Hello and welcome Lake Lanier News, the official bi-weekly newsletter for LakeLanier.com.
We have a couple interest stories this week on “Invasive Snails”, “Wake Church” and “Surprising Marine Life” on Lake Lanier.
But first, let’s look at some key upcoming events on the Lake:
Dive Cleanup Days with Diventures: This fun event puts a purpose to your dives. Important lake cleanup. A great way to meet fellow divers while supporting the community and our shared environment. Event kicks off at the West Bank Park, September 15th 9AM - 2PM.
Atlanta Open Water Swim: This charity event is part of the Swim Across America challenge and kicks off at Lake Lanier Olympic Park. September 21st, 8AM (swimmers must check in earlier).
Gainesville Chicken Festival: This classic features Georgia’s official Chicken Cookoff, with over 17,000(!) pounds of chicken prepared. Come can sample delicious food and vote for your favorite pitmaster. Also open to vendors, sponsors, and contestants! October 19th, 11AM - 4:30PM at Lake Lanier Olympic Park.
Lantern Boat Festival: This wonderful event is sponsored by the Laotian American Society and kicks off at Lake Lanier Olympic Park. Mark your calendars for November 9th, 1 - 9PM.
Work with a local business or organization? We can list your events! Just send the details to [email protected].
“Killer” Snails? Oh My.
In case you missed it, Lake Lanier is facing an infestation of non-native snails. And before you discount mere snails… there’s some reason to take these little guys seriously.
Department of Natural Resources experts say these are a Chinese invasive snail, originally imported in the 1800s but just recently discovering safe harbor on Lake Lanier.
If you are tempted to pick them up or remove them, don’t.
These snails are home to many parasites (including “rat lung worm”) that can be spread to other animals, and even to humans.
Long term concerns are that they may lead to fish kill, damage boating equipment and generally negatively impact tourism.
If you do come into contact:
Don't pick up the snail with your hands
Avoid relocating it; don't push it with an object or touch it with a covering
If your skin came in contact, wash that area
If you do notice a cluster, make sure to report it with photos to the DNR using this report form. You can also contact local fisheries here.
Do You Know Businesses in Need of Exposure?
We are offering placements within this newsletter (1200+ monthly subscribers) and across LakeLanier.com (500,000 annual pageviews).
All of these visitors and subscribers are people with ties to the community!
Local newspapers are not what they used to be. Local businesses have too few advertising opportunities NOT controlled by Big Tech.
Our local newsletter and website is trying to change this.
Reach out to us at [email protected] for competitive places, rates, and specials.
Have you heard of “Wake Church” on Lake Lanier?
A few weeks back our own Andrew Olinde shared a “hidden gem” story about the Lake.
Specifically, the “Wake Church” club that meets weekly on the water (on Sunday).
The “congregation” takes a break together.
You can learn all about this wonderful ad hoc club in our recent article:
Marine Life You Didn’t Know Existed
Curious about the multi-tier aquatic life on Lake Lanier?
In his recent article, Andrew explores some common and unexpected marine life on Lake Lanier.
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That’s it for this edition! Have questions? Stories you want covered? Let us know by replying here.