Throughout July, we celebrate the lakes that define our region and the many ways they enrich our lives. From clean water and healthy wildlife habitat to boating, fishing, swimming, and quiet moments on the shoreline, our lakes are central to our community and our way of life.

We invite everyone to take time this month to appreciate these special places and consider simple actions that help protect them for future generations. Together, we can ensure our lakes remain healthy, beautiful, and accessible for years to come.

 

Events

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  • Lake Learning Tour – July 22, 2026

    The Dam Shop 118 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids, MI, United States

    Our popular Lake Learning Tours are back this season—and they’re free! You just have to register. Join our lake biologist for a relaxed, on-the-water experience exploring the basics of lake ecology. We’ll cover aquatic plants, shoreline health, invasive species, plankton, loons, water quality and more! You’ll also hear about current and upcoming lake projects and how you can get involved. We depart from the Elk Rapids Marina and travel through the Elk River into Elk Lake aboard a generously donated pontoon boat. Children ages 8 and up are welcome with an accompanying adult.

  • Evenings on River Street

    River Street River Street, Elk Rapids, MI, United States

    We are thrilled to invite you back to Elk Rapids' most beloved summer traditions — Evening on River Street! Each week, the downtown River Street area comes alive with vendors, live music, food, activities, and more. This summer, check out the ESLA tent for education about our work and the watershed!

  • Shore Thing Event – July 23rd

    Edward Grace Memorial Harbor Pavilion Isle of Pines Drive, Elk Rapids, MI, United States

    At this meeting, we will be discussing the Rugg Pond Dam Removal, and welcome Conservation Resource Alliance project manager Tom Vitale as our keynote speaker!

  • Evenings on River Street

    River Street River Street, Elk Rapids, MI, United States

    We are thrilled to invite you back to Elk Rapids' most beloved summer traditions — Evening on River Street! Each week, the downtown River Street area comes alive with vendors, live music, food, activities, and more. This summer, check out the ESLA tent for education about our work and the watershed!

  • Evenings on River Street

    River Street River Street, Elk Rapids, MI, United States

    We are thrilled to invite you back to Elk Rapids' most beloved summer traditions — Evening on River Street! Each week, the downtown River Street area comes alive with vendors, live music, food, activities, and more. This summer, check out the ESLA tent for education about our work and the watershed!

  • Lake Learning Tour – August 12, 2026

    The Dam Shop 118 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids, MI, United States

    Our popular Lake Learning Tours are back this season—and they’re free! You just have to register. Join our lake biologist for a relaxed, on-the-water experience exploring the basics of lake ecology. We’ll cover aquatic plants, shoreline health, invasive species, plankton, loons, water quality and more! You’ll also hear about current and upcoming lake projects and how you can get involved. We depart from the Elk Rapids Marina and travel through the Elk River into Elk Lake aboard a generously donated pontoon boat. Children ages 8 and up are welcome with an accompanying adult.

    Free

  • Shore Thing Event – August 20th

    Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall 401 River St, Elk Rapids, MI, United States

    In this meeting, we will be discussing freshwater mussels. We welcome Joe Rathbun, an aquatic biologist and mussel expert, as our keynote speaker.

  • Shore Thing Event – September 24th

    Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall 401 River St, Elk Rapids, MI, United States

    In this meeting, we'll be discussing our evolving watershed and welcoming James Dake, the education director at Grass River Natural Area, as our keynote speaker!