Reflecting on 2025

This past year, Friends of Northern Lake Champlain (FNLC) took on new challenges, deepened our relationships across the watershed, and launched projects that will ripple forward for years to come. As we reflect on 2025, we're reminded that meaningful change happens when community and passion collide.

In this year's reflection, we're shining a spotlight on the work led by our team, each contributing to a shared mission of cleaner waterways through the lens of community and organizational collaboration.

Big Picture Progress

In 2025, FNLC focused on stormwater and community education, landowner engagement, and the implementation of water quality projects. Thanks to strong collaboration with partners like Mill River Brewing, our engineering and design consultants, and Grand Isle County Natural Resources Conservation District, we were able to:

• Launch at least four new programs to continue into 2026

• Identify and implement water quality projects

• Expand our community outreach efforts to more towns in our service area

These accomplishments set the tone for another year of growth and impact in our community.

Team Spotlights

Project Management- Led by Josh Serpe

Josh spent 2025 identifying projects to advance water-quality improvements in the northeast arm of Lake Champlain.

On-the-Ground Projects

• Completed the Swanton Beach Project, installing a rain garden along the parking area to infiltrate water and slow the flow into Lake Champlain

• In December, we'll wrap up another infiltration project on Mill River Road near the intersection of Maquam Road

• Kicking off the first year of the Carry & Pelots Bay Watershed Action Plan

Technical Leadership

• Completed multiple Lake Wise Assessments for the Carry & Pelots Bay Watershed Action Plan

• Led water quality monitoring programs for the Rock River in Highgate and the Mill River in Georgia

• Worked with our consultants

2025 Wins

"2025 was a whirlwind, moving from the Hudson Valley to Northwest Vermont. In the blink of an eye, I’ve built incredible relationships and grown to love this beautiful region. In 2026, I’m excited to deepen my knowledge, connect with local communities, and advance clean water projects. I’m especially thrilled to kickstart the Carry & Pelots Bay Lake Watershed Action Plan in North Hero and engage the community to bring projects to life."

Community Engagement- Led by Gracie Grimes

2025 was defined by deepening connections within the watershed, greeting new faces, and creating ways to involve the community in watershed education and stewardship efforts.

Community Connections

• Hosted over 15 community events, including rain barrel workshops, stream cleanups, and educational webinars

• Engaged hundreds of residents and community members through newsletters, social media, and in-person outreach

• Continued to foster relationships built in previous years and opened doors for new ones in 2026

Creative Outreach

• Designed infographics and outreach campaigns for a variety of educational topics

• Organized and promoted the Lake Wise program that allowed for new connections to be built with over 30 landowners

• Used art skills to create tools to engage with the community

2025 Wins

“This year, I forged lasting connections with landowners who continued to show up for our events and volunteer efforts, created programs that truly welcomed people of all ages and abilities, and wove my love of art into my work to inspire more community members to engage with FNLC’s mission.”

Organizational Vision- Led by Bridget Butler

This year, Bridget guided FNLC staff with strategic direction and a drive to grow the organization's influence and capacity.

Building FNLC's Future

• Secured funding to add a full-time Community Engagement Specialist in 2026, expanding education and sub-watershed services

• Continued signature fundraising events such as Bike for the Lake, Fishing Derby, and the Annual Gathering at the Tyler Place, reinforcing FNLC's mission and community presence

Strengthening the Organization

• Continued refinement of governance systems and financial management tools

• Strengthened internal systems for board engagement, committee communication, and annual calendar of board activities

• Fostered a healthy and efficient work environment for the entire staff and board

2025 Wins

"This year, FNLC grew not just in program reach and water quality projects, but in the way we show up for our communities. We listened more deeply, partnered more intentionally, and met people where they are—on their shorelines, in their fields, and within their own subwatersheds. Our accomplishments reflect a maturing organization rooted in service, trust, and long-term relationships. That’s the foundation we’re building for the future of Lake Champlain in our region.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

We are looking forward to entering the new year with plenty of momentum! In 2026, FNLC plans to launch new core programs to engage more community members, expand stormwater education outreach, and continue strengthening relationships with landowners, partners, and community groups.

To everyone who attended an event, opened their doors to our staff, volunteered, partnered with us, or supported us in any other way - THANK YOU! These accomplishments are the result of shared commitment for the lake we all love.

Cheers, and here's to another year of restoration, connection, and possibility.