Exciting Updates to the 2025 National Lake Blitz Program!
Exciting changes are rippling through the 2025 National Lake Blitz program! This year, we’ve reimagined how volunteers monitor lakes to make the program more impactful, accessible, and flexible. Whether you’re a seasoned participant or considering joining for the first time, there’s never been a better time to dive in and make a difference for your local lakes.
Why the Updates?
We’ve streamlined the Lake Blitz program to focus on collecting robust, meaningful data about lake health and biodiversity while giving volunteers greater flexibility and removing barriers to participation. These changes, shaped by volunteer feedback and our research, align with the needs of other organizations and researchers dedicated to lake conservation across Canada. Together, we’re working towards a more comprehensive understanding of lake ecosystems and empowering action to protect them.
Explore the New Tiers
Moving forward, the program features two customized tiers designed to accommodate diverse volunteer preferences, including time commitment, equipment needs, and individual interests.
Love observing wildlife and snapping photos of unique species? This tier is for you!
Overview: Tier 1 Lake Biodiversity Stewards is replacing the Level 1 Lake Blitz program. This tier will now focus on wildlife and invasive species observations.
- Monitoring Tools:
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- Volunteers will submit observations via the free app iNaturalist, accessible via cell phone or tablet.
- Lake Blitz kits will no longer be provided for this tier.
- Optional: Volunteers who have a Lake Blitz kit from previous years are welcome to continue collecting air and water temperature data and submitting it via the Survey123 observation form, in addition to making iNaturalist observations.
- Monitoring Frequency: Volunteers can participate as often as they’d like—weekly, monthly, or whenever inspiration strikes. The goal is to document changes in biodiversity over the monitoring season and create a snapshot of a lake’s ecological health.
- Monitoring Period: May to September
- Where will the data go? Your observations and photos will be stored on iNaturalist, a leading platform for biodiversity data that is frequently referenced in scientific publications. Volunteer data will also be viewable on the Lake Blitz Observation Map and uploaded to Living Lakes Canada’s Columbia Basin Water Hub.
Want to dive deeper into water monitoring? Tier 2 is a chance to gather more technical data on lake conditions.
Overview: Tier 2 Lake Health Stewards is replacing the Level 2 Lake Blitz program. Tier 2 volunteers will use more technical equipment to collect water and air temperature, as well as water clarity and colour. While pH meters will not be included in Tier 2 kits, those with the ability to measure pH are encouraged to continue collecting this data. Additionally, volunteers have the option to participate in Tier 1 activities as well: documenting wildlife and invasive species observations using the iNaturalist app.
- Monitoring Tools:
- A Tier 2 Lake Blitz Kit, including a Secchi disk, thermometer, data cards and dry bag, will be provided to volunteers for the cost of shipping only.
- The Survey123 app will continue to be the primary tool for data submission.
- Volunteers who are interested in taking photos to document wildlife and invasive species will be encouraged to also use the iNaturalist app.
- Monitoring Frequency: Tier 2 volunteers will monitor on a bi-weekly basis during the monitoring period. This will follow the same schedule as previous Lake Blitz seasons.
- Monitoring Period: May to September
- Where will the data go? Observations will be viewable on the Lake Blitz Observation Map and will be uploaded to Living Lakes Canada’s Columbia Basin Water Hub for analysis at season’s end.
All participants in the Tier 2 program are returning volunteers. Due to a limited number of kits, if you’re a returning volunteer and haven’t yet expressed interest in joining Tier 2, please email lakeblitz@livinglakescanada.ca.
New volunteers will have the chance to participate in Tier 2 next year after gaining experience and becoming more familiar with the Lake Blitz program. We look forward to seeing you grow with us!
Why Volunteer?
As a National Lake Blitz volunteer, you can play a pivotal role in shaping lake conservation and raising awareness about the importance of lake health and biodiversity. Every observation, from a heron wading along the shore to a water clarity reading using a Secchi disk, builds the foundation for healthier lakes and thriving wildlife. Plus, you’ll join a network of like-minded lake stewards across Canada!
Get Ready to Join!
Registration for the 2025 monitoring season opens March 1st and will remain open throughout the season. Updated resources and guides will be available to help volunteers make the most of their Lake Blitz experience.
Questions? Visit our volunteer page or reach out to us directly at lakeblitz@livinglakescanada.ca.
