Friends of Northern Lake Champlain

09/01/2026

September is Vermont River Cleanup Month, and we're celebrating by hosting cleanups throughout our watershed! Join us in helping keep our rivers, streams, and shorelines clean while making a positive impact on Lake Champlain.

Our first cleanup of the month will be on Saturday, September 5th from 10 AM–1 PM at the Rock River Boat Launch in Highgate!

We’ll meet at Martin’s General Store and carpool together to the cleanup site, which is just a 3-minute drive down US 7. Carpooling is extremely important for this cleanup! The Fish and Wildlife boat launch has limited parking and is heavily used by fishermen, so we will need to keep the number of vehicles at the site to 2–3 cars maximum. We’ll park at a pull-off across from the boat launch rather than in the main parking lot.

From there, we’ll cleanup the boat launch and cross the bridge to head down to the waterfront to clean up trash and debris along the shoreline.

We’ll provide all safety equipment, so just come ready to get outside! Please bring water and wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. We hope to see you there!

To register for the cleanup, use this link: https://www.friendsofnorthernlakechamplain.org/event-details/vermont-river-cleanup-month-stream-cleanup-series-2026-09-05-10-00

We also want to hear from you: Know of a stream, river, or shoreline in Franklin or Grand Isle County that could use some attention? Let us know by sending an email! Your suggestions will help us choose locations for this year's cleanups.

Questions, comments, or concerns? Reach out to Gracie at [email protected] for more info!

08/05/2026

We are so excited to announce two events coming up next week!!

Photo 1: Join us and the Missisquoi River Basin Association on Thursday, August 13th for an evening paddle on the Rock River! Together, we'll explore this beautiful watershed while learning about the wildlife and local water quality.
Register here: https://www.friendsofnorthernlakechamplain.org/event-details/rock-river-paddle-trip

Photo 2: Join us at the The Taphouse at Mill River Brewing on Sunday, August 16th for another Rain Barrel Workshop! You will leave with a free barrel and resources to help you setup, decorate, and maintain your barrel.
Register here: https://www.friendsofnorthernlakechamplain.org/event-details/rain-barrel-workshop-save-the-date

Space is limited for both events, so please be sure to register soon! We hope to have you join us😊

06/08/2026

💧 Thank You to Our Clean Water Sponsors!! ($1,500)

Clean water is at the heart of everything we do.

Our Clean Water Sponsors are helping support projects and programs that reduce phosphorus pollution, restore natural systems, and strengthen the health of Lake Champlain and its watershed.

Their investment helps make Bike for the Lake possible while advancing practical, community-based solutions that protect the waters we all depend on.

Please join us in thanking our Clean Water Sponsors for their commitment to a healthier lake and stronger communities.

To register for Bike for the Lake, view our event page at https://charity.pledgeit.org/BikeForTheLake2026

06/07/2026

🚣 Thank You to Our Water Sports Sponsors!! ($1,000)

Whether it's paddling, swimming, sailing, or simply enjoying a day on the water, Lake Champlain brings people together.

Our Water Sports Sponsors help support the work needed to keep our waters healthy and accessible for future generations. Their generosity helps fund water quality projects, community programs, and stewardship efforts throughout the watershed.

Thank you for helping ensure that people can continue to enjoy and connect with our lake.

To register for Bike for the Lake, view our event page at https://charity.pledgeit.org/BikeForTheLake2026

06/06/2026

🎣 Thank You to Our Fishing Sponsors!! ($500)

Healthy fisheries depend on healthy waters.

Our Fishing Sponsors are helping support cleaner streams, healthier shorelines, and improved water quality throughout the Lake Champlain watershed. Their support of Bike for the Lake helps protect the habitats that fish and wildlife rely on while strengthening our local communities.

Thank you for helping care for the lake, rivers, and streams that make this region so special.

To register for Bike for the Lake, view our event page at https://charity.pledgeit.org/BikeForTheLake2026

06/05/2026

🌿 Thank You to Our Wetland Sponsors!! ($300)

Wetlands are some of nature's hardest-working systems. They help filter pollutants, absorb floodwaters, provide wildlife habitat, and improve the health of our watershed.

Our Wetland Sponsors are helping support Friends of Northern Lake Champlain's efforts to protect and restore these valuable natural resources while making Bike for the Lake possible.

To sign up for Bike for the Lake, view our event page at https://charity.pledgeit.org/BikeForTheLake2026

Thank you for investing in a healthier, more resilient watershed.

06/04/2026

What if more rain doesn't actually mean more water?

New research from Dartmouth College suggests that climate change is causing rainfall to arrive in shorter, more intense storms with longer dry periods in between. When that happens, the land can't absorb water fast enough. Instead of soaking into soils, wetlands, and groundwater, more water runs off the landscape—carrying sediment, phosphorus, and other pollutants into our streams, rivers, and Lake Champlain.

It's a challenge we're seeing here in Vermont and one of the reasons FNLC works with landowners, municipalities, and communities on projects that slow, spread, and soak in stormwater. Floodplain restoration, shoreline plantings, rain gardens, and healthy wetlands all help build resilience in a future where bigger storms and longer dry spells may become the norm.

This article is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the future of water, flooding, and Lake Champlain.

Read the article here:

New research from Dartmouth College shows the Northeast is seeing more rain, and more of it is falling in intense bursts. But climate researchers say it’s not clear whether that’s making the landscape wetter overall.

06/04/2026

🦅 Thank You to Our Wildlife Sponsors!! ($250)

The Lake Champlain watershed is home to an incredible diversity of birds, fish, pollinators, and wildlife.

Our Wildlife Sponsors help support projects and programs that improve habitat, strengthen ecosystem health, and foster a deeper connection between people and the natural world around them.

Thank you for helping protect the places that wildlife, and our communities, depend on.

To register for Bike for the Lake, visit our event page at https://charity.pledgeit.org/BikeForTheLake2026