Who knew when the month of April rolled in, not only would it bring spring weather, beautiful flowers but a new way of living and creating activities from a “stay at home” mandate. Now that many of us are working from home, we have time to stop and smell the roses, if no one else is doing the same thing at the same rose bush. #AloneTogether

A Rowan County furry friend taking a load off on everyone’s favorite lake.
High Rock Lake is Open for Business
I have received several emails and Facebook inquiries regarding if High Rock Lake is open for business – YES! Our gem right here in Rowan County is open for residents and visitors alike for boating, fishing, jet skiing, kayaking and the list goes on. I have seen several families enjoying our warm spring on pontoon boats and sadly have also witnessed those that are placing fun in the moment above being smart long-term and adhering to social distancing guidelines. N.C. Wildlife Commission recently released simple rules for boating in this new normal of trying to be good lake community members.

A helpful chart to explain how to social distance when out boating.
So, plan a day out on High Rock Lake with your immediate family. You can still order food for takeout from Lakeside Family Restaurant or Tamarac Marina and Grill, it will be fun to picnic on your boat.
April 22 is Earth Day
Even as social distancing is the new normal that we all are getting used to, don’t forget Wednesday, April 22nd is Earth Day and it’s the 50th anniversary. We can all still participate by enjoying the lovely scent of fresh air, clean up some litter in your own yard, neighborhood or park, plant a tree, or simply enjoy companionship with nature! Walk through the woods in search of emerging wildflowers and green moss. Go outside, no matter the weather!

Someone’s taking advantage of the nice weather out on High Rock Lake!
Events such as river or cove clean ups will take place, however since it’s a mid-week date, perhaps the weekend either before or after could work for you and your family. Visit earthday.org or https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/
Celebrate Earth Day by appreciating and respecting the natural world. Here are some ideas to inspire you! (excerpt from the Old Farmer’s Almanac, March 2020)
- Plant wildflowers! Read our article on native wildflowers to plant in your garden. Also, see our video demonstrating how to grow wildflowers!
- Go native! Plants thrive best when they’re natural to your area. See our article on native plant landscaping and 10 tips for an eco-friendly garden.
- Bring nature into the garden with plants that attract butterflies and plants that attract hummingbirds!
- Invite native bees to your garden. These are the bees that pollinate your plants for more flowers and food! Perhaps add a native bee house to your backyard.
- Start an organic vegetable garden. Here are tips on organic seed-starting, and our Beginner’s Guide to Vegetable Gardening to get you started.
- Conserve water! See our tips for watering wisely in the garden and tips on how to create your own rain garden.
- Also, avoid over-watering. Know how much your garden really needs with our watering chart! Watch our video demonstrating 10 smart watering tips for a healthy garden.
- Clean up your community by picking up litter in a local park or roadway.
- Talk to your local government about planting more trees and native garden beds in public spaces or consider planting your own on your property! See advice on how to plant a tree as well as our video demonstrating how to plant a fruit tree.
- Cut back on plastic consumption! See a Plastics Recycling Chart.
- Plus, consider how to reduce dependency on bottled water and drinks. Know what’s in all those bottled drinks!
- Recycle in the garden! See our videos on how to reuse plant pots and containers and other items you can recycle and reuse in the garden.
- Learn how to reuse in the kitchen and reuse in the home and re-purpose everyday household items!

Someone’s out here skipping rocks and fishing!
Earth Day is always celebrated on April 22. It’s followed closely by Arbor Day, which falls on the last Friday in April.
Getting Ready for Summer
High Rock Lake Association, the voice of our Rowan based lake, is still hard at work for the 2020 recreational season. The annual mailing to its current membership has gone out with the 2020 decals. If you would like one, simply join HRLA by going to the www.hrla.com website. All members receive this decal so you too can show your support of High Rock Lake #HRL.

The NEW High Rock Lake Association stickers for 2020!
HRLA is working plans for the upcoming July 4 dock decorating competition. Regardless if we are still social distancing or not, residents can show their patriotic creativity and send in pictures of their dock for the second annual event. Judges will view docks by boat going into the holiday weekends. This trophy will be presented to the 2020 summer winner during the holiday weekend – just in time for bragging rights! Last year there were more than 40 entries, HRLA is hoping to double the participants from both counties. #FriendlyCompetition

High Rock Lake Trophy! What a beauty!
The Rowan Dragon Boat Festival is still on the horizon, or beach shore as you might say. The date is Saturday, July 25 at Rowan Shrine Club, Long Ferry Road, Salisbury.
The 2020 Rowan Chamber Dragon Boat Festival event chair is Daniel Matangira and he is ready to roll, or… paddle. “The dragon boat festival instills teambuilding, family fun and clean-competition,” said Daniel Matangira. “People this is exciting. Ok I’ll admit it, I have tasted victory last year and can’t wait to defend our team’s championship! As a local small business owner, this event promotes the community and is a fundraiser to enhance the Chamber’s resources for small businesses of Rowan County. I am extremely proud of how our community supports this festival from food trucks and local breweries to our residents venturing out to the Lake to look at what all of the excitement is about.”

Gator Bites, 2019 Championship Dragon Boat team.
Finally, as we work though our new lifestyle and daily activities, I want to give a shout out to everyone in the medical community and to our new front line of essential workers such as those in Rowan County grocery stores for keeping up with the influx of shoppers all looking for the same thing or as it seems as the empty shelves show. We will get through this and I can’t wait to see sunscreen shelves needing to be restocked in the coming months. #retailresponders
I hope to see you all out on the lake! From a distance.
I would love to hear from you on what your favorite lake activity is, or someone that you would like me to feature in 2020. Please email me at highrock@YourRowan.com
#itsaROCOthing #lakeliving #YourRowan #BeAnOriginal #HighRockLake
Up Next
Sunny Days at High Rock Lake
10th Annual Dragon Boat Festival Opens for Team Registration
9th Annual Rowan Chamber Dragon Boat Festival
“The annual Dragon Boat Festival is something the community looks forward to each year. We strive to bring about positive, family-oriented activities, while incorporating our county business partners to make a positive economic impact.