Lead Morris class of 2024 explores Lake Hopatcong for Environment Day

September 24, 2024| Education, Environment, People

By: Kyle Richter

The 2024 Lead Morris Class got an exciting hands-on learning experience on Lake Hopatcong during their recent Environment Day on September 17. Lead Morris, a leadership program run by the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, brings together a diverse group of professionals from across the county to explore local issues while refining their leadership skills. I am fortunate to be a part of the class of 2024. The class’s latest adventure combined environmental education with a bit of history, making for an unforgettable day out on New Jersey’s largest lake.

As part of Environment Day, the class split in two and took turns rotating between experiences aboard the Lake Hopatcong Foundation’s Floating Classroom and the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum.  As the class cruised the lake, they learned about its ecosystem and what it takes to keep it healthy. They tested water quality, checked out some of the local wildlife, and discovered how everything—from water temperature to pH levels—affects life beneath the surface. It wasn’t all just about data, though. The group heard stories about how the lake has changed over time, both environmentally and as a community hub. For many in the class, it was an eye-opening experience to see how human activity impacts the lake, and what can be done to protect it.

At the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum, located in Lake Hopatcong State Park. This fascinating local museum gave them a deeper look at the lake’s long and storied history. From its early days as a key part of New Jersey’s canal system to its later years as a popular vacation spot, Lake Hopatcong has seen it all. The class explored artifacts, photos, and exhibits that told the story of how the lake shaped the local area. For many, it was a reminder of just how closely tied the community and the environment are—and how the health of one affects the other.

By the end of the day, the Lead Morris Class came away with a greater appreciation for Lake Hopatcong, not just as a beautiful destination, but as a critical part of the local ecosystem and a place with deep roots in the area’s history. The experience was a great blend of leadership development, environmental awareness, and a little local pride—exactly what Lead Morris is all about.