News

Ten Years Protecting Seneca Lake: The Story of Dan Corbett

GENEVA, N.Y. – Volunteers are the backbone of Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association (Pure Waters), contributing thousands of hours each year to protect our lake. With nearly 200 dedicated individuals, they support everything from citizen science to event coordination, making a real difference in preserving Seneca Lake for future generations.

This week, I had the opportunity to tag along with two incredibly dedicated volunteers: Dan Corbett and his wife Laurie. They were out on Big Stream for baseline stream sampling, starting as early as 7:15 a.m., just as the sun began to rise. The couple worked like a well-oiled machine, patiently explaining the steps to a novice like me. Even as someone with no prior experience in stream sampling, I could immediately see their love for the lake.

Sampling at Big Stream

After living in the Finger Lakes region for most of his adult life, Dan and Laurie moved full-time to a home on Seneca Lake upon retirement. “There is something about living on the water that brings relaxation and fulfillment on a daily basis. We like to travel, but we love coming home!” Dan enjoys fishing, sailing, power boating, kayaking, and even swimming in these cool waters. Observing the day-to-day, seasonal, and long-term changes of the lake has been fascinating—and it’s what initially drew him to Pure Waters.

Dundee Waste Water Plant

Dan joined Pure Waters as a stream monitor in 2014 and quickly became involved in the organization’s leadership, joining the board of directors in 2015. In 2016, he became vice president for water quality, and from fall 2022 to fall 2023, he served as president. A retired engineering director for Corning Glass Co., Dan brings both technical expertise and a hands-on approach to protecting the lake. He has helped lead initiatives focused on reducing sediment and nutrient pollution in collaboration with local soil and water conservation districts.

Beyond monitoring and advocacy, Dan has been instrumental in educational initiatives, including the Lakefront Educational Kiosk project. Located at Geneva Lakefront, Sampson State Park, and Watkins Glen, these kiosks help the public understand how everyone can contribute to protecting Seneca Lake.

Educational Kiosk – Geneva Lakefront

For more than ten years, Dan has participated in Pure Waters’ citizen science programs and served in various leadership roles. “I enjoy the citizen science work, and I serve in other roles because I care about the lake and believe that the programs and advocacy provided by Pure Waters are critical to the long-term quality of the lake,” he says. “Getting together with friends at a Pure Waters function overlooking the lake is one of my favorite things to do.”

Story by Kelly Blackhurst, Community Engagement Coordinator, Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association

Learn more about Pure Waters

To learn more about volunteering: https://senecalake.org/volunteer-opportunities/
To learn more about donating: https://senecalake.org/giving/

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.