For 25 years, members of the Lake Marion Improvement Association have given their time and money to help preserve one of McLeod County’s aquatic crown jewels.

Why do they do it? As association president Pete Maiers explains, “We’re not just here to take and take and not put back … The waters were given to us and we borrow them. We don’t destroy this gift.”

The association has worked in concert with the state Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Buffalo Creek Watershed board and McLeod County Planning and Zoning to protect the lake and preserve it for future generations.

Summer fun
The association is hosting two fun summer events this year — a boat parade and potluck picnic.

The boat parade starts at noon Friday, July 4. Registration for those who want show off their “floats” starts at 11:30 a.m. at the south public boat landing.

The association’s annual picnic starts at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21., at the Brownton Rod and Gun Club, south of Lake Marion. Chicken and beverages will be provided and attendees are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Maiers and Pedersen invite anyone who enjoys Lake Marion to join the association. “We have members that are even a long ways away, but they use (the lake),” Maiers said.

The membership fee is $20 per year or $120 for a lifetime membership. For more information, call Pedersen at (320) 328-9911.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com [2])