Public Outreach Programs

Love the Lake Speaker Series

The LCBP presents four to six Love the Lake speakers each winter in memory of our former co-worker, Jane Potvin. Jane, a long-time resident of the Champlain islands, had owned a bait shop and served as a former Vermont State Legislator before joining the LCBP. She was a champion for Lake Champlain’s future. Love the Lake is designed to bring locals together to discuss Lake Champlain issues with historians, researchers, anglers, wildlife biologists and the LCBP staff. The presenters are passionate about their topics and help the audience learn about many natural and cultural resources. The programs are free and open to the public.

Raise the Blade

The LCBP is a key partner in the Raise the Blade initiative that encourages residents, businesses, and lawn care professionals to mow lawns to three inches high in an effort to promote soil health and water absorption. The initiative includes paid advertising, a social marketing campaign, and outreach at public events. It is guided by research being conducted by Lake Champlain Sea Grant and University of Vermont Extension in partnership with local businesses. The Raise the Blade initiative is featured on the Lawn to Lake website, which serves as the primary resource for healthy lawn care practices in the Lake Champlain Basin. The site was first developed in 2006, when several groups in Vermont and New York started a coordinated effort to promote the use of phosphorus-free fertilizer with the “Don’t ‘P’ on Your Lawn” campaign.
Visit the Lawn to Lake website →

Local Implementation Grants

Each year the LCBP awards dozens of Education and Outreach grants as part of its Local Implementation Grants program. These grants support watershed organizations, municipalities, conservation districts, and other partners in their work to inform and involve the public in watershed stewardship. These grants support everything from school and camp programs to municipal deicing trainings. Learn more about LCBP grants →