Vermont Seeks 800+ Volunteers to Protect State Lakes

Imagine helping protect 800 pristine lakes and ponds just by spending a few hours on the water each month. That's exactly what Vermont is asking residents to do this summer.

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation is recruiting volunteers for four different lake monitoring programs across the state. These citizen scientists play a crucial role in tracking everything from water clarity to invasive species to harmful algal blooms.

"With over 800 lakes and ponds to monitor across Vermont, volunteers are critical to the success of our department's efforts," said Commissioner Misty Sinsigalli. Thanks to volunteer commitment, state scientists can better understand and protect these natural treasures.

The Lay Monitoring Program has been running since 1979, making it one of the longest continuous volunteer water quality efforts in the country. Volunteers collect water samples from their own boats every two weeks during summer, helping track conditions and trends throughout the recreation season.

Other volunteers serve as Vermont Invasive Patrollers, learning to spot troublesome species like zebra mussels and water chestnut before they spread. Since 2002, Public Access Greeters have educated boaters at launch sites, offering free boat inspections to prevent the spread of aquatic hitchhikers.

The Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program trains volunteers to recognize harmful algal blooms that can form during warm weather. These blue-green algae can multiply quickly under the right conditions, creating dense surface scums that pose risks to swimmers and pets.

The Ripple Effect

Every data point collected by volunteers helps scientists make better decisions about lake protection and restoration. The information gathered over decades has revealed long-term trends that would be impossible to track otherwise.

Volunteers don't just contribute data. They become lake stewards, learning about ecology while helping their communities. Many return year after year, building deep connections with the waters they monitor.

Training is provided for all programs, and volunteers can choose their level of commitment based on their schedules and interests. Whether inspecting boats at a launch ramp or collecting samples from a favorite fishing spot, every contribution counts.

One volunteer effort protecting hundreds of lakes proves that environmental stewardship works best when communities dive in together.