WATERSHED NEWS
Stay connected and updated with the Glen Lake Association by following articles posted here throughout the year.
Septic Regulation and Boat Wake: Two Michigan Senate Bills to Watch
Water quality in Michigan’s inland lakes is shaped by many factors, from wastewater treatment to recreational use. Learn more about two bills introduced in the Michigan Senate that could influence those factors in different ways.
Karner to Retire After Nearly 50 Years of Service to the GLA
Watershed biologist Rob Karner, who has served the Glen Lake Association for nearly five decades, is retiring at the end of the 2026 field season.
GLA Launches Community-Based Monitoring Program to Combat EWM
To support the Glen Lake Association’s (GLA) continued success detecting and mitigating Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM), the GLA had launched a community-based monitoring program. Riparians can participate using simple steps to support abatement efforts.
Keep It Blue: GLA Raises Awareness, Action for Watershed Health
To support water quality and overall health of the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed, the Glen Lake Association is celebrating its second annual Keep It Blue Month, reminding residents that even small changes to summer activities and property management, as well as community participation, can make a big difference.
Best Practices for Boating in the Watershed
If you plan on boating in the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed, keep yourself, others, and the environment safe by using the GLA’s free boat wash and following other important guidelines.
2026 Season Update: The Battle Against Eurasian Watermilfoil
With a history of success detecting and mitigating invasive Eurasian milfoil (EWM), the Glen Lake Association is preparing for another season of prevention and education. Learn more about EWM and how you can support abatement efforts.
How to Prevent Watershed Damage from Fireworks
Residents, stewards, and visitors of the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed are gearing up for the Fourth of July. If your plans include fireworks, make sure you’re aware of clean-up, local ordinances, and other recommendations that help preserve the watershed.
Shoreline Invasive Species Removal Program
The Glen Lake Association conducts shoreline invasive species surveys and removal for coltsfoot, yellow iris, purple loosestrife, and phragmites. Learn more and get involved in fighting invasives on your shore.
Ice Breakup and Your Shoreline
You may still notice signs of where ice pushed onto shore around the lake. This happens when high winds drive floating ice across open water and up against the windward shoreline. Natural shorelines with healthy greenbelts can help buffer the impacts of moving ice and erosion.
Protecting Water Quality Starts at the Shoreline
Healthy shorelines filter runoff, prevent erosion, and provide essential habitat for wildlife. Building and maintaining these buffers is one of the best ways to care for the watershed.
All About Invasive Species
Invasive species are plants or animals introduced from other parts of the world that spread quickly and outcompete native species. Preventing and eradicating harmful invasive species is one of the GLA’s top priorities.
Get Involved with GLA: Volunteer and Leadership Opportunities
We welcome everyone to express interest in volunteering with one of our active committees or in a specific role. Whether you want to help lead or prefer hands-on work, there is a place for you to share your skills, support the watershed, and connect with the GLA community.
Fish of the Watershed
Fishing is part of life in Northern Michigan, no matter the season. In honor of this beloved pastime, let’s take a closer look at why this watershed supports such a wide variety of life and the fish species you may encounter here.
Cover Image Caption: Photo by Gage Cutler
2026 Membership Renewal Now Open
As we begin a new year, we thank all our members for generously supporting the Glen Lake Association (GLA) in 2025. Because of your commitment, the GLA accomplished so much last year—and none of it would have been possible without you. We are truly grateful for your...
A New Year for the Watershed: Simple Resolutions That Make a Real Difference
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...
A Tribute to Late GLA President Dave Cheney
It is with heavy hearts that we share that our cherished friend, member and president Dave Cheney passed away on December 11, 2025.
Lighting Up Glen Lake: 11th Year of the Christmas Tree Boat
What started as a small family idea has become a beloved Glen Lake tradition. This year marks the 11th launch of the Christmas Tree Boat, created and cared for by GLA Board Member Frank G. Siepker Jr. and his family.
Year in Review: A Year of Major Wins for the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed
That is a wrap on 2025. The Glen Lake Association (GLA) completed far more work this year than can be captured in a single article and more work will be shared in the 2025 Impact Report in the spring. Before we turn the page, here is a look at several of the most...
GLA Volunteers Wrap Another Successful Season of Lake Monitoring
Each year, a dedicated group of Glen Lake Association (GLA) volunteers heads out by boat, Secchi disk in hand, to collect data that helps track the long-term health of the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed. Their work is part of the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring...
This Season of Gratitude, Help Keep the Watershed Pristine
Each fall, when the last docks come out and the trees ignite with color, a stillness settles over the watershed that invites reflection. The water calms, the air becomes crisp, and gratitude comes easily for those of us lucky enough to enjoy this slowing-down season. ...
Keeping It Blue: Three Decades of Boat Wash Success
For 30 years, the Glen Lake Association’s (GLA) Boat Wash Operation has been the first line of defense against aquatic invasive species. Located on the north shore of Little Glen Lake at 7075 W. Day Forest Rd., the boat wash plays a crucial role in protecting the Glen...
Fall Yard Care: Protecting The Watershed Starts in Your Backyard
As summer shifts into autumn, we savor the last boat rides, earlier sunsets, and brisk evening swims. At the same time, property owners around the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed focus on familiar fall checklists: closing cottages, pulling docks, and preparing yards...
Eurasian Watermilfoil Season Update
The Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed is one of the Midwest’s most treasured natural places. Its iconic clear waters teem with wildlife and inspire summer vacations filled with swimming, boating, and fishing. But this beauty is at risk from Eurasian watermilfoil...
Septic September: Clean Water Depends on Healthy Septic Systems
Septic September: Clean Water Depends on Healthy Septic Systems Simple care for your septic system is one of the most important ways to keep the watershed clean and healthy. What happens in your backyard is more connected to the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed...
Intern in the Field: On the Hunt for Invasive Species
By Suha Augenstein, 2025 Watershed Science and Outreach InternPhoto credit: Purple Loosestrife. Flickr User Liz West via Creative Commons 2.0 As the Glen Lake Association’s Watershed Science and Outreach Intern, I joined a hands-on conservation project at Brooks Lake,...
Intern in the Field: Mapping Underwater Plants and Wildlife in the Watershed
By Suha Augenstein, 2025 Watershed Science and Outreach Intern As part of the Glen Lake Association’s (GLA) conservation efforts, a combination of innovative technology and community effort is helping preserve the watershed’s underwater plants and wildlife. One of the...
Intern in the Field: Assisting with the Annual Inlet Study
By Suha Augenstein, 2025 Watershed Science and Outreach Intern Each summer, around the summer solstice, the Glen Lake Association (GLA) conducts its Annual Inlet Study, a cornerstone of its water quality monitoring efforts. This study focuses on the 11-12 primary...
Meet Our 2025 Watershed Science and Outreach Intern: Suha Augenstein
The Glen Lake Association’s (GLA) Watershed Science and Outreach Internship is an eight-week, hands-on learning experience designed for undergraduate students pursuing studies in environmental science, biology, conservation, or related fields. Interns engage directly...
We Want to Hear From You: Take Our Community Survey
The Glen Lake Association is inviting all community members to take our short, anonymous Community Feedback Survey, open now through August 31. Your input will help us better understand what is working well, where there is room to grow, and how we can better serve the...
Happy 30th Anniversary to the GLA Boat Wash!
Did you know Glen Lake was home to three boat wash firsts in Michigan—the first boat wash, the first boat wash ordinance, and the first boat wash with hot water to kill viruses? For three decades, the Glen Lake Association has led the charge to protect our watershed...
EWM Treatment Begins: How You Can Help This Summer
Buoys and flags mark the treatment sitesThe Glen Lake Association, in collaboration with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, has begun treating three colonies of invasive Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) discovered last year in the deep basin of Little...
The Crystal River to Briefly Change Color in July
Parasitic sea lampreyYou may notice a fluorescent green or bright pink color in the Crystal River for one day in mid-July. Not to worry—this is simply tracer dye placed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) as part of their ongoing efforts to control the...
Spring Fish Stocking in Glen Lake
Once again this spring, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stocked Glen Lake with rainbow trout and lake trout. They poured 20,699 rainbow trout and 14,900 lake trout into the lake at the DNR boat launch on Little Glen. The Michigan DNR manages Glen...
Meet the Boat Wash Staff
Photo from left to right: Jamie Blondia, Kate Gille, Elsa Miller, Sallyanne Morris, and Brian StittWe are pleased to have an amazing group of folks at the Boat Wash who are dedicated to protecting the watershed from invasive species. Earlier this spring, we hired...
Is That Yellow Slime Harmful? It’s Just Tree Pollen!
That yellow stuff that washes ashore in May and June is primarily tree pollen, specifically from coniferous trees like pines. These trees release large amounts of pollen during their pollination season, which is typically in the spring. The pollen is carried by wind...
Stop the Spread: Your Guide to Safely Removing Garlic Mustard
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is an invasive biennial plant in the mustard family, known for its aggressive spread and detrimental impact on native ecosystems. Originally introduced from Europe for culinary and medicinal purposes, it has since become a...
Keep the Splash, Skip the Rash: Swimmer’s Itch Prevention & Treatment
Cercarial dermatitis, also known as “swimmer’s itch,” is an uncomfortable rash caused by microscopic parasites found in freshwater lakes. As we enter the swim season, it is important to be aware of how to avoid this pesky parasite. Prevention is key! You can greatly...
Message from Kate Gille: April 2025
April 2025 They say that “no one steps in the same river twice.” Since bringing my life full circle and returning to Glen Arbor as the GLA’s first Executive Director, I’ve reflected on this quote often. This watershed is a truly magical place where things are always...
Our 2024 Annual Report is Here!
As you read our latest annual report, we hope you are encouraged and proud of the good work that’s being done to monitor and test water quality, prevent and eradicate invasive species, research and apply new technologies, and educate the Glen Lake community through...
Important Announcement: Koi Bowfishing Coming in May
The GLA embraces a policy of “early detection, early response” when it comes to invasive species—both plant and animal invasives alike. This includes removing Japanese koi fish from the watershed. As part of a three-year plan which began in 2024, the GLA will once...
GLA Email Address Updates
We’ve made some updates to improve our email system. To make sure our emails always land in your inbox, we kindly ask that you add these addresses to your contacts. You can reach us by emailing: (NEW) Kate Gille, Executive Director: kate@glenlakeassociation.org...
Work on the Water: We are Hiring a Boat Wash Senior Manager
The boat wash on Little Glen is our first line of defense against halting the introduction of harmful aquatic invasive species into Glen Lake and other area water bodies, including Fisher Lake and the Crystal River. Join our team and play a vital role in this work as...
Reminder: Leave your Leaves!
Reminder - leave the leaves! Don’t rush to tidy your yard - native pollinators are still hibernating in last season’s leaves and stems. According to Michigan State University Extension, it’s best to wait until temperatures are consistently above 50°F. Your yard is...
GLA Tends the Rare Michigan Monkeyflower
Did you know that the Glen Lake Association helps to preserve and protect the rarest flower in Michigan? Michigan monkeyflower (MMF) only grows in Michigan and is on the federal endangered species list. This beautiful little yellow flower is extremely rare, with only...
Meet the Birds of Our Watershed: Common Loon
Birds have been referred to as “bellwethers of watershed health” because they respond to basic changes in landscape and habitat conditions.Roger Tory Peterson, an American naturalist who published many books about birds and garnered multiple awards in his field, once...
Meet the Birds of our Watershed: Bald Eagle
Birds have been referred to as “bellwethers of watershed health” because they respond to basic changes in landscape and habitat conditions.Roger Tory Peterson, an American naturalist who published many books about birds and garnered multiple awards in his field, once...
Joe Blondia: Phosphorous Levels in Glen Lake
The ice has melted on Glen Lake and spring turnover is in process. This is an important time of year because when the ice melts, the water becomes 4 degrees Celsius (39.2 degrees Fahrenheit) sinks, and turns the water column over, which includes turning over the...
Joe Blondia: Our Lakes Turn Over Twice per Year
Just like animals come out of hibernation in the spring, lakes come out of hibernation also. There has been ice on our lakes all winter, so sunlight has not been able to get through the ice to let plants photosynthesize and produce oxygen, and waves aren't stirring up...
Joe Blondia: Wetlands are Nature’s Filtration System!
Wetlands are nature’s filtration system! They are also a complete ecosystem. They filter snow and rainfall and trap pollutants to ensure only clean water enters nearby lakes and rivers. They are also a critical habitat for a variety of wildlife and plants, many of...
We’re Hiring! Apply Today for Senior Boat Wash Manager & Boat Wash Operator
We're Hiring! We are seeking applicants for two seasonal positions – a Boat Wash Senior Manager and multiple Boat Wash Operators. The boat wash on Little Glen is our first line of defense against halting the potential introduction of harmful aquatic invasive species...
Joe Blondia: Algal Blooms are a Natural Part of Spring
There is lots happening in the spring in the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed. Birds are migrating, animals are coming out of hibernation, and diatoms (also known as algae) are growing in our water. You may see what looks like “clumps” floating in the water. These...
Meet the Birds of our Watershed: Bonaparte’s Gull
Birds have been called “bellwethers of watershed health.” Because they respond to basic changes in landscape and habitat conditions, birds can be excellent indicators of watershed health. Roger Tory Peterson, an American naturalist who published many books about birds...
Meet the Birds of our Watershed: Trumpeter Swan
Birds have been called “bellwethers of watershed health.” Because they respond to basic changes in landscape and habitat conditions, birds can be excellent indicators of watershed health. Roger Tory Peterson, an American naturalist who published many books about birds...
Leelanau Ticker: Meet the New Steward of Glen Lake
Our thanks to Craig Manning and the Leelanau Ticker for sharing Kate Gille’s story from Sleeping Bear Dunes park ranger to GLA’s first executive director. Her journey is truly inspiring. Learn more about Kate's vision and commitment by clicking the link below.
Big News: Meet Our First Executive Director!
The Glen Lake Association Board of Directors is thrilled to introduce Kate Gille as the organization’s first executive director. The executive search task force conducted a rigorous process to find a superb candidate, and our board unanimously selected Kate for the...
Joe Blondia: GLA Monitors Water Salinity Levels from Melting Snow Mixed with Salt & Sand
Have you ever wondered where all that road salt and sand go when the snow melts? In order to keep our roads safe, the road commission has to use sand and salt to de-ice the bridges. The salt mixes with snow and eventually drips into the Crystal River, which could...
Joe Blondia: Snow and Rain Feed our Aquifers and Help Keep Water Levels Up
As winter loosens its grip, the melting snow feeds into our watershed. We love a good snowy winter and a wet spring - the water feeds our aquifers and helps keep lake and river levels up in the drier months of the summer. Watch this video to see the transition from...
GLA Uses Drone Tech to Advance Aquatic Invasive Species Detection
In 2024, the GLA’s use of aerial drone-guided underwater Remote Operating Vehicles (ROVs) revolutionized our surveillance program and allowed aquatic vegetation mapping of the bottomlands of the Glen Lake/Crystal River (GL/CR) Watershed for the first time. While the...
Leadership Update: Executive Director Coming Soon!
The Glen Lake Association Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of its Executive Director search. This extensive process began last September and was led by a search committee composed of board members Jennifer St. Julian (chair), Ron...
Meet the Birds of our Watershed: Sandhill Crane
Birds have been called “bellwethers of watershed health.” Because they respond to basic changes in landscape and habitat conditions, birds can be excellent indicators of watershed health. Roger Tory Peterson, an American naturalist who published many books about birds...
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