~August 20th update~
Dear Friends-
2026 has proven to be the most challenging year in our history. The nonprofit model for eco-tourism and community service that we've built over the past 10 years nearly came to an end in July due to a long series of unpredicted events. We set up an emergency campaign to raise $50,000 to cover immediate expenses and payroll for our staff and interns. As of Monday, Aug. 17, I am gratified to report that we've received $44,696! Please help us close the gap in the coming two weeks-
Contribute any amount above to our TEAL EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND, now through August 30th!
Thank you! From Bill, on behalf of Astrid, Capt. Shad & Olivea, and the entire crew!
Our Model and Mission
Eco-tourism revenue and your donations help us offer hands-on education, and low-cost or free community access cruises for 5000 students and residents aboard our "Boat for Everyone" - every year! With your help, we are restoring informed and equitable connections between our communities and our waterways. Below are a few of our critical needs and fundraising campaigns for this year. Your gifts mean the world to us, the people we serve, and our watershed!
Name Our New "Boat for Everyone"!
Our community members proposed 12 wonderful potential names for new boat we'll launch this fall; and there's still time for you to vote on your favorite!
Click on any of the "Top Fundraising Teams" to learn the meaning behind each name. Then, CLICK HERE TO VOTE!
The name receiving the most votes will be announced when the new boat gets publicly launched!
Adopt a Classroom Aquarium
With a $250 gift, you can support a classroom "Trout in the Classroom" cold water aquarium system for a full school year! See our Trout in the Classroom Program Page to select a school you wish to sponsor, then click on the $250 donation option above!
Love Your Lake Community Cruises & Paddles
This campaign supports, our popular (and free to the community) Community Sunset Cruises, "Family Eco-Cruises", "Volunteer Monitoring" cruises, "Community Paddles", and so much more. Select any of the program support levels above to contribute!
OUR FUNDRAISING GOAL FOR 2026 = $135,000
Every donation received, be it $10 to $10,000, makes a difference! Your contribution affirms your love for our beautiful lakes and waterways AND your commitment to making that love and understanding of these special places a real possibility -for everyone!
We hope you can support our work. PLEASE spread the word! This is a BIG year for DCL!
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