FARMINGTON — Western Maine Audubon is set to sponsor a live presentation, “The State of Maine’s Lakes and What You Can Do to Help” by Susan Gallo, from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12.

The talk will be held in the University of Maine at Farmington’s Preble Hall, Thomas Auditorium, at 173 High St.

Gallo joined Maine Lakes, an environmental protection organization in Yarmouth, as its executive director in 2018, where the Cumberland resident has continued to expand the LakeSmart program and is working on projects around lake economics and values, loon restoration, lake science outreach, and collaborative freshwater education.

Maine has more than 2,500 ponds. The vast majority of these are in strong shape, due in large part to strong shoreland zoning laws that protect fragile lakeside habitat, and to motivated homeowners who work to make sure their properties protect the lakes, according to a news release from Will Jones with the Falmouth-based Audubon chapter.

But many of Maine’s lakes are at risk of losing their clean, clear water, and many associated recreational, habitat and economic values. These lakes are at a tipping point, pushed there by stormwater that carries nutrients away, and made more worrisome because of climate change. Larger and more intense storms multiply the volume of stormwater, threatening the quality of the lakes.

People can learn more about what’s happening with Maine’s lakes today, and some of the programs and policies that are in place, or may be in place with help, to improve lake health. From loon restoration to homeowner programs to community education efforts for kids, there are many ways to get involved in protecting Western Maine’s precious lakes.

Prior to joining Maine Lakes, Gallo was a wildlife biologist and program manager at Maine Audubon for 20 years, where she directed the Maine Loon Project, the Maine Amphibian Monitoring Project, the Forestry for Maine Birds Program, and Maine Audubon’s Renewable Energy Program.

Gallo is a 2011 TogetherGreen Conservation Leadership Fellow, and a 2018 Source Sustainability Award Winner.

For updated information on the talk and how to access it, visit western.maineaudubon.org.

Check out other upcoming area events!