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The Lake Home Resource

FINGER LAKES REGION

Lake Health & Stewardship

A SHARED LOVE FOR THE WATER

Beautiful lakes. A shared responsibility.

Caring for the water is part of enjoying the place we call home.

This is your starting point for understanding lake health, discovering local stewardship efforts, and finding practical ways to help. Each lake has its own watershed, community, and story. Start with your lake below.

Navy blue heron illustration with gold reeds.

A Note from Bob

Caring for the Lakes We Love

My family’s connection to Cayuga Lake has given me a deep appreciation for the water and the memories we build around it. That appreciation extends across the Finger Lakes—each one a special place worth understanding and caring for.

I’ve gathered these resources to help you learn about your lake, connect with the people working to protect it, and find practical ways to do your part. My hope is that they help you enjoy lake life with a little more knowledge and a lasting sense of stewardship.

Bob Markel

Licensed Real Estate Broker

SIX LAKES. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.

Get to know your lake

Find lake-specific information and links to the organizations working to protect these waters.

EXPLORE YOUR LAKE

Cayuga Lake

Water quality, local protection efforts, and ways to get involved.

View lake health guide →EXPLORE YOUR LAKE

Seneca Lake

Water quality, local protection efforts, and ways to get involved.

View lake health guide →EXPLORE YOUR LAKE

Keuka Lake

Water quality, local protection efforts, and ways to get involved.

View lake health guide →EXPLORE YOUR LAKE

Skaneateles Lake

Water quality, local protection efforts, and ways to get involved.

View lake health guide →EXPLORE YOUR LAKE

Canandaigua Lake

Water quality, local protection efforts, and ways to get involved.

View lake health guide →EXPLORE YOUR LAKE

Owasco Lake

Water quality, local protection efforts, and ways to get involved.

View lake health guide →
SMALL ACTIONS. LASTING CARE.

Make stewardship part of lake life

Care for the shoreline

Native plant buffers and erosion control can help keep soil and runoff out of the lake. Ask local watershed professionals what fits your property before changing the shoreline.

Look after your property

Maintain septic systems, use fertilizer thoughtfully, and pay attention to where rainwater goes. What happens on land matters to the water below.

Boat with care

Clean, drain, and dry boats and equipment when moving between waters. Take advantage of local watercraft stewards and learn about invasive species prevention.

Stay connected locally

Follow your lake or watershed association, learn about volunteer monitoring, and support community projects. Your lake guide links to local organizations and resources.

Enjoy the water with current information

Conditions can vary by location and day. Before heading out, check posted beach notices and local health department guidance. For reported harmful algal blooms and reporting information, visit New York State DEC’s NYHABS information. A map without a report is not a guarantee of conditions at a particular shoreline.

LEARN FROM THE PEOPLE DOING THE WORK

Regional resources

Finger Lakes Institute
Regional research, education, and stewardship at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

Finger Lakes Regional Watershed Alliance
A connection to lake and watershed organizations across the region.

Finger Lakes PRISM
Invasive species education and watercraft stewardship resources.

New York State DEC — Water
State water quality programs, protection information, and monitoring resources.

This overview provides education and connections to trusted resources; it does not provide live water conditions. Refer to the linked agencies and local organizations for current guidance. Resources reviewed October 2026.

A little knowledge makes lake life richer.

Explore the lake guides, get to know the people caring for your watershed, and make thoughtful stewardship part of your lake-home journey.

Ask Bob a Question →