WELCOME TO MAINE LAKES

PROTECTING MAINE'S LAKES & PONDS

We are a non-profit, charitable membership organization, and continue to be the clear voice for protection of our most precious freshwater resources and wildlife habitat. We work to support everyone who values and benefits from clean water and healthy lakes in Maine, including lake residents, lake associations, surrounding communities, vacationers and the next generation of lake stewards.

Maine Calling - Maine Public

Winter webinar series 2025 recordings

Maine Lakes and Lake Stewards of Maine collaborated for another series of webinars in the Winter and Spring of 2025. This year’s webinar series covers a variety of topics that should interest anyone with a passion for lake protection. Click here to see 2025 recordings



Preserving the Value and Benefits of Maine's Lakes and Ponds

Maine’s lakes are just as iconic as our rocky coastline. But lakes don’t just provide outstanding recreational experiences – they provide essential wildlife habitat and clean drinking water for thousands. Colin Durrant from the Natural Recources Council of Maine talks with Susan Gallo, the executive director of Maine Lakes, to learn more about lakes and ponds in Maine, what makes them so special, why we can’t ignore the risks facing them, and what we can do about it. Click here to listen to the podcast, Preserving the Value and Benefits of Maine's Lakes and Ponds.


Registration is open for the 2025 Lake conference

The annual lakes conference theme Lakes at the Edge can be interpreted many ways. Many of our lakes are on the edge of rapidly deteriorating health. They are at the tipping point where just a little more phosphorus in the water will tip them toward recurring algal blooms. Many are at the edge of the carrying capacity for development in their watersheds, where runoff from poorly managed roads, roofs and driveways may push their health to, or over, the edge. And of course much of lake conservation work takes place at the literal lake edge. What can we do in the shoreland zone and surrounding uplands f our lakes that keeps them healthy?

2025 Lake Conference
University of Maine Farmington
June 13, 2025
8:00 am - 4:30pm

register now

KEEPING LAKES HEALTHY: BMP VIDEO SERIES

Installing a Rain Garden
 

INSTALLING AN OPEN TOP CULVERT

watch VIDEO


INSTALLING An infiltration pathway 

watch VIDEO

Installing a Rain Garden
 

INSTALLING drip line trenches

watch VIDEO

Installing a Rain Garden
 

INSTALLING A RAIN GARDEN

watch VIDEO

 

INSTALLING A VEGETATIVE BUFFER

watch VIDEO

INSTALLING RUBBER RAZORS

Installing Infiltration Steps

INSTALLING INFILTRATION STEPS

LAKESMART

This free voluntary, non-regulatory program helps lakefront homeowners maintain lake-friendly landscapes that reduce pollution and runoff. Learn how to get LakeSmart active on your lake.

JUMP IN!

Donate or become a member today.
You will join a growing community of people dedicated to keeping Maine’s lakes clean and healthy.

Statement on racism and equality

This is a pivotal time in our culture, when organizations well outside the realm of political and social action must step up and speak to racism. Please read our full Statement on Racism and Equality.