Winter Environmental Conference - Save The River! Thousand Islands

Save The River’s 33rd Annual Winter Environmental Conference

January 29th & February 5th

2022 SPEAKERS

Marc Yaggi, Executive Director of Waterkeeper Alliance will bring a global perspective to our innate relationship with water, the water and climate crisis, and the critical role that local leaders and citizens play in solving these challenges for current and future generations.

Kennedy Bucci

University of Toronto PhD student Kennedy Bucci will report on her research showing the problems caused by microplastics in our waters. Research has shown that microplastics are present in the bloodstream of humans, fish, and waterfowl.

Abe Francis

The Kaniatarowanenneh (St. Lawrence) is an important part of Akwesasronon identity as well as an essential part of cultural integrity and continuity. Abe’s talk will highlight this important connection and share a deeper understanding of research towards action in Akwesasne.

Diana White

Dr. White has started modeling biological invasions in her own backyard in Norwood Lake, NY. In particular, she’s developing a model to study the spread and biological control of invasive watermilfoil, an invasive aquatic plant that’s spread through much of the US.

Scott Schlueter

Scott Schlueter is a Senior Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and leads the Fish Enhancement, Mitigation, and Research Fund. His work focuses on restoring native fish species and their habitat in the St. Lawrence River, including over 25 years of sturgeon conservation efforts. His presentation will focus on the history and recovery efforts of Lake Sturgeon in northern New York.

Lauren Eggleston

Lauren will give an update on the Unionid Refuge Invasive Species Research Project. This NYSDEC funded project is in partnership with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Environmental Division and the New York State Museum. Our research investigates river-bottom sediments and mussel relationships in the Lower Grasse River. In this talk, we’ll discuss the importance of these species and the need for outreach and education about freshwater mussels.

Chelsea Broughton

Chelsea Broughton is an education intern at Save The River. In this talk, we will be discussing the experience of educating a 9th grade class on freshwater mussels in the classroom and on the water.