People paddle boarding on Glen Lake’s blue water and enjoying everything it has to offer.
Keep It Blue: GLA Raises Awareness, Action for Watershed Health
This July, the Glen Lake Association (GLA) celebrates its second annual Keep It Blue Month as a community-wide reminder that everyone plays a role in protecting water quality.
The Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed includes several interconnected bodies of water that are part of the GLA’s stewardship efforts: Big and Little Glen Lakes, Fisher Lake, the Crystal River, Hatlem Pond and Creek, Tucker Lake, Day Mill Pond, and Brooks Lake.
“These pristine waters aren’t accidental,” said Kate Gille, executive director of the GLA. “Our members, volunteers, and partners all help preserve the exceptional water quality that makes this place so special. That’s why each summer, we put out the call to all who live, work, and play here: Keep It Blue!”
The GLA’s Keep It Blue Month derives its name from Glen Lake, whose signature color reflects its clarity and overall health. Glen Lake’s health has runoff effects. Its waters flow downstream to the Fisher Lakes, Crystal River, and eventually into Lake Michigan.
“Glen Lake isn’t actually blue, but its crystal-clear water allows light to penetrate deeply, where shorter blue wavelengths reflect back to our eyes,” Gille explained. “Because of its clarity, it’s considered one of Michigan’s most immaculate inland lakes. But that status isn’t a guarantee. It takes real effort and diligence from all of us to keep it that way.”
Lakes naturally age by accruing sediment and organic matter, and human activity can accelerate the process. Fertilizers, leaking septic systems, and runoff can add excess phosphorus to the water, which can facilitate algal blooms that turn clear water murky and green. Invasive species also pose a threat, like Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM), which grows aggressively as it chokes out native plants and animals while limiting recreation. An unchecked EWM infestation could turn Little Glen Lake’s iconic sandy bottom into a dense wall of tall, unswimmable vegetation.
“EWM is one of our greatest challenges at the GLA,” Gille said. “It can easily hitch a ride from lake to lake on boats, gear, and trailers. Once it’s in the environment, it spreads in thick mats that degrade water quality. It’s one of the reasons the GLA operates a free boat wash at 7075 W. Day Forest Rd.” Other threats to water quality include fireworks, unmaintained septic systems, and some land management practices.
Fireworks—while being a beloved summer tradition—can leave behind debris that floats in shallow waters and washes up on shore. This debris leaches toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the water, which can kill native fish and plants, reduce water clarity, and facilitate algal blooms. An unmaintained septic system can have similar impacts when harsh chemicals and damaging nutrients seep into the ground and eventually make their way into the water.
Those who live in the watershed have the most opportunity to impact its wellbeing. Whether you’re a riparian living right on the water or a neighbor residing upland, how you manage your property makes a big difference in watershed health.
Riparians who choose natural or bioengineered shorelines over options like seawalls, beach sanding, and riprap reduce shoreline erosion and support aquatic ecosystem health. As an added bonus, a strong greenbelt of native plants even deters nuisance geese from landing on lawns.
“Shoreline health is one of the strongest contributors to water quality,” Gille said. “Landscaping with native plants instead of turf grass and preserving or planting native trees are just some of the ways our neighbors living on the water can make a difference.”
The GLA offers free shoreline and streambank consultations to watershed residents who want to help preserve water quality and aquatic ecosystem health now and in the future. Consultations can be requested by emailing contact@glenlakeassociation.org.
Upland watershed residents can pay attention to impervious surfaces—driveways, rooftops, patios, decks, and sidewalks that can block rainfall from soaking into the ground. That rainfall becomes stormwater runoff and carries sediments and nutrients that pollute nearby waterbodies. Choosing porous materials and designing a runoff handling system are great solutions that help protect water quality and overall watershed health.
“Protecting water quality isn’t about doing everything perfectly, all at once,” Gille said. “Small changes made over time can add up to a big impact. Whether it’s scheduling regular septic maintenance, planting a few native species, or choosing a fireworks alternative, every step helps.”
“Everyone has a role to play in protecting the watershed,” Gille added. “Together, we all can Keep It Blue!”