What We Do

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Earley Lake and fostering community through nature and outdoor enjoyment.

About Us

Welcome to Friends of Earley Lake, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and enjoyment of the beautiful Earley Lake and its surrounding natural habitat. Our mission is to bring people together through nature, fostering a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the tranquility it offers.

By working hand in hand with dedicated volunteers, local residents, and organizations, we aim to promote environmental stewardship, foster a sense of ownership, and nurture a shared love for Earley Lake. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on our community, preserving this precious natural gem for generations to come.

Join us on this journey of environmental responsibility and the joy of experiencing nature's beauty firsthand. Discover the wonders of Earley Lake and be a part of a community that cherishes the outdoors and the connections it brings. Together, let's create a legacy of preservation and unity through the power of nature.

A Message From Todd Olson: President of FOEL

Earley Lake is an oasis of nature in the middle of the bustling Burnsville community and is enjoyed by many every day.

However, there are a number of challenges that go along with our mission to preserve Earley Lake. Our location, being surrounded by I-35  to the east, County Road 5 to the west, and the County Road 42 business district to the north, presents issues of contaminated run-off and trash flowing into the Lake. The lake is also affected by its position and role in the Black Dog Watershed which starts with Crystal Lake upstream before ending in the Minnesota River downstream.

It takes a great deal of collective effort to maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the lake and the surrounding habitat and we are fortunate to have so many committed members that make this possible.

On behalf of the Friends of Earley Lake board of directors, I’d like to personally thank all of those whose consistent efforts and contributions allow so many to continue their daily enjoyment.

What We’ve Achieved

  • In 2011 due in large part to the efforts of FOEL, Early Lake was removed from the impaired waters list.

  • We have worked to remove large areas of buckthorn from the shoreline.

  • We hold cleanup days twice a year to keep our path and shoreline free of trash.

  • We worked closely with the city to repair the damaged sections of the path around the lake.

  • We hire an outside company to treat the lake, to prevent algae blooms.