LakeSmart workshop Aug. 17

GREENVILLE — The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) and the Friends of Wilson Pond Area will be hosting Maggie Shannon from the Maine Lakes Society to present a free workshop on the LakeSmart program on Wednesday, Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the town office. LakeSmart, the flagship program of the Maine Lakes Society, is one of the most effective lake protection programs available today.

Photo courtesy of PCSWCD

LAKESMART — The PCSWCD and the Friends of Wilson Pond Area will host a workshop on the LakeSmart program Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Greenville Town Office. LakeSmart is geared toward preserving the natural beauty of lakes for future generations.

LakeSmart is an award winning program available to all residential and commercial pond or lakefront property owners and is designed to efficiently and inexpensively address soil erosion issues that occur on these private properties by using natural landscaping strategies. Soil erosion is the main culprit causing lake-damaging algae blooms, habitat impairment and species die-off. The algae blooms in particular drastically reduce a lake or ponds recreational value and have been shown to decrease property value as well.

Waterfront property owners who want to play an active role in decreasing runoff into their favorite lake or pond can utilize the LakeSmart program and get suggestions for inexpensive, do-it-yourself ways that can reduce or eliminate soil erosion. LakeSmart landscaping provides a healthy alternative that mimics nature’s rich mosaic of plants, shrubs, winding paths, and shady trees — so it looks great, enhances privacy, and works hard to protect property values, wildlife habitat, water quality, recreational opportunities and the vitality of local economies.

Additionally, the program offers a great opportunity for those interested in protecting these lakes in a larger capacity, by training them to become LakeSmart inspectors. Inspectors use program guidelines to help friends and neighbors around their lake or pond to become LakeSmart as well. Information on the program and how to become an inspector will be offered on Aug. 17. There is no cost to attend the LakeSmart training or to get involved with the program.

There will be in-class and field portions of the workshop. To register with the PCSWCD by call 564-2321 ext. 3 or email info@piscataquisswcd.org.