New Year’s resolutions often focus on big changes. When it comes to caring for the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed, progress looks different. It is built through small, practical actions repeated over time by the people who live, work, and spend time here.
This year, make a meaningful and simple resolution to help protect the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed!
We encourage you to choose a habit that fits into your everyday life and supports clean water for the seasons ahead.
Protect the Water While Enjoying It
Boating, paddling, and fishing are part of what draws people to Glen Lake year after year. Here are some ways you can resolve to make protecting the waters part of your experience.
- Clean, Drain, Dry after every waterbody, every time.
Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from all equipment before leaving water access. Make sure to drain any water containing devices before leaving the access, and dry everything for five days or wipe with a towel before reuse. - Use our free Boat Wash located at 7075 W. Day Forest Road.
Washing watercraft before launching is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of invasive species. Open May through October, let us clean your boat for you so you can get on the water with peace of mind. - Follow local Fishing Regulations and don’t transfer live bait between lakes.
Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, and fish parts in the trash. When keeping live bait, drain bait container and replace with spring or dechlorinated tap water. Never dump live fish or other organisms from one water body into another. Anglers can support healthy fish populations by following more advice on our Fishing page.
Make Your Home Part of the Solution
How you take care of your home has a direct connection to the health of the watershed. Resolve to choose a few simple swaps and actions to make a huge difference.
- Inspect and pump your septic tank every three to five years.
Staying current on septic system inspections and pumping is one of the most effective ways to reduce pollution. Have your system inspected regularly by a qualified professional in accordance with state and local health department recommendations. Properly operating septic systems require pumping when the tanks become 1/3 full. More information about proper care and maintenance is available on our Septic Systems page.
- Choose watershed-friendly household products.
Many cleaners and detergents contain ingredients that eventually make their way into groundwater. You can commit to switching to alternatives designed to be safer for water. One simple switch could be to replace your harsh drain cleaner with boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar. Find more suggestions for lake-friendly alternatives to use in place of household cleaning chemicals on our Watershed-Friendly Products page.
Care for Your Property with the Watershed in Mind
A healthy watershed largely depends on the land—and properties—within it and the people who care for them. Here’s how you can resolve to help keep the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed clean and clear.
- Create a watershed-friendly landscape.
The way you landscape—especially for shoreline properties—makes a big impact on water quality. Use native plants, preserve natural cover and forest stands, and prevent yard waste from entering the lake. Learn about all of our tips for a healthy landscape on our Landscape Design page. - Avoid using fertilizer on your lawn.
Fertilizer runoff increases nutrient levels in the watershed—decreasing water clarity and encouraging harmful algal blooms. Plus, did you know most Michigan soils already contain enough phosphorus for healthy plant growth? Still not sure? Conduct a soil test first to determine if fertilizer is needed. If so, choose phosphorus-free products, reduce the amount of applications, and steer clear of areas within 30 feet of the water. Learn about all our lawn care tips and tricks and find safer products on our Lawn Care page. - Preserve, establish, or maintain your natural shoreline or establish a greenbelt “buffer zone” to help filter runoff.
Natural shorelines and streambanks protect the lakes and rivers from stormwater pollution, prevent soil erosion, and provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife. Keep 15–35-foot-wide strips of mixed native vegetation, shrubs, and trees along the shoreline. Ready to commit to establishing a greenbelt in 2026? Contact us for a free consultation!
Learn One New Thing About the Watershed
You love Glen Lake—but how well do you understand the science of what keeps it—and the surrounding watershed—healthy? This year, resolve to become a better steward of the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed by learning how it functions and how to protect it.
- Explore Watershed 101 to learn about all of the bodies of water in the watershed, the water cycle, water quality metrics, and more.
- Join our watershed biologists on a Discovery Boat ride next summer.
This fun and educational hands-on tour of Glen Lake will cover everything from water chemistry to how the area lakes were formed by glaciers. - Follow our emails and social media to stay up to date on current news, learn more, or find volunteer opportunities. Do you want to support our work? Become a member!
Take One Small Action
For us, it’s all about the water—even when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. A new year offers a fresh start and another opportunity to care for the waters that connect this place and the people who value it. The most effective resolutions aren’t complex; they are realistic. Pick a few actions that fit into your daily routine and feel doable for you.
This year, a simple resolution can make a meaningful difference for the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed.
Photo by Michele Aucello.