Helping America’s Lakes and Waterways
Americans love the lakes, rivers and waterways operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These special places rely on the help of many organizations and individuals to create a positive visitor experience. The Corps Foundation is the only nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to supporting our nation's lakes, rivers and their many resources.
People join the Foundation to express their deep appreciation for these water resources. In the company of likeminded people, many support Corps Lakes financially and as volunteers to help maintain the quality experiences we all love and cherish.
HOW WE ARE HELPING
Water Safety Education
With over 400 lake and river projects in 43 states managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), visitor safety is a top priority. The Corps Foundation partners with USACE to develop products and promote the “Life Jackets Worn…Nobody Mourns” campaign. Campaign materials are available for free at PleaseWearIt.com. Please follow us at Please Wear It on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn how to ensure all your days in, on, and near the water are fun and enjoyable!
Wildlife and Fisheries Habitat
The Corps manages 12 million acres of some of the best wildlife and fisheries habitat in the nation. These lands are managed to preserve and restore the habitats for plants, fish and wildlife. The Corps Foundation partners with a wide range of organizations to undertake environmental projects which help to reestablish and protect healthy ecosystems surrounding Corps operated lakes and along the nation's rivers.
Recreation Improvements
Today, one out of every ten Americans visits a Corps lake to participate in water based activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and boating. It's a big job to manage the millions of acres of land and water and to meet the recreation demands of millions of visitors. The Corps Foundation works in partnership with many organizations to help maintain and improve the parks and recreational facilities surrounding these lakes.
Resource Education
Visitors to Corps lakes are offered a host of ways to learn about the nature and culture of the area, with educational programs on topics like water recreation safety, fish and wildlife species, and cultural and historical resources. The Corps Foundation assists by partnering with a wide range of organizations including local Friends groups, private individuals and businesses to support educational activities which enhance the visitor's experience.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
In a time of decreasing federal funding America's lakes and waterways are at risk of reduced access, eliminated programs, even closures. With your financial support we can help maintain and improve programs and facilities and keep these treasured resources vibrant.
Join
Sign up to get our news and action alerts, add your voice to our advocacy for America’s water resources.
Your tax-deductible gift will support our work with the Corps lakes and parks around the country.
Innovations Store
The Innovations Store is an exciting new partnership between the Corps of Engineers Multi-District Innovations team and the Corps Foundation to host new technology for Natural Resource Management employees and enhance the recreational experience of the visiting public.
Get Social
Like us on Facebook and tell us about your favorite Corps lakes and parks and share your photos.
WATER WATER EVERYWHERE
And thanks to the Corps there are countless places to enjoy it!
The Corps is the leading federal provider of outdoor recreation, with nearly 370 million visitors annually, and managing 12 million acres of land and water located in 43 states.