Great Lakes Awareness Day
Great Lakes Awareness Day shines a light on five vast freshwater lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. Together, they stretch across the U.S. and Canada, forming the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth.
These waters support over 40 million people with drinking water and serve as a hub for shipping, fishing, and tourism. Beyond their size, these lakes are home to more than 3,500 species of plants and animals, making them a vital part of North America’s ecosystem.
This day also highlights the challenges these lakes face. Pollution, invasive species, and climate change threaten their health. Efforts like the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the U.S. and Canada aim to protect and restore these waters.
Over 140 federal programs work towards environmental restoration and management of the lakes.
Great Lakes Awareness Day encourages communities to engage in conservation efforts, ensuring these natural treasures endure for future generations.
How to Celebrate Great Lakes Awareness Day
Great Lakes Awareness Day began in 2018. It started as a local effort to bring attention to the Line 5 pipeline, which runs beneath two of the lakes. People living near the water felt concerned about possible oil spills and damage to the environment.
They wanted more people to care about what was happening. So, communities and activists joined together and created a day focused on protecting these vast, freshwater lakes.
Over time, the event grew larger. More people across both the U.S. and Canada began to take part. It became more than just a protest against one pipeline. It turned into a day to talk about water health, pollution, and what people can do to help.
Schools, groups, and organizations began to use the day to share information and bring people together.
Now, each year, more voices join in. The day reminds everyone how deeply connected life is to these lakes. They are not just scenic places. They provide drinking water, food, jobs, and joy to millions.
Great Lakes Awareness Day encourages people to learn, speak up, and act. Though it began with concern over one issue, it continues to grow as a call to care for something much bigger.
See what else is happening…
There’s always more going on every month at Days Of The Year. Here are our favorites this month!
Also on ...
View all holidays
National Astronaut Day
Blast off into an out-of-this-world celebration! Learn about space, astronauts, and explore the cosmos. It's time to reach for the stars!
National Cartoonists Day
Take a walk down memory lane by revisiting the beloved, charming, often bizarre cartoons of your childhood like Calvin and Hobbes, or discover new ones.
International Midwives’ Day
Doctors and hospitals are a recent development for birthing. In the past, experienced women called midwives kept new mothers and babies safe during birth.
Revenge of the Fifth
Cheering for the dark side, and finding fascination in characters who embrace their complexity and challenge traditional notions of good and evil.
We think you may also like...
