Freshwater Summit

The Freshwater Summit is an annual conference aimed at discussing the latest research, projects, and initiatives that impact the Great Lakes and Grand Traverse Bay regions. The Summit engages environmental professionals, citizens, and businesses in topics of interest that help further understanding of and appreciation for our invaluable freshwater resources.

17th annual freshwater summit

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 │9am-3pm
Hagerty Center │ 715 E. Front St, Traverse City

8:30-9:00am: Registration

9:00-9:10am: Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:10-10:30am: TBD

10:30-10:50am: BREAK

10:50-11:40am: Microplastics Focus
Tami Renkoski, Michigan Microplastics Coalition

Boardman/Ottaway River Sampling
Nick Roster, Northwestern Michigan College

Student Research Project
Nancy Olenchek

11:40am-12:10pm: Swimmer’s Itch
Ron Reimink, Biologist, Lake Leelanau Lake Association
Dr. Patrick Hanington
Kelsey Froelich

12:10-1:00pm: LUNCH

2:00-3:00pm: LIGHTNING TALKS
Groundwater Contaminants
Great Lakes Environmental Center

Baldwin Dam Update
Conservation Resource Alliance

Boardman/Ottaway River Network
The Watershed Center

2:00-3:00pm: BREAK OUT SESSIONS
Room A
Climate Anxiety
Inland Seas Education Association

Room B
Whitefish Rehabilitation
Kris Dey, Little Traverse Bay band of Odawa Indians

3:00pm: Evaluation & Adjourn

The 17th Annual Freshwater Summit is generously sponsored by:

The Freshwater Summit is a product of the Freshwater Roundtable organized by The Watershed Center, Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, Michigan Sea Grant Extension, Great Lakes Environmental Center, Inland Seas Education Association, NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, and Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council.

Previous Freshwater Summit presentations can be found here:
16th Annual Freshwater Summit 2023
15th Annual Freshwater Summit 2022
14th Annual Freshwater Summit 2021
13th Annual Freshwater Summit 2020