Nearly six decades ago, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened Lake Monroe. This year, dozens of events celebrate the reservoir.
The festivities will conclude with the 60th anniversary reception Oct. 24. Friends of Lake Monroe Board Member Keith Bobay said the celebrations raise awareness about the lake’s importance.
“It's just trying to increase our membership, which is, you know, we do science, we do education, we collaborate with private and governmental organizations in trying to keep the lake as clean as possible,” Bobay said.
The next upcoming event, Sunday’s third-annual Lake Monroe Day, is about raising awareness. Some other events directly preserve the lake.
“One of the things we do is shoreline cleanup, mostly at the Paynetown campground,” Bobay said.
The Sept. 26 shoreline cleanup and the Oct. 13 Salt Creek cleanup beautify the lake for future visitors. Other events are chances to enjoy the beauty through trail hikes or a kayak tour.
Some events are educational, such as the Monroe Water Treatment Plant tour Oct. 6. About 130,000 people in Monroe County rely on the reservoir for drinking water.
These events make the lake’s importance known, but they also celebrate a focal point of south-central Indiana. Lake Monroe attracts more than a million visitors yearly. Bobay said taking care of it will make it last.
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