The Warren and Essex County Soil and Water Conservation Districts are holding two workshops in Schroon Lake to educate about lake friendly living.

As stormwater moves across impervious surfaces such as roads, rooftops and asphalt parking area it can collect sediment, phosphorous, de-icing materials (sand and salt), petrochemicals, and other pollutants that may end up in a nearby lake or stream. There are ways to reduce storm water runoff and keep our water bodies healthy. One way is by collecting storm water in rain barrels and using it to water gardens and landscapes.

The Rain Barrel/Lake Friendly Living Workshop will explore how easy it is to build and install rain barrels and other storm water infiltration techniques. The workshop will also cover other residential green infrastructure projects such as rain gardens and native plantings for buffers.

The Rain Barrel/Lake Friendly Living Workshop will be held on August 11th at 6 pm at the Schroon Lake Boat House. A second workshop, Invasive Species Mapping and Lake/Stream Cleanup Workshop will be held on August 20th at 12 pm at the Schroon Lake Boat House.

These events are part of the implementation of the Schroon Lake Watershed Management Plan grant funded by Department of State through Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund- Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. The funds awarded are for the installation of stormwater retrofit projects, management of invasive species, and educational programs.

The first 20 registrants will receive a free rain barrel. RSVP to (518)962-8225 or tpinheiro@westelcom.com

Photo of Schroon Lake provided.