Our work generates a good deal of basic data on lake water and biological trends. We also participate in several collaborative lake monitoring programs. However, we are primarily an educational organization. A number of excellent data resources and organizationals are listed below.

Macrophyte (Large Plant) Monitoring and Education

In 2011, Floating Classroom interns discovered Hydrilla verticillata growing in the Cayuga Inlet. Hydrilla has become a major concern in the Finger Lakes due to it’s invasive characteristics. Our crew has conducted numerous training events over the years, to educate Finger Lakes residents not only to the presence of invasive species, but also to encourage familiarity with all of our lake plants, both native and introduced. Our interns created a handy macrophyte plant ID booklet, suitable for printing and laminating. This is a series of two sided, 3 x 5 ID cards, one for each species. We put the cards on keyrings to make them easy to use when you’re out on the lake.

Citizens’ statewide lake assessment program (CSLAP)

Every year, dedicated volunteers conduct season long, biweekly assessments at five locations on Cayuga Lake. This is a true, scaled collaboration supported by NYS Department of Conservation, organizations at the regional level like the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network, and individuals who care about our lake. DCL sponsors one of these CSLAP monitoring sites, at teh south end of Cayuga Lake, as an opportunity to get local youth and adults engaged in this important project. Click on the images below to see 2019 reports from far north, north, midlake, south and south shelf monitoring teams.

HAzardous Algae Bloom (HABs) monitoring

DCL collaborates with the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network and Community Science Institute to support nearly 100 volunteers actively monitoring around Cayuga Lake! Learn more here.

Stay tuned… Water Clarity, temperature and biological profiles coming soon!

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