HOLLISTON, Mass. — A new non-profit charity, Friends of Winthrop Lake (FOWL), has officially launched in Holliston with a mission to restore and preserve Lake Winthrop for the enjoyment of the entire community for years to come.

FOWL is a recognized 501(c)(3) corporation, allowing community contributions to be tax-deductible. This designation also allows for donations from Donor Advised Funds (DAF) investment accounts.  (The organization is solely dedicated to the well-being of the cherished local landmark.

The initiative has already gained significant traction. FOWL was recently awarded a generous $35,000 grant through the Holliston Community Preservation Committee (CPC). This funding will support a Public-Private Partnership initiative aimed at conducting a comprehensive “health check” of the lake.  A recent generous donation from Holliston Newcomers and Neighbors will also help FOWL with its efforts.

These grants, combined with essential community donations, will enable FOWL to hire an internationally recognized environmental engineering firm, TRC, to lead the assessment. This expert evaluation will be thorough, including detailed water quality testing, sediment analysis, and identification and mapping of both invasive and native aquatic plant life.

The critical data gathered from this extensive 2026 study will serve as the foundation for building a comprehensive short-term and long-term lake management plan. This strategic approach aims to guide future restoration efforts and ensure the lake’s health and vitality for generations.

“We are incredibly excited about the support we’ve received so far from Holliston’s board and committees and the greater Holliston community,” said Greg McEwen, a representative for FOWL. “The CPC grant is a game-changer and shows the community’s commitment to preserving this vital natural resource. The invasive weeds were identified as major concern in 2008, and the situation has only gotten worse.  We encourage everyone who loves Lake Winthrop to get involved and support our mission.”  

Residents interested in learning more about FOWL, making a donation, or volunteering their time can visit the organization’s new website at www.winthroplake.org or come say hi to the team at Stoddard Park during the Tuesday Summer concerts on the lake.