Lake Gaston, a 22,000-acre reservoir spanning Virginia and North Carolina, faced growing threats from invasive species such as Hydrilla and Lyngbya, which impacted water quality, ecosystem health, and recreational use. In response, the Lake Gaston Association (LGA) launched a comprehensive shoreline and vegetation survey in collaboration with NC State University. A team of 65 trained volunteers conducted annual surveys to assess aquatic vegetation and water clarity, documenting invasive species along 350 miles of shoreline. Collected data was mapped to visualize the distribution of invasive plants, supporting targeted interventions such as the introduction of sterile grass carp to control Hydrilla. The initiative improved ecological monitoring, supported informed management decisions, and strengthened community involvement in lake stewardship.