Upcoming Events
Lakeshore Stabilization Workshop
Lake Wallace
12 PM, August 5th, 2026
Facebook Event – Let us know if you’re coming (not required)
Learn the components of a successful shoreline stabilization project. Many lake properties on Lake Wallace and elsewhere in the county have unstable shorelines due to historic land clearing and ongoing degradation of existing infrastructure. Lake regulations limit what types of stabilization can be undertaken, and it can be hard to determine what is allowed. Previous methods for stabilizing lakeshores are unable to absorb the energy or waves and ice, leading to some of the issues landowners see today. Join Essex County NRCD in discussing lakeshore stabilization–what works, what is allowed*, and how to get it done. ECNRCD has assisted in a number of lakeshore stabilization projects and has experience getting them approved and implemented. We will discuss different bioengineering techniques, when each is applicable, and how they restore the lake ecosystem while protecting infrastructure. This event will be applicable to contractors interested in implementing lakeshore stabilization projects as well as the general public. Although discussion of permitting considerations are specific to Vermont, the concepts and techniques covered will be applicable to Quebec and New Hampshire lakes as well.
*ECNRCD staff do not make regulatory decisions. Discussion on permitting will be based on ECNRCD’s experience implementing lakeshore projects and should not be interpreted as a regulatory decision or official guidance of VT DEC.
Restore Lake Wallace
Jackson’s Lodge
10 AM, August 23rd, 2026
35 Jackson Ldg Vlg, Canaan, VT 05903
Facebook Event – Let us know if you’re coming (not required)
Join us at Jackson Lodge to learn about the threats to the Lake Wallace ecosystem and help with a restoration project on the property. Beginning at 10 AM, there will be a brief presentation on the status of this international watershed, followed by hands-on restoration of the Jackson Lodge shoreline. VT DEC’s ongoing water quality monitoring has identified an upward trend in Lake Wallace’s spring Phosphorus levels, putting the lake at greater risk of harmful algal blooms and damage to native ecosystems. Like many lakes in the region, it is at risk of high Mercury levels as well. These changes in water quality can be due to a number of factors, including development of the shore and the watershed, agricultural and forestry practices, increased storm intensity, a warming climate, and wider air pollution. There are many steps that can be taken to address these stressors on the lake. One of the most effective is to restore shoreland lake habitats to a more natural state. Participants will get to participate in such a restoration effort on the Jackson Lodge property, planting native vegetation and installing infiltration steps. A light lunch will be available during the restoration work, and please bring your own shovel! Planting will continue into the afternoon as long as we have volunteers interested in helping.