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CITY OF LAKE STEVENS
The 'I Love Lake' Campaign
Celebrating and Protecting the Lake we all Love
The I Love Lake Campaign promotes the positive actions homeowners can take to prevent algal blooms. Unfortunately, Lake Stevens has high levels of phosphorus- a natural nutrient that all plants need to grow. However, in excess, it causes problematic algal blooms.
From the old aerator to the current alum treatments, The City of Lake Stevens and Snohomish County have worked together to manage algae so that people can safely recreate and enjoy a clean, clear lake. While the current alum treatments are effective in temporarily reducing algal blooms, they are costly, and only serve as a short-term solution. We can't solve the algae issue unless we tackle the sources of phosphorus, and it takes each of us doing our part every day. The good news- there are many small steps we can each take that make a difference!
Causes of Algae Blooms:
Excessive or improper application of fertilizer that contains phosphorus.
Fecals - water fowl (especially where they are habitually fed), faulty septic systems, and pet waste.
Lawn clippings dumped into ditches or streams.
Soap from home car washing.
Exposed soil, which can wash into water bodies with storms.
Congratulations to Priscilla and Darren Hermsen, our 2022 Cascade Award Winners. Photographed left to right: Mayor Brett Gailey, Priscilla and Darren Hermsen, Snohomish CD Executive director Linda Lyshall, and surface water manager Shannon Farrant.
Cascade Award - Lake Friendly Gardening Recognition
The Cascade Award honors those who have a beautiful, sustainable, lake-friendly garden or landscape in the City of Lake Stevens. Our winners for 2022 were Priscilla and Darren Hermsen!
If you’re proud of your own lake-friendly yard or know someone who is, please submit their names for the Cascade Award! All residents of the city of Lake Stevens are eligible for this award. One doesn’t need to live on the lake’s edge to qualify. We ALL play a role in the health of our lake! And, with our current public health crisis, our gardens are probably getting extra special attention. Show them off!
Explore our programs to learn how you can help reduce algae and help keep the lake healthy.
2023 Program Highlights
I Love Lake Day 2023 took place Saturday, August 19 at Lundeen Park! There were lots of fun activities, the Cascade Award Winner announcement, rain barrel painting, and more!
In 2022, we took a deeper dive into detention ponds around the City of Lake Stevens. View our webinar to learn more about those ponds.
For easy sharing: http://snocd.org/LKDetention
Connect with Us
Join other lake-friendly folks on the I Love the Lake Facebook page.
