Upper Saranac Foundation

10/12/2026

Autumn settles over Upper Saranac Lake

10/07/2026

The Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) encourages everyone to enjoy the water responsibly by following simple, science-based practices that help protect the lake’s shoreline, water quality, and wildlife.

USF worked with wake boat users to identify responsible wake sport zones on Upper Saranac Lake. These recommended areas encourage wake sports to take place in water deeper than 30 feet and at least 500 feet from shore - guidelines based on both practical boating considerations and scientific research.

https://www.adkwatershed.org/blog/wake-boats-in-the-adirondacks-2026?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUxMLNjbGNrBTEv1WV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHBkb2YFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEeUpr6EOO8I57i6cjjQ17D_g2HNVmFY3jcjRMlL9G2i1iNYSXFgZJBIb_hFTk_aem_YNozLu01OPCl25XhC8dGSg

By Sara Kelly, Research Scientist at the Adirondack Watershed Institute Adirondack waters are a mecca for conservationists, artists, wildlife viewers, and recreationists among residents and visitors alike. Recreational boating, whether for leisure, angling, or watersports, is a popular activity and

10/05/2026

New Funding Available for Septic System Upgrades in the Upper Saranac Watershed

Good news for Upper Saranac watershed property owners: new funding is available to make upgrading failing or outdated septic systems more affordable while helping protect water quality and public health.

Eligible projects may include replacement of failing septic systems, cesspool upgrades, and component improvements that meet modern environmental standards.

Eligible property owners may receive:

Up to 50% reimbursement (maximum $10,000) for a conventional septic system
Up to 75% reimbursement (maximum $25,000) for an advanced or enhanced system

These incentives can make enhanced systems—which provide greater water-quality protection—more affordable for homeowners.

Why It Matters

Failing or outdated septic systems can contribute nitrogen and phosphorus to groundwater and nearby lakes and streams. Excess nutrients can fuel harmful algal blooms (HABs) and affect water quality, recreation, and property values. Upgrading septic systems helps prevent pollution at its source and is one of the most effective actions property owners can take to protect the Upper Saranac watershed.

Click here for the application: https://usfoundation.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/FC_Septic-Program-Application-Form-Round-5.docx

Questions? Contact Ilona Russell, Franklin County Grant Coordinator, at [email protected] or 518-481-1409.

10/02/2026

Years of grant-funded management have dramatically reduced Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) in Follensby Clear Pond. Now, USF is moving into the next phase: ecological restoration.
The project will reestablish native Vallisneria americana (wild celery) to improve habitat, stabilize sediments, enhance water clarity, and strengthen the pond's resilience to future invasions.
USF divers will harvest native Vallisneria for propagation by Adirondack Research in the greenhouse at Northwood School, giving students hands-on experience in aquatic ecology and restoration. As plants are propagated, they will be reintroduced into Follensby Clear Pond each year to accelerate native vegetation recovery.
https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/environment/invasive-species/follensby-clear-pond-aquatic-plant-restoration/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUrkudleHRuA2FlbQMxMDAAcGRvZgVzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR6CdOjBzj4qS4kVMy4xv773qxlpJPwQpqqz8QTIpb0EJD7xp-x8_3IXgv9hWg_aem_W_lKg7FirTy8073yNzA2Gw

An inside look into the Adirondack Park’s first aquatic plant restoration project, at Follensby Clear Pond.

10/01/2026

USF Supports the 90-Miler

On the second Sunday of September, hundreds of paddlers crossed Upper Saranac Lake during the final day of the 2026 Adirondack Canoe Classic, better known as the 90-Miler.

USF staff, board members, and shore-owners joined the volunteer effort as safety boats, helping direct paddlers, assist when needed, and place buoys along the Upper Saranac portion of the course.

With pleasant weather and great conditions, volunteers enjoyed cheering on friends, family, and racers as they made their way toward the finish in Saranac Lake.

The 90-Miler has been an Adirondack tradition since 1983, celebrating the lakes, rivers, and communities that make this region special.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and boats—and congratulations to all of the 2026 finishers! 🎉

09/24/2026

Cool mornings on Upper Saranac Lake

09/18/2026

How Do Shoreline Practices Affect Wildlife and Water Quality?

The Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI) has been conducting a multi-year study on Upper Saranac Lake, examining how different shoreline practices influence wildlife. Twenty-six Upper Saranac Lake residents are participating by hosting wildlife cameras and monitoring equipment.

Join Michale Glennon of AWI to learn what the research is revealing and how it could help inform future shoreline protection and Lake Wise–style programs.

📅 Tuesday, September 22
🕛 12:00 p.m. | Zoom

Learn more and register for the webinar:
https://mailchi.mp/757746652987/save-the-date-june-7th-2024-fovlap-lake-seminar-9951854?e=[UNIQID]

Healthy shorelines support wildlife and help protect water quality by reducing runoff, erosion, and sedimentation.

The Upper Saranac Foundation supported the grant and helped promote local participation.

09/18/2026

Morning reflections on Upper Saranac Lake

09/15/2026

Cool mornings and changing colors are reminding us that fall is just around the corner

09/14/2026

SepticSmart Week | September 14–18 💧

Protecting water quality starts at home. Properly maintained septic systems help keep excess nutrients out of groundwater and lakes and reduce conditions that can contribute to harmful algal blooms.

In August, the Upper Saranac Foundation partnered with the Adirondack Council, Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District, and the Champlain Watershed Improvement Coalition of New York to host a Septic Savvy Workshop at the Santa Clara Town Hall. Residents learned about septic maintenance, inspections, repairs, upgrades, and funding opportunities.

A simple step you can take: Know when your septic system was last inspected and pumped—and if it’s been a while, schedule an inspection.

For information on funding opportunities, contact the Franklin County Grant Coordinator: 518 481-1409

Thank you to our partners, presenters, the Town of Santa Clara, and everyone who joined us!

A healthy watershed starts with a healthy septic system.