How you can help
Each of us can contribute to improving the quality of Silver Lake. Sharing these efforts with friends and neighbors is equally beneficial. United, we can restore Silver Lake to a healthy and vibrant state once more.
An overly green lawn leads to a green lake. Lawn chemicals run off into the lake, helping to feed toxic algae, which contribute to poor water quality and fish kills. Use organic fertilizer if necessary, or replace turf with a mix of grass and micro clover.
Lakes are meant to be natural environments. We can be responsible neighbors by assisting in the planting of natural shorelines, which aid in filtering runoff and creating habitat.
Follow Minnesota DNR Clean, Drain, Dispose rules for all watercraft, trailers, equipment, bait, and gear to help prevent invasive species from entering the lake.
Chloride in driveway or sidewalk salt is a “forever contaminant” that is toxic to the local ecosystem and is a major problem for Minnesota waterways. Consider using sand and/or other alternative ice removal solutions.
Many neighborhood storm drains flow directly into Silver Lake. Keep your local storm drains clean to prevent debris like trash, lawn clippings, sticks and pet waste from ending up in the lake. These harm wildlife and contribute to nutrient overload.
As the saying goes, “many hands make light work.” Consider participating in a litter clean-up or shoreline restoration project. Financial contributions help accelerate and expand improvement initiatives.
Take the pledge
An Organics First approach reduces toxic runoff from chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers that reduce the biodiversity of the lake and contribute to harmful algae blooms.
We encourage responsible land management and sustainable practices so our lakes remain pristine for future generations to enjoy. Take the pledge, donate $20, and put a sign in your yard so your neighbors know why your lawn looks the way it does.
Go deeper
A downloadable brochure covering everything from lawn care to shoreline planting, written for Silver Lake specifically.
Our annual litter clean-up keeps trash out of the lake before the melt carries it in. Watch the mailing list for the date.
The single highest-leverage thing you can do is get one more household on the lake to change one habit.