Focused on improving water quality
in the lakes
Friends of Catherine and Channel Lakes’ mission is to maintain the sanctity of Lake Catherine and Channel Lakes, to continuously improve and maintain the lakes’ ecosystem, and to establish and implement value-enriched programs to enhance the overall quality of lake life.
Our goal is to return Lake Catherine and Channel Lake to pristine condition by eradicating invasive plant species, reducing pollution and increasing awareness about how to care for the lakes. We are doing this through the implementation of a detailed Lake Management Plan.
Please join the cause by getting involved. Many hands make light work.
About Us
Lake Catherine and Channel Lake are the northern most lakes on the Chain O’Lakes in Northern Illinois. These two interconnected lakes are part of the Fox River Watershed, serving as a vital drinking water supply for many communities in Illinois, providing habitat for hundreds of species of plants and animals and supplying a beautiful place to enjoy lake life.
Over the past many years, these lakes have suffered from a lack of care. Storm water run-off and run-off from farmlands around the area have created a heightened level of phosphorus and other nutrients in the lake contributing to wide-spread algae blooms in the spring. In addition, invasive species of plants, including Eurasian Water Milfoil, have all but choked out many native species and affected vital fish habitat.
The Friends of Catherine and Channel Lakes aims to improve conditions in the lakes for the betterment of lake like – for humans, plants and animals.
Biochar Program
Friends of Catherine and Channel Lakes has purchased 400 new bags of biochar for the 2025 season to replenish the used biochar bags from the past two seasons. Please fill out THIS FORM to sign up to receive bags.
What do I do with my existing biochar bags?
Please save your used biochar bags and return them to us. We will recycle them.
To learn more about biochar, please click here.
Thank you very much for participating in this worthwhile program!
Planning and Research
According to Fox Waterway Agency, “the Fox River and Chain O’ Lakes is vital to our community, whether one enjoys being on the water or benefits from the economic impact it has on the area. But some days, the lakes are not so nice. Algae, weeds and sediments fills up and plugs our shorelines and channels. Harmful bacteria and the presence of algae blooms can also restrict certain water activities and can be deadly to our pets as well as wildlife.
These are reminders that we need to be taking care of our lakes. After years of effort, the Fox Waterway Agency has obtained a 319 Grant from the Illinois EPA to develop a watershed plan. Developing a watershed plan is an important first step to bringing more grant funds into our community and eventually creating jobs while improving the quality of the water.”
To view the full watershed plan, click here.