Great Lakes Awareness Day

Great Lakes Awareness Day is an annual celebration observed in both the United States and Canada, honoring the Great Lakes. These unique water resources have captivated people around the world with their mesmerizing beauty. The holiday is observed on the Monday of the first full week in May.

History

Great Lakes Awareness Day was established to raise public awareness about the environmental issues affecting the Great Lakes, particularly pollution. Since 2018, there has been a special focus on preserving the freshwater ecosystem of the Great Lakes. These lakes represent one of the largest freshwater reservoirs on the planet, rivaling the glaciers of Antarctica, Lake Baikal, and the lakes in Africa.

The holiday’s creation was influenced by protests against the high-risk “Line 5” pipeline, which affects two of the five Great Lakes—Michigan and Huron.

In the 20th century, the Great Lakes were heavily exploited due to their geographical location in the heart of the continent, as well as the fertile soils and large forests in the surrounding areas. By the 1950s, experts began to report elevated levels of toxic substances in the lakes. Twenty years later, the United States and Canada started working together on programs aimed at improving the environment and protecting the ecosystem of these vital water resources.

Interesting Facts

• The weather on the Great Lakes is very unpredictable. Storms can even occur, with depths recorded as far as 400 meters!
• The Great Lakes contain 84% of North America’s fresh water.
• There are numerous small and large islands across the Great Lakes, totaling about 35,000.

How to Celebrate

Learn more about the Great Lakes. If possible, plan a trip to the heart of the continent to witness these unique water resources firsthand!

Share information about the holiday on social media. Ask users if they have visited the Great Lakes and what impressions the lakes left on them.

When is Great Lakes Awareness Day in 2025?

Great Lakes Awareness Day is observed on the Monday of the first full week in May each year.

Observations