FutureLakes boosts citizen science at Vesijärvi Week
FutureLakes is contributing to this year’s Vesijärvi Week by strengthening opportunities for residents to take part in hands‑on lake monitoring. Vesijärvi week is annually organised by the Vesijärvi Foundation. The week‑long programme highlights the long restoration journey of the lake and invites the public to observe and appreciate its condition.
As part of its contribution, FutureLakes is amplifying the citizen science campaign Vesivahdit (Lake Watchers) that encourages volunteers to record simple water observations throughout the summer. Together with Vesijärvi Foundation, FutureLakes invites public to submit their findings on algal blooms, water temperature and transparency directly to the national Järvi-meriwiki platform at jarviwiki.fi/wiki/Vesivahdit_2026, where citizen data supports long‑term lake monitoring. To encourage citizens for monitoring, Secchi depth measurements as a key indicator of water clarity are showcased during the Vesijärvi week and secchi discs are distributed to voluntary citizen scientists who want to participate in monitoring efforts.
The Vesijärvi Foundation, which leads long‑term lake restoration work in the region, was awarded the Lahden ympäristöpalkinto (Lahti Environmental Award) during the Vesijärvi week. The recognition highlights the foundation’s role in safeguarding Vesijärvi and fostering collaboration between researchers, organisations, and local residents.
Running alongside Päijät‑Häme Environment Week and Salpausselkä Geopark Week, Vesijärvi Week offers a wide range of activities that celebrate the region’s unique water ecosystems and encourage community involvement.