Caring for Lakes Across Canada: A Snapshot of the 2024 National Lake Blitz
Lakes have long been central to communities, serving as hubs for transportation, recreation, subsistence, and connection to nature while supporting remarkable biodiversity. Yet, climate change and other impacts are threatening lake health and biodiversity across Canada. That’s where programs like Living Lakes Canada’s National Lake Blitz play a crucial role. As an entry-level lake monitoring program, the Lake Blitz aims to foster water literacy and encourage a sense of stewardship to protect lakes for future generations.
Now that the 4th annual Lake Blitz has officially wrapped up, we’re excited to share some key highlights! This year’s Blitz saw a 33% increase in registration, with British Columbia leading the way with the highest number of volunteers, followed by Ontario. In total, 277 dedicated volunteers in 10 provinces and 2 territories actively monitored 220 lakes across the country. These volunteers gathered data on water and air temperatures, wildlife, shoreline changes, and invasive species.
During the May to October monitoring season, volunteers recorded 2,066 observations. This included 1,194 bird sightings, with Canadian Geese, Mallard Ducks, and Common Loons being the most frequently spotted. They also documented 173 mammal sightings, with the North American Beaver and Red Squirrel being the most commonly observed species, as well as 484 insect sightings, primarily dragonflies and mosquitoes. Additionally, volunteers noted 390 fish sightings, with Smallmouth Bass as the top observed species. Noteworthy sightings also included black bears, moose, and coyotes.
Banner photo by Deborah Dawn Korn, Champion Lakes, BC
About Lake Blitz Volunteers
The reasons people volunteer for the Lake Blitz are as diverse as the lakes they monitor. Participants from across the country shared their motivations for getting involved. Here’s what a few of them had to say:
- “I think it’s really important for all of us to play a role in caring for our environment.”
- “It’s an easy activity I can share with my grandchildren to get them interested in stewardship.”
- “I love seeing the lake change throughout the season and find it fascinating.”
- “It has been fulfilling to be part of the bigger picture.”
- “It’s a fun and easy way to engage in citizen science and spend time at the water.”
The Lake Blitz is more than just data collection—it’s about building a community of lake stewards. In 2024, the program brought together an increasingly diverse group of participants. Here’s a brief overview of the range of volunteers who contributed to this year’s success:
- 65% female, 31% male, 1% non-binary, 1% gender fluid,
- 21% were youth (29 or under),
- 4% identified as Indigenous,
- 9% identified as People of Colour,
- 16% were students,
- 26% were retired,
- 7% were newcomers to Canada.
As a recent newcomer from the Philippines, Ramon expressed his excitement about the Lake Blitz and how it helped him connect with his surroundings. He found the program to be an “incredible opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna at Wascana Lake” in Saskatchewan. He reflected on his experience, “It’s been rewarding to engage with the natural beauty and biodiversity of my new home.”
Program Highlights
As we celebrate the positive impacts of this year’s National Lake Blitz, we’re reminded of the power of community action in protecting the outdoor spaces we love. Whether through teaching the next generation about stewardship or learning about the lakes in a new country, every contribution plays a role in a larger national movement to protect these vital ecosystems.
Below are some key highlights from the 2024 season. Together, we’re making a difference—one lake at a time!
2024 Monitoring Snapshots
Volunteer Spotlights
“Lac Témiscamingue is one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen. Over the past year, I have developed a strong personal connection to this lake. As part of the Watershed Management Organisation of Témiscamingue, I am also responsible for managing the Quebec side of the lake.” – Akib Hasan, Temiskaming Lake, QC. Read Akib’s spotlight.
“Durrance Lake is clearly loved by locals, however, on very hot days in the summer it can be inundated with people who aren’t aware of their impact. At the moment, I’m optimistic about the future health of the lake and park.” – Lynn Heap, Durrance lake, BC. Read Lynn’s spotlight.
“The Threatened Westslope Cutthroat Trout has been specifically impacted by the damming of the Cascade River and the creation of Lake Minnewanka as we know it today, which makes gathering data on the condition of lakes and the animal and plant species that make Canadian lakes their home so important.” – Chris Pratt, Lake Minnewanka, AB. Read Chris’s spotlight.
Volunteer Survey Top Takeaways
Featured Volunteer Observations
Volunteers in Action
2024 Lake Blitz Summer Speaker Series
Thank you to our National Lake Blitz funders for making this year’s program a success. Your generous support has been key to expanding the Lake Blitz across Canada, empowering a growing community of volunteers to connect with, learn about, and steward their local lakes.
As well as F.K. Morrow Foundation and McLean Smits Family Foundation.
