A Watershed Worth Protecting: An Earth Day Reflection
On a still spring morning, the last of the ice has just melted from the lake.
Loons return to familiar coves on Upper Saranac, gliding through the quiet water and calling out as they reclaim their nesting territories after a long migration. Otters slip along the shoreline as eagles dive for fish in the cold, clear depths.
It feels wild—untouched.
But this beauty isn’t accidental. It’s protected.
More than a century ago, visionaries saw the threats posed by unchecked logging and development. Their bold efforts led to the creation of the Adirondack Park and enshrined its wild lands in the New York State Constitution as Forever Wild. It was one of the greatest conservation legacies in American history. And now, it’s up to us to carry it forward.
Today’s threats look different. They come not from saws and clear-cuts, but from invasive species, aging infrastructure, declining water quality, and a rapidly changing climate. While the surrounding forests are protected by the state, the responsibility for safeguarding the Upper Saranac watershed—its waters, shorelines, and ecological health—rests with all of us.
Earth Day invites us to reflect on the natural places that move us, sustain us, and remind us what’s worth protecting. For those of us lucky enough to spend time on Upper Saranac, that place is here.
That’s where the Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) comes in.
Each year, USF works to protect this lake—quietly, persistently, and with science at its core. We’ve restored the historic Bartlett Carry Dam to preserve water levels and reduce flooding risk. We manage aquatic invasive species before they can spread. And we invest in ongoing water quality monitoring to keep the lake healthy and resilient. We also engage and educate homeowners, boaters, and future stewards—because protecting this place means including everyone who loves it.
This Earth Day, we invite you to be part of this legacy.
If you love this lake and its watershed—if you believe in the enduring spirit of Forever Wild—join us.
Together, we can keep Upper Saranac clean, vibrant, and wild for generations to come.
Here are four lake-friendly ways shoreowners can celebrate Earth Day and support the health of the Upper Saranac Watershed:
🌱 1. Naturalize Your Shoreline
Replace manicured lawns with native plants and shrubs to reduce runoff, prevent erosion, and create habitat for birds and pollinators. A buffer of natural vegetation helps keep the lake clean and vibrant.
🚤 2. Clean, Drain, and Dry Your Boats
Before launching into the lake, make sure your boat, trailer, and gear are free of aquatic hitchhikers. This simple step helps prevent the spread of invasive species that threaten water quality and native ecosystems.
🧼 3. Choose Lake-Safe Products
Switch to biodegradable, phosphate-free soaps, cleaners, and fertilizers. Even small amounts of harmful chemicals can impact the lake’s delicate balance. What goes down the drain—or into the ground—can end up in the water.
🌍4. Support the Upper Saranac Foundation
Your donation helps fund critical work—from invasive species management to water quality monitoring. Every gift makes a difference. 💙 https://usfoundation.net/