Lake of the Isles has a new water feature, a trash boom capture system located at the storm drain outlets at Euclid and East Lake of the Isles Parkway.
Volunteer steward and East Isles neighbor Henry LaBounta collaborated with Minneapolis Public Works, MPRB and Freshwater to install the boom.
The boom will be in place for at least two years, spring through fall, and data will be collected to demonstrate its impact on lake health.
Moving upstream to prevent pollution from reaching the lake, focus is also on storm drain clean up and trash pick up, a critical area where neighbors can make a significant impact. Storm drains flow directly to local lakes, rivers and wetlands, acting as a conduit for trash, salt and organic pollutants.
Nine neighborhoods around the chain of lakes are participating in an Adopt-a-Drain program and monthly clean-ups spearheaded by the Green Guardians MN and funded by a Hennepin Good Steward grant. Adopt-a-Drain asks residents to adopt storm drains in their neighborhood and keep them clear of leaves, trash and other debris to reduce water pollution.
A friendly neighborhood competition is underway and East Isles is winning with 64% of their drains adopted. Adopters can name their drains and there is also a contest for the best names.
The need for volunteer stewards to help with this effort is sadly exemplified by the approximately 2,456 gallons of trash and 139 syringes collected from Lake of the Isles in the last three years. Volunteers can make a big impact by committing to Adopt-a-Drain and joining their neighbors during the monthly neighborhood trash pick-up walks.
Learn more online by going to www.handsontwincities.org and search for Green Guardians MN or contact Henry LaBounta at greenguardiansmn@gmail.com.
