Friends of Lake Monroe recently announced a new celebration, Lake Monroe Day.
The nonprofit organization anticipates announcements from local government officials issuing proclamations declaring Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, to be Lake Monroe Day. Friends of Lake Monroe intends to make this an annual event moving forward.
Lake Monroe has been used as a drinking water source since 1967 and currently provides drinking water to more than 130,000 people, according to a news release. The lake generates more than $40 million in economic impact annually in the region from recreational tourism.
Lake Monroe and its adjacent wetlands provide critical habitat for wildlife, including the bald eagle.
“Every resident, community and business depends on clean, abundant water, and we must do our part to protect this valued resource for generations to come,” Friends of Lake Monroe Executive Director Iris O’Donnell Bellisario said. “We invite our community to come together to recognize the importance of Lake Monroe and make a commitment as a community to protect and preserve the lake.”
Friends of Lake Monroe is organizing three events Sunday in celebration of Lake Monroe Day and invites the public to join in the celebration.
Pine Grove Paddle will be from 4 to 6 p.m. David Rupp of IndiGo Birding Nature Tours will lead a guided kayak trip at Pine Grove State Recreation Area, accessed via Pine Grove Road off of State Road 446 approximately 20 minutes south of Bloomington.
This Friends of Lake Monroe member event is free and includes the use of boats, paddles, PFDs and binoculars for those who need them but is limited to 10. No experience is necessary. Participants should wear proper paddling attire and bring their own drinks and snacks. Dry bags are suggested for nonwaterproof gear. Email questions and RSVPs to [email protected].
A celebration of the importance of Lake Monroe will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at Upland Brewing Wood Shop, 354 W. 11th St., Bloomington. Friends of Lake Monroe will provide music and appetizers. This is an opportunity to get to know other lake supporters and learn about the organization’s ongoing work preserving and enhancing Lake Monroe.
City of Bloomington Utilities will give drinking water treatment tours at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. at the Monroe Water Treatment Plant. Learn about the treatment process that turns water from Lake Monroe into drinking water and how that water is distributed to taps throughout Bloomington. Tours last approximately 90 minutes, and close-toed shoes are required. Capacity is limited, so register online at friendsoflakemonroe.org.
Registration for events can be found at friendsoflakemonroe.org/events.
For information, call 812-508-6811 or email [email protected].