Protecting Candlewood Lake Starts in Your Backyard
April 4th 2025
Cyanobacteria is toxic. One of the main causes of algae blooms is fertilizer runoff.
Soil Testing to Be Offered by Mail This Year
A Simple & Smart Lake-Friendly Solution - By Jim McAlister, Candlewood Watershed Initiative
Over the past sixteen years, property owners throughout the Candle-wood Lake Watershed have been the beneficiaries of a locally sponsored and executed environmental protection program designed to raise awareness and support of smart fertilizing practices. During this period, over 1,250 residents took part in these events promoting 'Soil Testing Day.' Participating lawn and garden keepers received free, scientific guidance on how to enhance the fertility of their soils and nourish their plantings while minimizing harmful effects on the Watershed and our treasured Candlewood Lake.
Designed to raise awareness and advocate for safe, smart soil enhancing practices, this event zeroed in on the environmental, human energy, and financial benefits of measured fertilizing based on soil testing and customized applications. In partnership, the Candlewood Watershed Initiative, Candlewood Lake Authority, Friends of Ball Pond, and the CT Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven -- working with our neighboring garden center sponsors -- manned local sampling sites, dispensed testing kits and instructions, facilitated the collection of soil samples and their testing, followed by the mailed return of a report to each participant recommending specific soil amendments, customized to each property's unique conditions.
This year we are expanding our reach to involve additional residents from throughout the Watershed in a modified Lake-wide approach termed 'Soil Testing by Mail.' Rather than staffing local soil kit pickup and drop-off sites, those seeking free advice can simply package and mail their soil samples directly to the Soil Testing Lab in New Haven and avail themselves of the same quality soil analysis and reporting capabilities as in prior years.
All those considering applying lawn or garden fertilizer are encouraged to access instructions to be posted on the Candlewood Lake Authority's web site by mid-April. There, you will be guided on how to draw and label soil samples, to then be enclosed in sealable plastic baggies and mailed to the Soil Test Lab together with your contact info.
It's that easy and technicians have been alerted to the likely arrival of samples from our Watershed over the ensuing two weeks so you can be assured of fast turnaround and receipt of your report by return mail in time for spring applications.
Look for the next article in this series in several weeks explaining the specific steps involved and how to access them on the CLA site.
Then, act soon and enjoy the fruits throughout the spring and summer growing seasons while protecting Candlewood Lake, Ball and Squantz Ponds, and our surrounding Watershed. Thanks in advance for utilizing this Soil Testing public service to benefit our environment and vulnerable, precious waters.
Jim McAlister of New Fairfield is a co-founder of the Candlewood Watershed Initiative, formed some 25 years ago to help protect our Watershed's vital natural resources, notably including Candlewood Lake. Annual Soil Testing Days are one example of the innovative programs created and fielded by CWI.