Earth Day Series: Keeping Plymouth's Lakes Clean

You may not live on a lake, but according to Joan Nephew, you own lakefront property. Nephew’s perspective comes from her work as executive director of Minnesota’s Freshwater Society.

“What we do on our land directly affects the water,” Nephew said. “So if you think about it, everyone owns a little bit of shoreline.”

Though the Freshwater Society only has a staff of nine employees, the nonprofit group educates thousands of people each year on the benefits of protecting lakes and streams. What started in the late 1960s as the nation’s first freshwater research facility is now Minnesota’s leading organization for promoting the conservation, protection and restoration of all freshwater resources. 

“If people care about the lakes and rivers in their neighborhoods, then they need to care about the things they are putting into the water,” said Patrick Sweeny, research and communications director for the society. “I grew up on a farm where we were always close to water. I’ve been working to preserve the environment for my children and, now, my grandchildren.” 

One of the ways that the Freshwater Society strives to keep Minnesota’s lakes clean is by partnering with community organizations and volunteers. Plymouth residents can get involved in reducing water pollution by participating in the society’s community clean-up program.

“We have a tool kit that neighborhoods and organizations can use to organize their own community clean-up,” Nephew said. “All they have to do is give us a call to get started.”

By removing loose dirt and leaves from city sewer grates, residents can help eliminate phosphorus from the environment. Five garbage bags of organic material contains about one pound of phosphorus, according to the Freshwater Society’s website. Phosphorus can produce excess algae growth, ultimately polluting bodies of water.

While clean-up projects are important to the society, reaching youth and involving students in environmental protection is equally as vital.

“We’ve been doing a ‘Water is Life’ art contest throughout the state for the last seven years,” Nephew said. “We are encouraging high school students to graphically show what we can do to help soak up water that comes into our yards and properties.”  Entries for the spring contest must be submitted to the Freshwater Society by April 30.

“Ultimately, cities and communities need to work together to reduce the amount of pollution that’s going into our lakes,” Nephew said, asking residents to take responsibility for the lakes they love. “Whatever runs off my property will eventually make its way into our water.”