6. Where is the data? A wonderful summary entitled “Minnesota’s Vanishing Natural Shorelines: A Loss that Contributes to Degraded Lake Quality” tells how mowed lawns allow 7 to 9 times more pollution (silt, toxins and nutrients) to enter lake water than native shoreline. Phosphorus and algae are the main causes of murky rather than clear lake water.

• The nutrients alone (nitrogen and phosphorus) would cause a single 100-ft shoreline property to generate 100 pounds of algae per year, or one ton of algae over 20 years, a burden that can be dramatically reduced if we grow shoreline buffer zones and stop lawn chemicals.

• We are proud that as of fall 2025, over 300 of us have taken the quiz, and 11% of GCOLA members are Lake Stewards who are currently protecting 7 miles of Gull Lake Chain lakeshore!

• In our first 6 years we have potentially saved almost 10 tons (9.8) of algae from entering the lakes, per year and almost 60 tons overall. Imagine what we could do if 25, 30 or 50% of members were Lake Stewards!

7. What is one easy thing I could do right now on my property to help our lakes? Just back up on your mowing! Make the mowing chore faster and easier. If you have flags to mark your lawn, put them in a row 25 ft or more from the water, as a guide to whoever mows to stop there. Your wonderful buffer zone will absorb silt and pollutants and protect your lake now and for years to come.

8. I agree that natural lakeshore is best for lakes. But my neighbors don’t seem to understand. What can I do? Lake Steward is at our strongest neighbor-to-neighbor. Chat with a neighbor about what you have done on your own property; send them this link to the Lake Steward Quiz; and email us at whitmer@mac.com for more ideas. You can make a huge difference!

9. Is there a bias against grass? There is no bias against grass, but there is a “bias” against the runoff from grass lawns that harms the lakes. That’s why a buffer zone on the shoreline is so important. It’s OK for Lake Steward Awardees to have mowed lawn wherever they walk or play, such as paths and open areas for frisbee. The lakes suffer when mowed lawn is the only option. If owners look at their yard and ask, “where do I seldom walk?”, then native plants could grow there, lawn care drudgery is reduced and the lakes are protected. So many ways to win! Please Take the Quiz, leave contact information, and feel free to call or email me (whitmer@mac.com).

10. Do some Lake Steward properties look “abandoned”? It is true that some Lake Steward properties can look untouched, we call it “wild and free”, and that is intentional! Allowing downed trees to remain on shore (if they are not affecting recreation) gives us great fishing habitat; logs or dead tree trunks (snags) on land are wonderful woody habitat for birds and fireflies. But it’s not just our delight in our surroundings: these essential parts of nature are what keep lake water clean and healthy for our enjoyment. Neat and tidy lawns come from good intentions: owners believe they are taking care of their property and being a good neighbor. Possibly because of these good intentions, no one has yet found a way to stop our march toward lake impairment. With your participation, Lake Steward will turn us around to healthier lakes again!

11. How can Lake Steward reach out beyond the lakeshore owners on the Gull Lake Chain? We have made some strong partnerships:

• Minnesota Lakes and Rivers, who with our help, have rolled out Lake Steward to the entire state, now including 64 lake associations and over 633 Lake Stewards!

• Minnesota Natural Shoreline Partnership, (see 6. above re: data), who have championed the educational course “Shorelines” for realtors and are now working on a similar course and certification for contractors. The Partnership’s tools and inspiration are helping us roll out the GCOLA Realtor Lake Stewardship Award, and reach further to protect water quality on the Gull Lake Chain. Join in! Take the quiz here: Lake Steward Quiz, talk to a neighbor, or contact us at whitmer@mac.com.