To Preserve, Protect and Enhance the Beauty of Lake Winnecook
There were potential sightings of cyanobacteria on 9/18/25, but we were unable to collect samples for testing to confirm.
Fall Turnover and Cyanobacteria
Each fall, Unity Pond goes through a natural process called turnover. As surface waters cool, the whole lake mixes from top to bottom.
This mixing brings nutrients from the bottom up to the surface. Sometimes, that sudden nutrient boost gives cyanobacteria a short-lived opportunity to form green patches or streaks on the water.
These sightings are usually brief and disappear as cooler weather sets in. Still, the safest step is to avoid direct contact with any visible scums, especially for pets.
Water Clarity UPDATE – Unity Pond (Secchi Depth in Meters)
Current Reading 9/19/2025 - 2.79 m
Clarity Trend - Improving over the last 4 Weeks
Aug 22: Clarity was at its lowest point of the season at 1.39 m, well below the 2.0 m threshold. Conditions at this time were highly impaired and consistent with a bloom.
Sept 5: A significant rebound occurred, with clarity improving to 2.33 m. This represented the first return above the impairment line since late July.
Sept 19: Clarity continued to strengthen, reaching 2.79 m.
Haven’t renewed your membership yet? Now’s a great time to do so!
Our fiscal year starts on August 1. We have new Membership Levels this year.
YOU CHOOSE what level of membership is right for you!
Whether renewing or joining for the first time, we are collecting fresh information as much of our older information is stale.
Please be patient and complete the entire form even if you are sure nothing has changed. We want to get it right.
And while you’re at it, please consider making a GIFT MEMBERSHIP for a family member, friend or neighbor that has a connection to our lake. It’s easy and welcomes them into our community.
The June 26th Special Membership Meeting at Stone Tree Farm and Cidery in Unity was a tremendous success!
The event drew a record-breaking crowd and we’re thrilled to report that the kickoff of the
“For the Love of Our Lake - Let’s Make It Clean, Not Green” Campaign
in support of the Alum Treatment Project was met with enthusiastic support.
Dana Mosher - Campaign Co-Chair
Membership Information
Friends of Lake Winnecook (FOLW) and our beloved lake would love your help; please click below for more information on how to become a member or renew your current membership.
FOLW Blog
Stay up to date with what is happening on Unity Pond
6/28/2025 - Want to learn more about what factors affect the water quality of our lake? See the update on the FOLW Blog Page!
5/22/2025 - Sign up to host a Plant Patrol Paddle and help protect Lake Winnecook from invasive plant species! For more details, please click on the link below and check out the blog post!
Lawrence Mangan Memorial Page
Please click the button below to visit the Lawrence Mangan Memorial page, honoring the memory of our dear friend Larry Mangan. In accordance with his family's wishes, any funds that would have been spent on flowers are instead being donated to Friends of Lake Winnecook to honor his memory and love of our lake.
Let’s Make it Clean, Not Green!
We Have a Winner!
Out of 41 submissions, we are thrilled to announce that Donna Gillette, of Corinth and Unity submitted the winning name for Phase III of the Unity Pond Watershed Restoration. A huge thank you to Donna and to all 14 members who submitted their ideas. Let’s rally behind this inspiring message and work together to restore the health of our lake!
Internal Loading Study Results
Leveraging the funds received through a grant from the John Sage Foundation, as well as in-kind donations, & support form the ME. DEP an analysis of lake sediment was conducted. One of the next steps in the Watershed-Based Management Plan (WBMP). Please click on the button below to view the study.
Watershed Survey: Final Report
The link below will display the Final Report of the Unity Pond Watershed Survey, which was conducted last year. The report will provide our members with insight regarding the sources of pollution around the Watershed, a list of properties that have been identified as potential risks, as well as suggestions on how to rectify the issues found.
The protection of the watershed should be an effort undertaken and supported by the entire Lake Winnecook community, especially after the announcement by the Maine DEP regarding the PFAS contamination.