 250! 🇺🇸

02/27/2026

Fishing 🎣 Tournament

https://easthamptonct.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29914