Flathead Lake Citizen Science
Get your hands dirty and contribute to great science!
Threats to clean water are only increasing, so with the help of our citizen science volunteers, we can continue to help keep a watchful eye on Flathead Lake and Watershed.
Seeing Flathead Clearly: Three Year Summary of Secchi Observations
Learn about the local effort to monitor Flathead Lake’s water clarity over the past three years. Our Flathead Lake Citizen Science volunteers and our FLBS partners are keeping track of changes in our lake and watershed.
Flathead Lake Secchi Dip-in
The Secchi Dip-in is a nationwide program and YOU can participate! Adopt a Secchi disk and dip-in to Flathead Lake to measure water clarity!
Participate and learn more about Flathead Lake, and learn how water clarity in Flathead Lake compares to other lakes around the country.
Substrate Sampling
Substrate sampling in Montana for invasive Dreissenid mussels (zebra/quagga) involves using artificial, hard-surfaced substrates, such as concrete blocks or specialized plates, deployed to hang roughly six inches above the lake bottom to provide settlement surfaces. These are checked alongside shoreline surveys, which involve searching rocky areas and debris for adult mussels attached via byssal threads.
Flathead Lake Mussel Walk
Early detection of invasive mussels is paramount to preventing an infestation. Once mussels are established, it is impossible to get rid of them.
Inspect your favorite Flathead Lake shoreline in spring, look for invasive mussels, and help keep a watchful eye on Flathead Lake and watershed.
Flathead Lake Swim Guide
In 2022 The Flathead Lakers took over sampling and monitoring the recreational water quality of Flathead Lake’s swimming beaches. Our goal is to reduce the risk of water-borne illnesses due to open water swimming.
Flathead Lake’s swimming areas are exceptionally clean, and this group helps monitor the water quality.
