A Morning on Lake Winnecook: Science, Stewardship, and Community in Action

By: Sarah Whateley, Program Manager

On a sunny June morning, I joined Steve Krautkremer—a board member of Friends of Lake Winnecook—to learn about his water quality monitoring work. The experience was a powerful reminder that science, community, and nature are deeply intertwined in both the love many feel for the lake and the responsibility to protect it.

As we moved from site to site, the lake came alive around us — bald eagles soared overhead, blue herons and loons glided across the water, mallards paddled along the edges, and bass darted through the shallows. With the help of the Merlin app, we also identified a rich variety of bird species, including the Red-eyed Vireo, Red-winged Blackbird, American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, and many more. The water near the shore was so clear we could see fish swimming below, and the surrounding habitat was buzzing with life—including a group of kids jumping off the railroad trestle to swim and others casting lines from fishing boats.

Loon near a LakeSmart property, where shoreline practices help support clean water and wildlife.

Beyond the surface beauty, what stood out most was the careful, consistent work Steve does to monitor the lake's health. Every two weeks throughout the summer, Steve heads out to the lake’s Midas Point—the deepest point in Lake Winnecook—with a Secchi disk and dissolved oxygen meter to take consistent water quality measurements. During our outing, we also took a reading at Sandy Stream, which contributes flow during storm events and likely influences water quality—though more monitoring is needed to fully understand its impact.

Figure 1: Unity Pond Secchi Disc Readings (2019–2025). Water clarity data for Unity Pond. The latest reading on June 27, 2025, was 3.40 meters (approx. 11.2 ft), showing improved clarity. Readings below the 2-meter dashed red line indicate an algae bloom. Graph by Steve Krautkremer.

Steve is part of a dedicated network of trained volunteers across Maine who contribute to statewide water monitoring efforts. Through programs like the Lake Stewards of Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program (LSM-VLMP), community members play a critical role in collecting reliable, long-term data that informs both local and state-level lake protection strategies. This kind of citizen science not only fills important data gaps—it also builds a stronger connection between people and the lakes they care about.

Volunteer monitor Steve Krautkremer collects water quality data at the lake’s deep hole site—part of a consistent, statewide effort to protect Maine lakes.

The data they collect—like Steve’s regular readings—provide a vital window into lake conditions. These measurements—which include temperature profiles, turbidity (clarity), and dissolved oxygen—are essential for tracking long-term trends in water quality and play a key role in understanding and managing conditions that contribute to algal blooms. As nutrient levels rise—especially phosphorus—so does the risk of blooms that can degrade habitat, harm aquatic life, and reduce recreational access. Regular monitoring helps catch early warning signs and informs lake management strategies that aim to prevent future issues.

View of Unity Pond from the outlet area, where backflow from Sandy Stream can affect water quality.

Small variations in monitoring are inevitable—whether it’s the clarity of the water, the light conditions, or who’s taking the measurement. But thanks to dedicated volunteers like Steve, these differences are minimized through consistency and care. Over time, this kind of steady data collection becomes the foundation for understanding change and making informed choices about the lake’s future.

The morning was more than just data collection. As we talked, I learned a great deal about the lake’s history and the people who care for it. Several properties around the lake have earned LakeSmart designation, a clear reflection of the strong stewardship practices in place. It also made me think about how we might find innovative ways to inspire neighbors to take an active role in protecting the lake—because keeping it swimmable, fishable, and full of life for future generations is a responsibility that’s shared by everyone.

We’re excited to continue collaborating on lake protection and public education efforts in the months ahead. Thanks to the hard work of volunteers like Steve and groups like Friends of Lake Winnecook, more people are becoming aware of the importance of monitoring, stewardship, and ongoing protection of the lake’s health. Days like this one help shine a light on that work—and inspire others to get involved.

If you're interested in getting involved with lake monitoring or local water quality efforts, we’d love to hear from you.