Our Work for a Healthier Watershed
Whether you live on Mirror Lake or come to enjoy its beauty, the Mirror Lake Watershed Association is here to help you protect what you love. Maybe you’re a homeowner wondering if that plant by your dock is invasive, or if the water is safe for your dog. Or perhaps you’re a visitor or local business owner who wants to enjoy and support everything the lake has to offer—from kayaking and community events to the Ironman—while helping to preserve its health and clarity. This website is your guide to understanding the lake, taking action, and staying connected to efforts that keep Mirror Lake thriving for generations to come.
Invasive Species
Spot, identify, and report harmful plants and animals that threaten Mirror Lake’s ecosystem.
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Learn to spot dangerous blooms (like ‘thick pea soup’ or ‘green paint’), discover the favorable conditions that allow them to grow, and know who to call.
Salt Pollution
Learn how using less salt, choosing alternatives like brine, and promptly clearing snow protects Mirror Lake from harmful salt buildup that compromises its balance and harms aquatic life.
Clean, Drain, Dry
Before launching into Mirror Lake, you must clean, drain, and thoroughly dry your watercraft and gear to prevent the introduction of harmful invasive species, thus safeguarding the lake’s ecological health, protecting fish and waterfowl, and for safe swimming.
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Get our annual report and newsletter with lake health updates, event invites, and safety alerts delivered directly to your inbox
Protecting Mirror Lake Takes All of Us
Lend your time and expertise—join a cleanup, assist with social media, or share your unique skills—to become part of the dedicated volunteers safeguarding the lake’s water quality and ecological health.
Invest in Our Legacy: Support Mirror Lake
We believe that a healthy lake is a corner stone of our thriving community. Can you imagine Lake Placid without Mirror Lake?
Our work—monitoring threats like salt pollution and harmful algal blooms (HABs), and advocating for best practices—is crucial to safeguarding this treasured resource. Your donation ensures we continue our vital mission to protect, educate, and advocate for Mirror Lake and its surrounding watershed.
100% of your contribution will be used to protect Mirror Lake and Mill Pond, sustaining the ecological health and water quality necessary for safe swimming, thriving fish, and all aquatic life.
Click to see our current donors
Become a Donor today and help support the vital projects and programs of the MLWA.
About Us
We are the Mirror Lake Watershed Committee, but more importantly, we’re your neighbors. We’re a dedicated group of full-time residents and volunteers who share a deep love for this community and a commitment to preserving the health of Mirror Lake.
Our team brings together local expertise—from science educators to long-time advocates—and partners with regional conservation experts. We channel our passion into action, working to ensure our lake remains a safe, vibrant, and beautiful treasure for generations to come.
We believe that a healthy lake is the foundation of a thriving community, and we’re here to empower you with the knowledge to be a great lake steward.
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Did You Know?
- A watershed is a funnel where rain, snow, streams and ground water enter a basin or “bathtub.” (Note: A more detailed definition in the sources describes a watershed as a land area that contributes water, through run-off or subsurface infiltration and flow, to a given point of drainage.)
- Mirror Lake is about 10,000 years old, formed by retreating glaciers creating moraines or dams which filled basins.
- The maximum depth is 65ft, and the average depth is 14ft.
- The sidewalk distance around the lake is about 2.7 miles.
- The lake offers great fishing for perch, bass, rainbow trout, and more.
- No motor boats or snowmobiles are allowed.
- The original name was Bennett’s pond, after the first permanent settlers.
- The lake “turns over” in spring and fall, literally bringing warm water to the bottom and cold water up, and reversing in spring, which is essential for lake health.
- Winter activities include ice skating, hockey, and dog sleds.
- A 30’ toboggan slide in winter is a must.
- Mirror Lake and Lake Placid do not connect.
The relationship between the watershed and the community can be viewed much like a protective shield surrounding a delicate artifact. The MLWA ensures that the shield (the watershed) is clean and structurally sound, preventing outside threats—like pollutants from cars or excess salt—from reaching the artifact (the lake), thus preserving its value and beauty for everyone.