Visit a Buffer Lanscaping Demonstration Garden on the shoreline and talk with BLAST experts about proper plant selection for your property. Learn why Buffer Gardens help the water quality of SML. Enter for a chance to win selected potted plants on display.

Bugs in the Streams?

Save our Streams Team members will introduce visitors to the critters who live in our streams. See these bugs up close with microscopes, and learn why SMLA collects, counts and identifies these inhabitants in the name of water quality.

What Weeds? We have Weeds?

Presentation of Aquatic Weeds that live in SML and live demonstration of invasive weeds you might find here.

SMLA is Septic Smart, Are You?

Presentation/information on why you should be smart septic, with handouts.

SMLA is Growing Fish (Habitats, that is!)

Check out the fish habitat structures that SMLA and DWR put into the lake to provide places for small fish to hide. See a map of the habitat locations.

How Does SMLA Know the Lake is Healthy? Find Out!

Visit the new Ferrum College Water Quality Monitoring Vessel. Have some fun checking how clear the water is with various instruments. Learn more about the Water Quality Monitoring program at SML.

SMLA’s EcoKids Fun and Lakeside Scavenger Hunt

Visit the EcoKids Fun Tent for Lakeside Scavenger Hunt with prizes, more kids activities such as coloring pages, puzzles, kiddie fishing fun, stickers, and more! Other poster information on display too.

Antique & Classic Boat Society Smith Mountain Lake Chapter

Have an interest in Antique and Classic Boats but do not own one? No worries you do not have to own an Antique boat to join the club. On display will be a 1948 Chris Craft.

Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC)

TLAC serves as the administrative department for the four Virginia counties surrounding Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake. Learn more about TLAC’s Navigation and Environmental Committees, Adopt-a-Light/Adopt-a-Buoy program, Debris reporting, and Vessel Pump-Out program.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR)

The Virginia Conservation Police work to Conserve our natural resources, Connect people to Virginia’s outdoors, and Protect people and property through safe outdoor experiences. Conservation Police Officers will be on hand to meet and greet attendees, provide promotional material, and answer any boating, hunting, or fishing questions.

SML Fireboats

SML Fireboats is an all-volunteer public safety organization. Our dedicated volunteers respond to hundreds of calls each year including structure fires, medical emergencies, boat fires, watercraft collisions and boaters in distress. Our Emergency Response Dive (ERD) team supports underwater search and recovery operations.

Vessel Pump Out Program (VPOP)

A cooperative program offered by Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA), Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC), and VA Department of Health (VDH), VPOP provide dockside vessel sewage holding tank pump-out services. This program protects Smith Mountain Lake from potential human waste pollution. Services are provided at no cost to participating boaters.

County of Franklin Marine Unit

The purpose of the Office of the Sheriff, County of Franklin Marine Unit is to provide law enforcement services that are primarily related to the navigable water of Smith Mountain Lake. The primary functions of this program are to be visible to the public during patrols, respond to any emergency calls for service that are related to the lake, and to educate the public about the importance of water safety practices.

Bedford County Sheriff’s Office

Our Patrol Boat will in and out between patrols and will be staffed with two officers. Deputies will be on hand to talk about safe navigation on the lake and hiring opportunities with the department.

Virginia Department of Health (VDH)

The VDH Office of Environmental Health Services staff will be onsite to discuss its marina programs including Clean Vessel, Smith Mountain Lake Pump-Out, and other environmental initiatives.

Carilion Clinic Community Health and Outreach

The Clinic will share water safety tips for pools and open water – including lakes, oceans, and rivers. Learn correct life jacket fit, the importance of swimming skills, and designating a Water Watcher when children are in and around water. Take home a free Water Watcher card/whistle!

Crazy Horse Marina

Life jackets are essential at SML. The marina has different types of Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) available to boaters on Smith Mountain Lake. Wear the vest that you prefer. The marina store is full of supplies and treats.

Carefree Boat Club

Smith Mountain Lakes newest option to boat ownership. Boating Without Owning…It’s About Time!

Coast Guard Auxiliary

Visit our booth for boating safety information and learn more about what we do at SML. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a volunteer organization that supports the United States Coast Guard (USCG). It was established in 1939 and operates under the authority of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Auxiliary’s primary mission is to promote boating safety and provide support to the Coast Guard in a wide range of non-law enforcement activities.