Resources
Find information regarding the Connecticut Federation of Lakes' efforts to advocate for, protect, and restore Connecticut's lakes through public education, remedial programs, and policy action, as well as resources and support for preserving these vital natural resources.
Find information regarding Project Green Lawn, a Middletown initiative promoting chemical-free, organic lawn care to protect people, pets, and the environment. The website provides educational resources, guides on safe lawn practices, and information on pesticide notification programs.
Find information regarding the impacts of urbanization on water quality, including increased runoff and pollutant loads, and strategies for managing urban runoff. The content offers guidance for homeowners, developers, and local governments on reducing pollutants, protecting water resources, and implementing sustainable practices like low-impact development and ecological restoration.
Find information regarding the Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control, which provide guidance on planning, designing, and implementing erosion and sediment control measures. These guidelines serve as a reference for government agencies, municipalities, and development projects to minimize water-accelerated erosion and sedimentation using the latest technologies and best practices.
Find information on rain gardens, which are shallow depressions planted with deep-rooted native plants designed to capture and filter stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces like roofs and driveways. The Rain Garden Network offers resources on the benefits of rain gardens, including pollution control, flood protection, habitat creation, and water conservation. The site provides guidance on planning, designing, and implementing rain gardens, serving as a reference for homeowners, municipalities, and organizations aiming to manage stormwater sustainably using best practices.
Find information on the Connecticut Office of Aquatic Invasive Species (OAIS), which coordinates statewide efforts to monitor, manage, and prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants and animals. Established in 2022 under the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), OAIS conducts ecological surveys of lakes and ponds, studies management techniques like herbicide application and mechanical removal, and provides educational resources for municipalities and the public. The office serves as a central hub for aquatic invasive species data, policy guidance, and interagency collaboration to protect Connecticut’s freshwater ecosystems. (CT.gov)
Find information on the Connecticut Office of Aquatic Invasive Species (OAIS), which coordinates statewide efforts to monitor, manage, and prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants and animals. Established in 2022 under the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), OAIS conducts ecological surveys of lakes and ponds, studies management techniques like herbicide application and mechanical removal, and provides educational resources for municipalities and the public. The office serves as a central hub for aquatic invasive species data, policy guidance, and interagency collaboration to protect Connecticut’s freshwater ecosystems. (CT.gov)
Learn about Connecticut Lake Watch, a volunteer-based program coordinated by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to monitor the health of the state’s lakes and ponds. Through citizen science, trained volunteers collect data on water clarity, temperature, and algal blooms to support long-term water quality assessments and early detection of environmental changes. The program promotes public engagement in environmental stewardship and helps guide lake management and protection efforts across Connecticut. (CT.gov)
Learn about establishing a vegetative buffer along your lake’s shoreline, a natural strategy promoted by SOLitude Lake Management to enhance waterbody health. The page explains how native plant buffers—typically 3–5 feet wide and about 18 inches tall—intercept stormwater runoff, filtering out sediment, nutrients, and debris before they enter lakes or ponds. It outlines the ecological and aesthetic benefits of these buffers, including erosion control, habitat provision for wildlife, and customizable designs using native grasses, sedges, rushes, and flowering plants like pickerelweed, swamp milkweed, and cardinal flower. The article also breaks down different buffer zones (littoral, riparian, upland), offers guidance on maintenance—such as pruning, invasive species monitoring, and debris removal—and notes that professional support can further integrate buffers into broader lake management plans involving aeration, nutrient remediation, and erosion control. (Solitude Lake Management)
Find guidance on selecting native plant species to enhance the health and beauty of your lake or pond shoreline. SOLitude Lake Management recommends beneficial vegetation like arrowhead, swamp milkweed, pickerelweed, and cardinal flower to filter runoff, stabilize banks, and attract wildlife. The page emphasizes using regionally appropriate, non-invasive species to create resilient buffer zones, while avoiding aggressive plants like cattails and phragmites. These buffers support water quality, prevent erosion, and promote biodiversity. (Solitude Lake Management)