Welcome to Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association or ESLA as our non-profit is best known. We’re dedicated to preserving and protecting the quality of the precious waters we love. We’re talking about those fishy, deep (Elk), shallow (Skegemog) lakes and connecting waters with their spectacular sunrises and sunsets that brought and keep us here.
We conduct science-supported research; help property owners protect their waters; prevent, control or eradicate invasive species; identify pollution sources; educate with events and communications; advocate water policy; collaborate with other committed organizations. Read more to learn more!
About 500 individuals, couples, families and businesses that supported Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association in 2024. Thank you!
In 2025, we continue, with your help, to protect, preserve, monitor, educate, and advocate for water quality and member enjoyment of these shared waters. Become a member today.
Waterfront owners should check out the new, digital resource guide brimming with helpful tips. The guide offers guidance for issues such as planting and shoreline protection in a simple to understand, definitive package. Former ESLA President Bob Kingon collaborated with the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay to produce the “Waterfront Resource Guide”. This guide replaces the still useful printed “ESLA Riparian Handbook” published in 2005. Find the revised guide HERE.
Be sure to mark you calendar for next May when we release the date for our fun filled learning boat tour with our very own lake biologist as she educates on the ecology, natural history and ongoing work that ESLA is engaged in and what you can do to help.
We are currently working on our 2026 list of topics and presenter’s. Be sure to check back and follow our social media for updates on dates and topics.
Don’t forget that we have all of our past Shore Things on our YouTube channel, in case you missed out on one of them. We would love to know what you would like to learn about in the future. Please reach out and let us know.
ESLA dues, at your discretion, range from $50-$1,000. Not surprisingly, costs for contractors, hosting events, supporting research, ensuring navigational safety with Skegemog-to-Torch River buoys, and other ESLA work have increased. For returning members, please consider — if you can — increasing your support level or even becoming a Champion or Legend. For those of you sharing the waterfront who have not paid ESLA dues, please consider joining at any level. All new and renewing members’ names are listed in our March newsletter! Questions? Contact us HERE or call membership Coordinator Deanna Seifried at 937-602-2295. Contact Us
To pay 2025 dues or other ESLA support with a credit card, click HERE. Or write a check to the Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association. Send to P.O. Box 8, Elk Rapids, MI. 49629. Membership is open to all.
*ESLA is a 501(c)(3) IRS-certified not-for-profit organization. Your contribution may be tax deductible.
Volunteers for ESLA’S board, committees and specific projects play a critical role for our non-profit. From boat washes to photography to helping at our various events. Whether you’re still working or retired, we can always use more help. Reach out to us HERE or contact a board member.
ESLA’S launch in 2022 of a Champion program allowing supporters to show a deep commitment to meet known and future water quality challenges continues. Champion dollars go into a Strategic Environmental Fund that must grow to respond to major or unexpected challenges. Champions may make a $5,000 contribution in a single year or commit to reaching $5,000 in support over five years with a minimum $1,000 initial contribution. Questions or interest in becoming a Champion? Contact Dean Ginther at 231-676-2928 or HERE. Dean can also explain ESLA’s Legends program for planned giving through estates and other vehicles.
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