![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/220427162429-f1445e3f8d855979198d174c1ec784ce/v1/0e02aa888125852f264fc5a59059f376.jpeg?width=720&quality=85%2C50)
4 minute read
GREEN LAKE ASSOCIATION
CARING for Big Green
BY JENNIFER FJELSTED
Advertisement
Green Lake holds the title as Wisconsin’s deepest natural inland lake at 237 feet deep and features 27 miles of shoreline, eight public boat launches, three public beaches, and endless opportunities for fun. From lounging on the shore to fishing for trout, kayaking the open waters, and sailing across the frozen lake in an iceboat, Big Green Lake provides excitement all year round.
Green Lake brings people together and makes the community a vibrant and thriving place. With thousands of visitors each year, Big Green Lake is the common thread connecting all who reach its shores.
It’s critical that future generations care for and preserve Big Green Lake not just for the residents or visitors, but also for the many plants and animals (even bugs!) who rely on this incredible ecosystem. That’s what the Green Lake Association (GLA) has been doing since its founding in 1951.
As a not-for-profit, member-funded organization, the GLA has a singular focus on protecting and improving Green Lake’s water quality. The GLA actively works year-round on projects that aim to address the lake’s main challenges of low dissolved oxygen and excess phosphorus pollution—both of which can impact recreational use of the lake. Phosphorus pollution in particular can lead to an increase in the growth of weeds and algae, which are definitely not fun to swim in.
Through membership dues and donations, the GLA is able to fund and support initiatives that aim to protect, restore, and preserve the lake, including aquatic invasive species removal and prevention, stream restoration, promotion of agricultural conservation practices, facilitation of scientific lake studies, and educating the public on how to care for the lake.
Together, we can make a difference for Green Lake. Whether you call Green Lake home or it’s your favorite vacation spot, you can help care for this beloved natural resource every season.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/220427162429-f1445e3f8d855979198d174c1ec784ce/v1/d377171c363df3ee95be5980f01800c4.jpeg?width=720&quality=85%2C50)
Calendar of Events
Annual Meeting: Saturday, June 18, at Heidel House Hotel Annual Gala: Saturday, July 30, at Heidel House Hotel Lake Facts Max Depth: 237 feet Shoreline: 27 miles Number of public boat launches: 8 Number of named streams flowing to the lake: 8 Length: 7 miles Width: 2.5 miles
• WINTER: Reduce salt use— just one 12-ounce mug is enough to treat 10 sidewalk squares.
• SPRING: Install a rain barrel to help prevent runoff into the lake.
• SUMMER: Reduce fertilizer use and never use fertilizer that contains phosphorus (it’s the middle number on the bag and should read ZERO).
• FALL: Keep your leaves out of the road and lake—they contain phosphorus that hurts water quality.
If you’d like to help care for Big Green Lake all year round, consider becoming a member or volunteer— both help protect our beloved lake! To learn more about the GLA, membership, volunteering, or events, visit greenlakeassociation.org or call (920) 294-6480.
Jennifer Fjelsted is the communication and project manager at Green Lake Association.
Photographs provided by Green Lake Association.
Explore
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
WITH THE GREEN TEAM
by Jennifer Fjelsted
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/220427162429-f1445e3f8d855979198d174c1ec784ce/v1/b0470fb7d7dfac2337a663fc82388102.jpeg?width=720&quality=85%2C50)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/220427162429-f1445e3f8d855979198d174c1ec784ce/v1/886f6e2ccd0b060ab627bf47049c1d0a.jpeg?width=720&quality=85%2C50)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/220427162429-f1445e3f8d855979198d174c1ec784ce/v1/6190bfbe485ba55757b4a329c2ed5b3e.jpeg?width=720&quality=85%2C50)
The Green Team is excited to welcome the community to another year of free, fun-filled outdoor activities. Through exploring the great outdoors, event attendees can come to further appreciate and care for Green Lake’s incredible natural resources and history, all while having a lot of fun.
Families, friends, neighbors, and visitors will be able to discover the splendors of Green Lake during moonlight walks, daytime paddles, tours of historic sites, and more. From water- to land-based outings, there’s a Green Team event fit for every adventurer. Green Team events are organized by members of the Green Lake Association, Green Lake Conservancy, Green Lake Sanitary District, and the Green Lake School District. To see the complete Green Team calendar or to check for any event changes due to weather, please visit greenlakeassociation.com/green-team.
Mitchell Glen Tour
Saturday, May 7, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and Saturday, October 15, 10:00 a.m. to Noon Explore Mitchell Glen for a rare and beautiful trip to this limited-access property. Participants will be guided down into the glen, which features incredible trees, rock features, and flowing waters. The tour includes walking down and up about 80 steep steps, so bring sturdy shoes. Space is limited and reservations are required. Save your spot by calling the Sanitary District at (920) 295-4488.
Daytime Paddle on the Puchyan
Saturday, July 16, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Start your morning with a relaxing trip on the water with the Green Team. Paddle the Puchyan River by kayak or canoe and enjoy this beautiful, thriving ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife, from turtles to cranes to crayfish and more! This leisurely tour is good for all paddle skill levels. Participants will paddle from downtown Green Lake to Dartford.
Native Prairie Seed Collection
Sunday, October 1, 10:30 a.m. to Noon. Join the Green Team on a prairie-flower and grass-seed collection event at Dawson Prairie in the Green Lake Conference Center. The collected seeds will be used in the community to help restore natural areas that were once overrun by invasive buckthorn. This event is great for all ages!
Jennifer Fjelsted is the communication and project manager at Green Lake Association. Photographs provided by the Green Team.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/220427162429-f1445e3f8d855979198d174c1ec784ce/v1/12764a6c4bfaf9bdbe2302c19469a65c.jpeg?width=720&quality=85%2C50)