Pocono Lake Ecological Observatory Network

What is PLEON?
The Pocono Lake Ecological Observatory Network is a regional lake monitoring program focused on educating the public and lake associations on water quality and lake management.

Our goals:

Empower the public to better understand and manage their fresh waters
Create a community of scientists, students, environmental educators, and landowners to work together in improving the ecological state of Pennsylvania’s lake ecosystems
Provide ongoing monitoring data on lakes and ensuring that land owners fully understand the advantages and limitations of different lake management approaches

Why PLEON?
Lakes are ecological treasures that form the economic backbone of tourism in the Pocono region. They provide both recreational enjoyment as well as critical habitat for a variety of wildlife, including plants and animals.

Lakes are complex ecosystems, and effective management requires good data as well as an understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of lakes and their surrounding catchments.

Despite their aesthetic, recreational, and environmental importance, we know little about water quality in our Pocono lakes. Neither the state nor regional counties offer regular surveys to provide data essential for good management of these complex ecosystems. Increasing concerns about harmful algal blooms throughout the region make responsible lake management of central importance to the health of these ecosystems and the people, pets, and wildlife that depend on them.

Upcoming PLEON Events and News

JOIN THE WALLENPAUPACK WATER QUALITY MONITORING TEAM!

PLEON is recruiting volunteers for the 2023 Wallenpaupack Community-led Water Quality Monitoring Program. Learn how to take water quality data from your own Wallenpaupack dock or boat and help us understand how and why water quality changes in the lake over space and time.

Check our Citizen Science page for more information. Training for the 2025 program will begin in May 2025. Check site for details!