lakesmart PROGRAM
LakeSmart is an educational program run by the Maine Lakes Society that helps homeowners choose best practices that will preserve the health of the lakes that they live on. It is free, voluntary and non-regulatory.
Trained volunteers perform site visits to interested homeowners and determine what changes can be made to help stop storm water runoff into the lake. This runoff can be a major cause of erosion and pollution, which if ignored can eventually cause irrevocable damage. After the visit, the LakeSmart evaluators give suggestions to the homeowner. These suggestions fall within the following categories:
- Driveway and parking
- Structures and septic
- Yard, recreation areas, pathways
- Buffers and water access
Once the suggestions are implemented, the homeowner receives a plaque to place at the lakefront, as well as the assurance that they are doing all they can to help the lake that they love. If you're interested in having your home inspected, or would like to become a trainer, please let us know.
For more information regarding the LakeSmart program, including samples of evaluation sheets, please visit the LakeSmart website.
TAKE ACTION TODAY
If you are interested in assistance with reducing erosion and run-off from your property, please let us know!
Thinking about planting on your property?
Choose the Perfect Plant
Maine native plants provide the greatest benefit to wildlife. Use the Maine Audubon Native Plant Finder to search for species based on different criteria (Bloom Month, Sunlight, Soil Conditions, Size/Plant Height, Caterpillars Hosted, and Wildlife Benefited). Combine your filters to find the perfect plants for you!