Lakes Environmental Association

What Lakes Environmental Association does

Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) is a nonprofit environmental organization founded in 1970 and headquartered in Bridgton, Maine, that protects lakes and watersheds across the Greater Sebago Lake Region. The organization monitors water quality on 41 lakes and serves a stakeholder base that includes lakefront property owners, 7 partner schools, area municipalities, member-donors, state agencies, and conservation counterparties. Core offerings include the Milfoil Control Program (invasive species remediation), the LakeSmart and Clean Lake Check-Up landowner-assistance programs, the Maine Lake Science Center research facility, citizen-science initiatives such as Stream Explorers and Lake Ice Monitoring, environmental education (Eco-Explorers Camp, paid Lake Ecology Course, LEA Scholarship), and contractor training workshops.

The underlying technology base is centered on environmental sensing rather than software: a FlowCam Cyano Flow Imaging Microscope for algae identification and cyanobacteria analysis, automated telemetry buoys feeding a public Live Buoy Data System, fluorometers, Secchi disks, and surface-supplied air diving equipment for invasive plant removal. These instruments produce continuous longitudinal datasets on lake chemistry, clarity, temperature, and invasive-species populations across four-plus decades, but the analysis methods described are conventional scientific procedures rather than AI/ML systems.

LEA's revenue model is a multi-stream nonprofit structure: member donations, private foundation grants, state and municipal government funding, and a small base of direct-service fees from paid workshops ($35) and a paid Lake Ecology Course ($125). One recent Patagonia Gift of Giving campaign raised approximately $71,690 from 90 donors. Strategic partnerships span Portland Water District (via Sebago Clean Waters), Hancock Lumber Company, Maine Audubon, Maine DEP, MDIFW, Trout Unlimited, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, the University of Maine, BoatU.S. Foundation, and Patagonia. Executive leadership comprises Executive Director Colin Holme and Science Center Research Director Dr. Ben Peierls, supported by a staff of approximately 27 employees including seasonal personnel.

Name

Lakes Environmental Association

Legal name

Lakes Environmental Association

Website

https://mainelakes.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Lakes Environmental Association is a Maine-based nonprofit founded in 1970 that protects 41 lakes in the Greater Sebago Lake Region through water quality monitoring, invasive species control, environmental education, and watershed restoration.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Services

NAICS

Administration of Conservation Programs (92412)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water Resources & Watershed Protection (BPAGAGAK), Water Quality Monitoring (Surface Water, Stormwater, Drinking Water) (EUAHACAC), Aquatic Ecology & Fisheries Assessments (EUAHAHAB)

Keywords

• Water quality monitoring
• Watershed conservation services
• Invasive species control
• Environmental education programs
• Lake protection services

Headquarters

HQ city

Bridgton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Membership Donations: The vast majority of LEA's programs are supported by membership donations from individuals and families. Members receive bi-annual newsletter, regular updates, and access to educational walks, talks, and programs for free or at discounted rates.
2. Private Foundation Grants: Second largest income source from grants from private foundations supporting environmental conservation programs
3. Government Grants and Municipal Revenue: Revenue from area towns, state and federal grants for environmental programs
4. Direct Services: Fees for educational courses like Lake Ecology Course ($125), workshops ($35), and Clean Lake Check-Up services

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Lakes Environmental Association is a nonprofit organization that monitors water quality across 41 lakes in the Greater Sebago Lake Region of Maine using scientific instruments (Secchi disks, fluorometers, automated buoys, FlowCam imaging microscopy). It controls invasive aquatic species—primarily variable-leaf milfoil—through dedicated diving removal operations and benthic barriers, and provides environmental education, landowner assistance (LakeSmart, Clean Lake Check-Ups), and trail and preserve management for public access.

Product overview

Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) is a nonprofit environmental organization offering a portfolio of interconnected conservation and education programs. The core offerings include water quality monitoring of 41 lakes using scientific instruments (Secchi disks, fluorometers, automated buoys), invasive species control (milfoil removal via diving and barriers), and the Maine Lake Science Center for sample analysis. Educational products include Eco-Explorers Camp, Lake Ecology Course, and contractor training workshops. Property owner services include LakeSmart program evaluations, Clean Lake Check-Ups, and trail/preserve access. Data is shared via live buoy systems and annual water testing reports. The organization does not offer a traditional software product or API.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Maine Lake Science Center: Research facility operated by LEA for water quality analysis and lake science research
• Eco-Explorers Camp
• LakeSmart
• Milfoil Control Program

Products and services

• Water Testing & Quality Monitoring Program Year-round water quality monitoring of 41 lakes in the service area, including Secchi disk clarity readings, chlorophyll sampling, total phosphorus analysis, temperature/oxygen profiles, and algae monitoring using fluorometry for residents, municipalities, and lake stakeholders.
• Milfoil Control Program Invasive milfoil removal through manual diving, suction harvesting, and benthic barrier installation to prevent the spread of variable-leaf milfoil in Sebago Lake, Long Lake, Brandy Pond, and Songo River for lake users and municipalities.
• Live Buoy Data System Automated water quality buoys deployed on Highland Lake and Long Lake that transmit real-time data every 15 minutes, measuring temperature, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, and weather conditions for residents, researchers, and lake stakeholders.
• Maine Lake Science Center Research facility used for water sample analysis, algae identification using FlowCam flow imaging microscopy, and hosting educational programs and workshops.
• Eco-Explorers Camp Summer camp program for children focused on hands-on environmental education and lake ecology.
• LakeSmart Program Free program teaching landowners best management practices for lake-friendly properties to reduce stormwater runoff and erosion, available to lakefront property owners.
• Clean Lake Check-Up Property site visit service analyzing erosion problems and designing measures to prevent or control water quality impacts, including vegetation plans and runoff solutions for shoreline landowners.
• Lake Ecology Course Three-day immersive field experience for high school students examining lake, forest, and wetland ecosystems with hands-on monitoring techniques and lab procedures, capped at 16 students at $125 per student.
• LEA Scholarship Four-year renewable scholarship up to $5,000 per year for students in the LEA service area who major in Environmental Studies/Sciences, funded by LEA and administered by The Philanthropic Initiative.
• Trail Systems & Preserves Management of trail systems including Highland Research Forest, Holt Pond Preserve, Pinehaven Trail, Pondicherry Park, and Stevens Brook Trail for public access and environmental education.
• Courtesy Boat Inspection Program Boat inspection program with inspectors stationed at boat launches to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species among recreational boaters.
• Algae Identification via Flow Imaging Microscopy Use of FlowCam Cyano flow imaging microscope to quantify algal community composition by detecting, photographing, counting, and measuring fluorescing particles ranging from 10-100 micrometers in diameter.
• Contractor Training Workshops Erosion control and best management practice workshops for contractors, including Gravel Road Maintenance, Stream Crossing Design, and Winter BMP training certified by Maine DEP, at $35 per workshop with 4 hours of CE credit.

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, important, notable and minor.

• Sebago Clean WaterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership between Portland Water District and nine local, regional, and national conservation organizations working collaboratively to protect water quality, community well-being, economy, and fish/wildlife habitat in the Sebago region through voluntary forest conservation and stewardship. LEA collaborates on stream crossing corrections and watershed protection projects.
• Hancock Lumber CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner in the Jugtown Forest project - a 5,000-acre privately owned working forest where LEA led stream restoration work including dam removal and culvert replacement for fish passage improvement.
• Trout Unlimited (Sebago Chapter)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in stream restoration and fish passage projects, dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring cold water fisheries in southern and western Maine.
• Casco Bay Estuary PartnershipimportantStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in stream restoration work, funded by EPA through the Clean Water Act. Collaboration of agencies, organizations, and individuals working to conserve the ecological integrity of Casco Bay and its watershed.
• Maine Department of Environmental Protection (Maine DEP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in water quality monitoring, milfoil control programs, TMDL reports, invasive species management, and watershed protection initiatives. DEP provides technical assistance and grant funding support.
• Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW)importantStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on wildlife surveys including turtle population studies at Holt Pond Preserve, loon conservation projects, and fishing habitat assessment.
• Maine AuduboncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Maine Loon Restoration Project and Signs of the Seasons programs. Maine Audubon has been collecting loon data for three decades and works with partners to promote healthy lakes and clean water.
• Maine LakescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Maine Loon Restoration Project established to help establish a larger organized loon conservation effort following the 2003 Buzzards Bay oil spill.
• Portland Water DistrictimportantStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Sebago Clean Waters initiative. Portland Water District regularly deploys a monitoring buoy on Sebago Lake and shares data with LEA.
• University of MaineimportantStrategic or Co-development PartnerGraduate students from University of Maine (advised by Professor Jasmine Saros) conduct sediment core research at Long Lake and Highland Lake to study how land use changes have impacted lake algae and water quality.
• BoatU.S. FoundationimportantGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner providing free boating safety course recognized by U.S. Coast Guard and approved by NASBLA. LEA promotes the course to their community.
• The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI)importantImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAdministers the LEA Scholarship program for students pursuing Environmental Studies/Sciences majors in the LEA service area.
• PatagonianotableGTM or Marketing PartnerPatagonia's Gift of Giving campaign raised $48,425 for LEA including $23,300 match from Patagonia, supporting environmental protection programs.
• Maine Audubon (Stream Explorers)importantStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Stream Explorers citizen science program to identify aquatic insects throughout the watershed, along with Portland Water District and Maine DEP.
• Greater Lovell Land TrustnotableGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsored Emerald Ash Borer educational webinar along with Loon Echo Land Trust, Lakes Environmental Association, Western Foothills Land Trust, and Upper Saco Valley Land Trust.
• Loon Echo Land TrustnotableGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsored Emerald Ash Borer educational webinar along with Greater Lovell Land Trust, Western Foothills Land Trust, and Upper Saco Valley Land Trust.
• Western Foothills Land TrustminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsored Emerald Ash Borer educational webinar along with other regional land trusts.
• Upper Saco Valley Land TrustminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsored Emerald Ash Borer educational webinar along with other regional land trusts.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Trout Unlimited: Coldwater fisheries conservation organization with a Sebago Chapter partnering with LEA on stream restoration and fish passage projects. Directly comparable in aquatic habitat focus and federal/state grant-funded project execution.
• Lake Stewards of Maine: Volunteer-based water quality monitoring organization serving Maine lakes - directly comparable to LEA's water testing program and invasive species prevention work, with similar Secchi disk, chemistry, and chlorophyll monitoring protocols.
• Sebago Clean Waters: Coalition of conservation organizations (which LEA is a member of) protecting the Sebago Lake watershed through voluntary forest conservation. Directly comparable as a regional watershed protection partnership working in LEA's same geographic footprint.
• Maine Audubon: Statewide conservation nonprofit partnered with LEA on Maine Loon Restoration Project and Stream Explorers citizen science - comparable as a science-based conservation organization with education programs, volunteer networks, and habitat protection in Maine.
• Casco Bay Estuary Partnership: EPA-funded collaborative partnership working on stream restoration and watershed protection in the Casco Bay region, partnering directly with LEA on stream crossing and habitat restoration projects funded through the Clean Water Act.
• Maine Lakes: Statewide lake conservation organization working directly on lake protection and water quality across Maine, sharing mission overlap with LEA in lake stewardship, policy advocacy, and member-supported conservation programs.

Broad incumbents

• The Nature Conservancy (Maine): Global conservation organization with active Maine chapter operating on land and water protection across the state. Comparable as a science-driven nonprofit conservation organization competing for similar donor and grant dollars in lake/watershed protection.
• Portland Water District: Regional water utility that operates Sebago Lake drinking water source and partners with LEA on water quality monitoring (deploys its own buoy and shares data). Comparable as a Sebago-region water steward with overlapping interests in lake water quality.

Regional players

• Greater Lovell Land Trust: Adjacent regional land trust in western Maine that co-sponsors educational programming with LEA - comparable in mission, member-supported model, and focus on watershed and forest conservation near LEA's service area.
• Loon Echo Land Trust: Regional land trust serving the Greater Sebago Lake Region - directly comparable in geography and donor base, with co-sponsored events with LEA (e.g., Emerald Ash Borer webinar) and overlapping land conservation mission.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCUWx3SOEo17oyigpRAGOE4A
• Facebookfacebook.com/Lakes-Environmental-Association-57984136175
• Instagraminstagram.com/lakesenvironmental
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lakes-environmental-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lakes Environmental Association