Student research team sampling Kosciusko County lakes. Photos provided by Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

WINONA LAKE – After more than 15 years of studying local waterways, the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams is turning its research into action through a new initiative — Lake Rx.

Dr. Nate Bosch, Creighton Brothers Endowed director of the Lilly Center, said the shift marks a natural next step in the center’s mission.

“We’ve thoroughly researched our lakes and streams so we know the most critical threats,” Bosch said. “Our scientific knowledge and educational efforts have shown us what the best solutions are, so it feels natural to move into the next phase – fixing those problems and addressing those threats.”

The Lilly Center, based at Grace College, has long studied water quality, algae, sediment and pollution across Kosciusko County’s lakes. Lake Rx channels that knowledge into tangible, community-based action.

Bosch said this phase has always been part of the center’s long-term plan.

“We had always not only hoped but planned for this,” he said. “Once you identify the problems and find the solutions, it begs the question: ‘OK, what’s next? How do we enact them?’”

Proving the Model: The Center And Pike Lakes Project

Rusty Martinez, who helps lead the Lake Rx program, said recent successes show what happens when data meets collaboration.

“The proof is in what we’ve already accomplished,” Martinez said. “A great example is the E. coli issue at Center and Pike lakes, where there was a real human health threat.”

Testing being done at Chapman Lake.

The Lilly Center partnered with the city of Warsaw, Kosciusko County Health Department, Center Lake Association, and the K21 Health Foundation to identify and correct the source of contamination.

“Before that project, Center Lake was closed to the public about 33% of the time and Pike Lake 44%,” Bosch said. “After the project, those closures dropped close to zero. That’s exactly the kind of success we want to see more of through Lake Rx.”

Bosch said that work represented a model for how research can translate directly into community benefit.

“When we saw those high E. coli results, we knew it was unsafe. It was unacceptable to us not to address it,” he said. “That partnership showed how we can apply research, mobilize resources, and see real improvements in community health.”

Faster Testing, Faster Protection

Another challenge was the speed of testing for algae toxins, another major health concern.

“When we first began sampling, results took weeks to come back from outside labs,” Bosch said. “That’s not very helpful – it doesn’t do much good to tell people, weeks later, that the water they swam in was unsafe.”

To address that, the Lilly Center established its own laboratory, allowing for test results within two days.

“Now we can finish sampling on a Wednesday evening and have results ready by Friday morning,” Bosch said. “That’s a game-changer for public safety.”

Collaboration And Custom Solutions Drive Lake Rx Vision

Each lake is different, and the Lilly Center’s new ‘prescriptions’ reflect that.

The new Lake Rx program treats each lake as a “patient” and the Lilly Center as a kind of “doctor” prescribing the right treatment.

“It’s a really intriguing analogy,” Bosch said. “Each lake can heal itself if someone helps it – but, like a child, it often takes a parent or partner to administer the care.”

The effort relies on partnerships with local lake associations, conservation groups, and government entities. Early collaborators include Winona, Chapman, Syracuse/Wawasee and Tippecanoe lakes, along with the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation and The Watershed Foundation.

Students taking samples at Waubee Lake.

“We’ve already met with our initial partners, and the response has been very positive,” Bosch said. “Each lake is different, so each prescription will be different. The solutions that work for Wawasee may not work for Tippecanoe or Webster.”

A Holistic Approach To Lake Health

Lake Rx focuses on what Bosch calls “holistic lake health” – similar to how people maintain wellness through balanced lifestyles.

“It’s not just about chemicals or treatments,” he said. “It’s about the bigger picture: wetlands, agriculture, shoreline care and boating practices.”

The center has identified three categories with eight solutions:

Land-based solutions: revitalizing and constructing wetlands, and promoting conservation practices with local farmers.

In-lake solutions: continuing algae and toxin research, reducing invasive species such as zebra mussels, and exploring nonchemical ways to manage weeds.

Community-based solutions: promoting responsible boating, encouraging natural shorelines, and raising “water literacy” through education.

About 78% of the land surrounding Kosciusko County’s lakes is agricultural, making collaboration with producers critical. Bosch serves on the Indiana State Department of Agriculture’s Science Assessment Committee, helping assess the most effective conservation methods.

“We want to help producers select the practices that have the biggest positive impact downstream,” he said.

Wetlands are another key focus.

“Kosciusko County has more wetlands than most counties in Indiana, but we once had a lot more,” Bosch said. “We’re exploring how to revitalize or even construct new ones so they can better filter nutrients and sediments before they reach our lakes.”

Science, Satellites and Sustaining Support

The center’s research will continue to guide Lake Rx and measure its success.

“The research becomes even more important now,” Martinez said. “That’s how we assess whether the solutions are working.”

The Lilly Center is also partnering with Purdue University on a NASA grant proposal where it could use satellite imagery to monitor progress.

“Satellites can track agricultural practices, wetland restoration and even boating patterns,” Bosch said. “It can help us measure change and adapt our approach.”

Funding for Lake Rx comes entirely from donors.

“We’re a completely externally funded division of Grace College,” Bosch said. “Several supporters have already given specifically to this initiative because it’s tangible – it’s about solving real problems people can see.”

Residents can learn more or support the project at lakes.grace.edu/lakerx. Bosch said early projects are already underway and could produce measurable results as soon as next year.

“We’re starting with quantifiable, visible projects to build momentum,” he said. “If we can do that, the long-term health of our lakes will follow.”