The CLFLWD was formed to protect and improve your local water resources, and none of what we do would be possible without all of our partners and stakeholders.
Volunteer Opportunities
Committees
The CLFLWD’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is an advisory group that is made up of volunteers who advise the Board of Managers on water-related community concerns and issues. Learn more.
The TAC is composed of engineering staff (or similar technical discipline) from cities and townships having all or a portion of their boundary within the CLFLWD. Learn More.
The Farmer-led Council is a group of volunteers who farm within the watershed and assist in engaging area farmers on topics including water quality, soil health, and farming best practices. The Council also advises staff on our agriculture programs. Our volunteers range from beginning farmers to long-time experts and come from farms of all sizes. Learn More.
Citizen Science
The CAT program utilizes trained volunteers to collect water samples at small drainage points surrounding selected lakes (such as streams, ditches, and culverts) and then deliver those samples to the CLFLWD for analysis using inexpensive, yet accurate, digital colorimeters. Data gathered by this program helps to identify, inform, prioritize, plan, and execute projects that improve the water quality of the Forest Lake area. All training is provided and typically takes a few hours.
The zebra mussel monitoring program allows the district to keep an eye on existing zebra mussel populations in infested lakes and provides a crucial early detection method for non-infested lakes. Volunteers pick up a sampling plate from CLFLWD after ice out, hang it from their dock for the duration of the summer, and then return the sampling plate to CLFLWD in the fall for analysis.
Volunteers in this program monitor lake water quality by collecting water samples, taking Secchi transparencies and surface water temperature, and recording basic user perceptions and climate information. All training is provided and typically takes a couple of hours. All equipment including sampling tools and data sheets are also provided.
Volunteer fifteen minutes, twice a month, for cleaner waterways and healthier communities. Storm drains flow directly to local lakes, rivers, and wetlands, acting as a conduit for trash and organic pollutants. Adopt-a-Drain asks residents to adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris to reduce water pollution. Learn More.
Education
Developed by Freshwater Society in 2013, the Minnesota Water Stewards program is a volunteer program designed to equip community members with the knowledge and skills needed to improve water health at the grassroots level. Stewards are certified by participating in a broad training curriculum designed by experts in the fields of hydrology, stormwater management and groundwater health, water policy, community-based social marketing, landscape assessment, and installation of clean water practices. Learn More.
The AIS Detectors program is offered through the University of Minnesota in conjunction with the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC). The program aims to help protect Minnesota’s life at the lake by empowering community members through its volunteer programs, events, workshops, and other educational offerings. Learn More.
Project WET: Water Education Today is dedicated to solving critical environmental challenges by teaching the world about water. This program provides hands-on, science-based water education resources to formal and non-formal educators around the world. Learn More.
Interested in volunteering?
Fill out the contact form below and include the area(s) of volunteer work you are most interested in. One of our staff members will follow-up with more details and information on how to get started. Thank you for your interest in protecting and improving our local water resources!
Volunteer Highlights
