By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WINONA LAKE — The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams is venturing into a new chapter as it works to preserve lake water quality in Kosiusko County.
The Grace College organization was established in 2007 and has focused its efforts on Lake research, outreach and education, but is now preparing to take the next step with what it they are calling the Lake Rx — a prescription for healthy lakes.
Dr. Nate Bosch, the Dean of the School of Science and Engineering who oversees the center, said he believes the Lilly Center has built up enough research and credibility to take the next step.
“We’ll continue with the research and education, but we want to allocate more of our resources toward fixing some of the problems that the research and education that we have been doing have illuminated for us,” Bosch said in a recent interview with News Now Warsaw.
He said they intend to reach out and collaborate with numerous local and state partners in different ways to accomplish new goals.
Bosch said reaction from supporting groups has been strong and that they’re eager to develop a long-term prescription to address what’s happening with local lakes
Bosch said they want to establish numerous priority projects for many lakes in kociusko County. That could entail a few “low-hanging fruit” projects that could be reached somewhat easily and other goals that will take more time and money.
But one issue that affects many bodies of water is Zebra mussels and the impact they have on algae in lakes.
Zebra mussels are an invasive species that began showing up in local lakes in the 1990s.
Getting rid of them proved impossible as they quickly spread through out much of the upper Midwest and continue to be a problem for boat owners and residents for various reasons.
On top of that, tough, researchers have learned there is a connection between the Zebra mussels and water quality.
As it turns out, they represent a double-edged sword when it comes to what they like to eat.
Zebra mussels are filter feeders that suck in water and extract plankton and other material for food, which helps clean the water.
At the same time, they tend to ignore the more problematic glue-green algae, which has become an increasing problem in local lakes.
“So, Zebra Muscles, while they have made our lake clearer, have also made our lakes more susceptible to algae toxins because there’s more blue-green algae,” Bosch said.
Bosch said the answer is to work with the state to increase the number of specific fish species that already exist locally and prey on Zebra Muscles.
“So if we can increase the number of fish species in the lakes, then we can decrease the number of zebra mussels and therefore decrease the amount of blue-green algae.”
Another top project is to work to increase the number of wetlands in the county.
Below is the entire news release issued
by the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams:
WINONA LAKE — Backed by 15 years of thorough research and numerous research
studies, the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams is thrilled to announce Lake Rx, a
prescription for healthy lakes. Through Lake Rx, the Lilly Center offers a compelling
vision to make Kosciusko County’s lakes clean, healthy, safe, and beautiful through
projects on land, in the water, and in the community.
Imagine a future where your family enjoys the lake without worrying about blue-green
algae toxins. Toxic algae blooms are a thing of the past, and the water is clear and
healthy.
Such a future is possible, but first we must understand the problem. The Lilly Center’s
research shows that an overabundance of nutrients feeds harmful algae, encourages
weed growth, and can even contribute to unsafe E. coli levels. These threats are serious,
as shown by Grand Lake St. Mary’s in Ohio. If left unattended, these problems will have
a negative impact on the economy, recreation, and human health.
Through partnerships with lake associations, watershed groups, government agencies,
and other universities, the Lilly Center will activate wholistic and scientifically-sound
solution that will move the needle in lake health.
Solutions on Land
Agricultural land and wetlands are key components of land-based solutions. Most of the
land draining into our lakes is used for agriculture. The Lilly Center and other university
partners are currently working to quantify the impact of specific agricultural
management practices around our lakes. Practices with the best “bang for buck” will be
identified and incentivized, keeping nutrients on farmland and out of the water.
Wetlands act as kidneys and sponges, filtering and absorbing water before it reaches the
lake. Revitalizing existing wetlands or constructing new wetlands serve several
purposes. These wetlands can hold back sediment, reduce the nutrients available to
algae, and even prevent flooding.
Solutions in the Water
Often, over 90% of the algae in local lakes are blue-green algae. In other words, there is
great potential for toxin production! Zebra mussels, an invasive species, have
unnaturally shifted algae populations toward blue-green algae. In partnership with the
Indiana Department of Natural Resources, we can work to rebalance a lake’s ecosystem
to reduce harmful algae populations.
Most lake residents view weeds as pests, making swimming and boating difficult. But
what if weeds were our friends rather than part of the problem? Weeds, also known as
aquatic macrophytes, incorporate nutrients into their plant tissue that could otherwise
fuel blue-green algae blooms. Mechanical harvesters are like lawnmowers for a lake!
Removing plant tissue from the lake makes swimming and boating easier, and
harvesters remove nutrients at the same time.
Solutions in our Community
Inspiring and equipping the next generation to steward our lakes well will ensure that
our work today lasts for years to come. Through innovative educational programs,
youngsters will dive into lake science from an early age.
This investment in the future of our lakes must be paired with actionable steps today.
Everyone lives in a watershed, that is, the area of land that drains into a nearby body of
water. Equipping our community with the tools they need to make a difference will have
a direct impact on lake health. Best practices include planting native plants, optimizing
fertilizer use, keeping yard waste out of the lake, and thoughtful boat use.
By following the steps in Lake Rx, our lakes will be safe for everyone (including Fido!) to
enjoy. We can end the need for algae toxin notifications, keep our public beaches free
from E. coli, and enjoy peace of mind on the lake.
Sign up for the Lilly Center’s monthly e-newsletter for updates on Lake Rx:
lakes.grace.edu.
The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College conducts research, provides
resources, engages and educates residents, and collaborates with local organizations to
make the lakes and streams of Kosciusko County clean, healthy, safe, and beautiful.
To date, the Lilly Center has conducted scientific research on over 30 streams and 45 lakes.
The Lilly Center is driven to create a legacy of stewardship by equipping community
members, visitors, and future generations with an understanding and to enjoy the county’s
natural beauty. For more information, visit lakes.grace.edu.
