Cayuga Lake Watershed Network

Protecting Our Waters Together: Join the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network

The Cayuga Lake Watershed Network is a grassroots community organization dedicated to protecting the health of Cayuga Lake and its tributaries, from the hilltops to the shores. Our grassroots approach involves citizens, businesses, local governments, and associations across the watershed—all working together to protect the water quality and natural heritage of this beautiful region. Our watershed spans seven counties in New York’s Finger Lakes region, encompassing diverse communities, ecosystems, and land uses. From farming and residential areas to urban centers, every corner of the watershed impacts the water quality that ultimately flows into Cayuga Lake. Protecting this resource means taking action at every level. We can make a difference by advocating for change at the state level, in our communities and by making small every day improvements in our homes and personal practices. 
 

By donating today, you become part of a powerful movement to protect Cayuga Lake and its watershed, together we can drive meaningful change that will keep our watershed beautiful and healthy for generations. 

With your support, we will:

• Grow our water quality education and action programs to reduce pollution entering our waterways – via Community Conferences, Lake Friendly Living programming, and more. This is the foundation of all our work.
• Strengthen strategic local and state-wide partnerships to advocate for science-driven watershed protection on critical issues: Harmful Algal Blooms, invasive species, climate change and contaminants of high concern including PFAS “forever-chemicals”.
• Connect with more people like YOU, to unite with us in our mission as dedicated stewards of Cayuga Lake and its watershed - for generations to come.

Take Action Today!

The Lake-Friendly Living program offers each of us the tools and knowledge to make choices that benefit our shared watershed. It’s not just for lakeside residents; everyone in the Cayuga Lake watershed contributes to the health of our water. Simple changes to our daily habits, like reducing chemical use on lawns, conserving water, and managing household runoff, can make a big difference.

By taking the Lake Friendly Living Pledge, individuals are joining a network of watershed stewards from the Cayuga Lake Watershed and throughout the Finger Lakes. Lake Friendly Living Champions receive resources and support to help you put best practices into action, reduce surface runoff, and prevent pollution. Together, we’re building a movement of dedicated caretakers who are preserving clean, healthy water for future generations.

Donate today to join the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network and take the Lake Friendly Living Pledge to help us protect our watershed. As a member you'll connect with a community committed to creating lasting, positive changes —together, we can ensure a future where clean, fresh water is a given for all who live, work, and play here.

Who We Are

Help us protect the lake at the center of our lives. We advocate for Cayuga Lake and its creeks, and work for healthy human and natural communities across the lake's 860 square mile watershed. Your lake needs the support of residents, visitors, businesses and governments, all communicating across the county, municipal and public agency boundaries that crisscross the landscape. Keeping our waters clean and watershed healthy is a top priority during this era of rapid climate and societal change. A sustainable, fossil-free future is key.