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Environmental Progress - Summer 2000

Earth Day Event Kicks Off Lake Programs

Lake Holiday site of first lake festival of new millenium

On April 22, Earth Day, the IEPA's lakes unit in conjunction with Lake Holiday held its first lake festival of the new millenium at Holiday Shores near Edwardsville. Approximately 80-85 attended.

Lake Festival attendees observe "fish shocking" at Evergreen Lake.

Festival attendees gather to see results of fish shocking at Evergreen lake.

The program included talks on macroinvertebrates, shoreline erosion control and environmental education, mock rescue dives by the Bubble Masters, a local emergency dive team, and pontoon boat lake tours with an opportunity to take lake water samples. Shoreline erosion control methods such as rip rap and sea walls were observed and discussed. Children had the chance to play Earth Day and water-related games and activities.

The second festival was a result of the IEPA teaming with the city of Bloomington and the McLean County Department of Parks and Recreation. Evergreen Lake at Comlara Park was the site of this event. Demonstrations at this festival were fish electro-shocking done by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and largemouth bass stocking. Lake watershed and lake management talks were given by Rick Twait of the city of Bloomington and Jim Rutherford of the McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District. The children's area included macro-invertebrate identification and nature walks. Pontoon boat tours of Evergreen Lake were also offered.

Three or four more festivals are anticipated for the year 2000. Lake associations, park districts or communities that may be interested in hosting such an event may contact Steve Kolsto, Education Coordinator, Lakes Unit, at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, 217- 782-3362.