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Be a Steward of Seneca Lake – Join Our Volunteer Team!

Whether you’re a future lake steward like the two boys, or a fourth-generation Seneca Laker who’s spent a lifetime on the water, your help matters. From checking water clarity to planning events, there’s a role for everyone in keeping Seneca Lake clean, healthy, and thriving.

As we prepare for a busy 2025 summer season, we’re calling on our community to help us meet critical volunteer needs. Below, you’ll find details on current openings, what each role entails, and how you can get involved.

Stream Monitoring & Sampling
Help us collect critical data from Seneca Lake tributaries to track and reduce pollution. Volunteers take samples during normal flow twice per year, plus during 1–2 storm events. Because storm sampling is time-sensitive, this role is ideal for those who live close to their stream site.

Can’t collect samples? We also need volunteers to deliver them to the Community Science Institute (CSI) in Ithaca.
Streams where help is needed: Catharine Creek, Glen Eldridge, Reeder Creek, Keuka Outlet
Time Commitment: ~1.5 hours, 3x/year (May–Sept)
Technical Level: Easy
Training: Provided

Stream Flow Sampling Project
We’re seeking one more volunteer to help us document high-flow storm events using a radar gun. You’ll drive to bridges, record flow data, and sometimes collect water samples.
Training includes both radar use and low-flow measurement techniques. Samples are delivered to the Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) in Geneva.

Time Commitment: Weather dependent
Technical Level: Medium
Training: Provided

WAVES: Water Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators
This is a fun and educational opportunity for families or nature lovers. Use kick nets to collect macroinvertebrates 2–3 times between July and September and help assess stream health. Kids especially enjoy discovering the “stream bugs” in their local waterways.

Streams where help is needed: Reeder Creek, Kendaia Creek, Indian Creek, Breakneck Creek, Saw Mill Creek, Hector Creek, Glen Eldridge, Kashong Creek, Wilson Creek, Castle Creek
Time Commitment: 2–3 sessions (4–5 hours each)
Technical Level: Medium
Training: Provided

Invasive Species Shoreline Monitors
Tap into your inner scientist with the Macrophyte Survey Program by Finger Lakes PRISM. You’ll receive training and tools to survey shorelines or boat-access areas for aquatic invasive species.

Time Commitment: Every 2 weeks, June–September
Technical Level: Medium
Training: Provided

Harmful Algal Bloom (HABs) Shoreline Monitors
If you live on or frequently visit the lake, consider becoming a HABs monitor. Volunteers report bloom sightings and help update our text alert system. No shoreline access? Help behind the scenes with data management if you’re spreadsheet-savvy.
Most needed: Southern end of the lake (see red zones on this map)

Time Commitment: 1–2 hours per week (July–Sept)
Technical Level: Easy
Training: Provided

Outreach Events

Love talking to people? Passionate about protecting Seneca Lake? Help us engage the public through tabling events and home practice education. No training needed—just bring your enthusiasm.

Time Commitment: 2–4 hours, year-round, as needed
Technical Level: Easy
Training: None

Join a Committee

Got a talent for writing, photography, graphic design, or organizing events? Maybe you bring a professional skill that could support our mission. From Lake Friendly Living to outreach and events, there’s a committee for you.
Time Commitment: ~1 hour/month, plus occasional projects
Technical Level: Easy
Training: None

Treasurer Needed
Our volunteer board is seeking a Treasurer—someone with financial experience and a heart for our lake. If you—or someone you know—might be a good fit, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact us: info@senecalake.org
Also: We’re always open to hearing from those interested in serving on our Board of Directors.

Help Us Protect Seneca Lake—Your Help Matters

It takes many hands to keep our programs strong and our mission alive. Whether you’re donating your time, lending a skill, or simply showing up with passion, you can make a real impact.

Ready to help? Visit our Volunteer Page to get started. Or, catch our recent feature on the FLX Morning Show to learn more about our work.

Together, let’s preserve, protect, and promote the health of Seneca Lake for generations to come.

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Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association is a 501(c)3 organization committed to preserving, protecting, and promoting the abundant resources of the largest Finger Lake. Seneca Lake is a source of drinking water, recreation, and economic opportunity for the greater community and its visitors. Our programs and partnerships make it possible to monitor water quality, educate the public, and evaluate threats to ensure the a healthy future for Seneca Lake and those who depend on it.