Grand Lake Wetlands Treat Record One Billion Gallons of Water; LIA Discusses New Projects and Night Sky

CELINA, OHIO — Grand Lake's ongoing water quality improvement efforts reached a major milestone in 2026, with the area's combined wetlands treating more than one billion gallons of water for the first time.

The announcement was among several highlights of the Lake Improvement Association's November meeting, held Saturday, November 7, at the Celina Moose Lodge.

Members also received updates on wetland construction, new recreational improvements, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park projects and upcoming community events. The meeting featured a presentation by Lima Astronomical Society President Mark Casazza about astronomy, light pollution and opportunities for observing the night sky over Grand Lake.

Wetlands Reach Major Water Treatment Milestone

Mercer County Agriculture and Natural Resources Director Theresa Dirksen reported that the area's combined wetland systems treated more than one billion gallons of water during 2026, surpassing a milestone that had not previously been reached.

Dirksen said the systems continued to produce encouraging results in reducing nutrients and suspended solids that contribute to water quality problems in Grand Lake.

Monitoring has shown reductions in nitrate, phosphorus and total suspended solids as water passes through the treatment wetlands.

Dr. Stephen Jacquemin and his team are continuing to analyze the year's monitoring information, with a more complete summary expected in early 2027.

Despite the progress, Dirksen said lake toxin levels remain a concern.

A recent measurement showed toxin concentrations of approximately 39 micrograms per liter, higher than officials would like to see. Dirksen suggested the unusually warm fall weather may have contributed to continued algae activity.

She expressed hope that colder weather would help lower toxin levels, while noting that overall concentrations during the year generally remained below the lake's historical average.

Funding Secured for New Auglaize County Wetlands

Dirksen also announced that funding is now in place for the Harmon Preservation Project near the southeastern portion of Grand Lake in Auglaize County.

The project calls for constructing approximately 20 acres of wetlands designed to treat water pumped from Barnes Creek.

Funding includes $1.115 million through Ohio's H2Ohio program for construction and approximately $150,000 in federal Section 319 funding for design.

Design work is underway, with plans to seek bids this winter.

Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in late summer 2027, with completion anticipated in 2028.

New Technology Being Tested at Beaver Creek

Another project drawing attention is an experimental water treatment system installed near Beaver Creek.

The system, known as an algal raceway, uses algae to absorb nutrients from creek water.

Dirksen explained that water is pumped through three separate channels, each approximately 500 feet long. Algae grow on mesh material within the channels, using nutrients from the water.

The algae can then be harvested, potentially removing some of those nutrients from the system.

The solar-powered pilot project was funded through H2Ohio and The Nature Conservancy.

Jacquemin and his team are expected to monitor the project throughout 2027 to evaluate its effectiveness.

Additional improvements have also been completed at Beaver Creek, including a second pump station funded through the federal Section 319 program.

Dirksen said the added pumping capacity will allow more water to move through the shallow wetlands.

Vegetation management is also being considered to improve phosphorus removal, including a possible controlled burn and cutting or baling cattails.

Officials are continuing to evaluate other wetlands, including Southwest Green Space near the former South Bay Motel and Red Wing Nature Preserve on the north side of Grand Lake.

Dirksen described both projects as encouraging examples of how constructed wetlands can improve water quality while also providing habitat for birds and wildlife.

New Observation Deck at Prairie Creek

Lake Improvement Association President Brian Morris highlighted the completion of a new observation deck at Prairie Creek.

The deck was installed as part of improvements involving an expanded settling pond and intake station.

Dynamic Weld donated the deck, while VTF Excavation handled installation.

The Lake Improvement Association contributed $5,000 toward installation-related expenses, including footings, walking path excavation, stone and labor.

Morris explained that H2Ohio funding used for water quality improvements cannot necessarily cover recreational and educational features, making the LIA contribution particularly valuable.

He praised Dirksen's efforts to incorporate public trails, observation areas and educational opportunities into water quality projects.

Residents interested in exploring trails and related recreational features around Grand Lake can visit GrandLakeTrails.com.

State Park Reports Strong Camping Season and New Improvements

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Manager David Faler reported another successful camping season, with campgrounds remaining busy well into October.

Faler said the campground was full during the first four weekends of October. Camping activity has since declined as colder weather approaches, with 24 campers staying during the November meeting weekend.

He also provided updated lake conditions.

Grand Lake was approximately three inches above its normal level. October rainfall totaled 0.64 inches, with another 0.64 inches recorded so far in November.

Total precipitation for the year had reached approximately 37.9 inches.

Most seasonal restroom facilities around the lake have closed, although portable restrooms remain available at Windy Point, West Bank and East Bank.

Faler said navigation buoys have been removed for the season and reminded participants in the Adopt-A-Buoy program to retrieve any remaining adopted buoys.

Upcoming maintenance and improvement projects include tree and brush removal along lake banks, installation of a kayak launch at Park Grand and two new information kiosks.

Work is also continuing on the new state park office and camp store. Roofing has begun, insulation work is underway and masonry construction is nearing completion.

New Heated Restroom Opens With Special Accessibility Feature

Faler also announced the completion of a new restroom facility at Villa Nova.

The heated building will remain open year-round and includes an adult changing station, which Faler said is the first of its kind in the Ohio State Parks system.

The state park has also held its initial project meeting for the planned resurfacing of East Bank Road.

Astronomer Discusses Stargazing and Light Pollution Over Grand Lake

The featured speaker was Mark Casazza, president of the Lima Astronomical Society and the Stillwater Stargazers in Troy.

Casazza, who lives in New Bremen, discussed how Grand Lake provides opportunities for astronomy despite the light pollution found throughout Ohio.

He explained that some of the best viewing locations are over the lake itself or along its southern shoreline, where observers can find relatively unobstructed views of the southern sky.

Casazza said looking across the water can provide better observing conditions than looking across land because water generally experiences less rapid temperature change.

He also explained that the open horizon over the lake provides opportunities for watching meteor showers and photographing the night sky.

Among the objects visible at different times of the year are Saturn, Jupiter, the Pleiades star cluster, the Andromeda Galaxy and the constellation Orion.

Casazza encouraged beginners not to assume they need expensive equipment to enjoy astronomy.

He suggested starting with a blanket, a pillow and a comfortable place to lie down and observe the stars. Binoculars can provide an inexpensive way to explore additional celestial objects.

A significant portion of his presentation focused on light pollution and its effects on astronomical observation, wildlife and public safety.

Casazza explained that overly bright or poorly directed lighting can create glare, reduce nighttime visibility and interfere with people's ability to see the stars.

He encouraged the use of shielded lighting that directs illumination toward the ground rather than into the sky, along with warmer-colored lights where appropriate.

Casazza also discussed astrophotography, displaying examples of photographs he has taken of galaxies, nebulae and other celestial objects.

He encouraged residents interested in astronomy to explore the programs offered by the Lima Astronomical Society at Schoonover Observatory in Lima and the Stillwater Stargazers in Troy.

The presentation is available for viewing through the Lake Improvement Association's Facebook page.

LIA Announces February Icebreaker With Dueling Pianos

The Lake Improvement Association also announced a change in entertainment for its annual winter Icebreaker fundraiser.

The 2027 event is scheduled for February 20 at Romer's Catering.

LIA Trustee Dylan Correll said the event will feature a dueling piano performance by Felix and Fingers, an entertainment group based in Illinois.

The show is expected to run from approximately 8 until 11 p.m., with doors opening earlier in the evening and interactive games planned before the performance.

Tickets are expected to become available online in the coming weeks.

Scholarships and Additional Community Projects

The association has renewed its annual commitment to $3,000 in scholarships for students at Wright State University–Lake Campus studying water quality and related fields.

One of the scholarships honors longtime LIA board member Thomas Ramp, who was remembered for his dedication to improving Grand Lake.

The association also approved up to $2,000 toward improvements to Behm's Lighthouse, including repairs to its light.

Morris encouraged residents to suggest other projects that could improve recreational opportunities, amenities and conditions around Grand Lake.

The association's annual membership campaign is also approaching. Morris said membership support is important not only for funding local projects but also for demonstrating the community's commitment to Grand Lake improvement efforts when working with state officials.

LIA Accepting Board Nominations

The Lake Improvement Association has opened nominations for its December board election.

Correll said nominations will be accepted over the next several weeks, with multiple trustee positions available.

LIA Trustee Brian Miller also recognized Eric Morris, who is stepping down after approximately 15 years of service on the board.

Members encouraged residents interested in supporting Grand Lake improvement efforts to consider becoming involved.

December Meeting to Focus on Lake Emergencies

The association's December meeting will feature a presentation titled "Grand Lake 911."

Representatives of local fire departments are expected to discuss emergency responses on Grand Lake and demonstrate or explain equipment used to assist people during emergencies on the water.

The Lake Improvement Association normally meets on the first Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Celina Moose Lodge.

For more information about the organization, upcoming events and continuing lake improvement efforts, visit lakeimprovement.com.