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The Indian River Lakes Conservancy’s annual Water Quality Conference welcomed a group of approximately 26 participants to Redwood Hill Preserve for a full day of expert presentations, collaborative discussions, and meaningful community exchange focused on the future of our local lakes.

Speakers from key conservation organizations—including the New York State Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA), SLELO PRISM, the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, and the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District—joined IRLC to lead sessions on water quality trends, invasive species management, and regional conservation strategies. A delicious lunch was generously provided by The Corner Market in Theresa.

One of the most discussed topics of the day centered around Boyd Pond, where Kevin McCarthy provided a detailed update on algae bloom concerns, water clarity issues, and ongoing monitoring efforts. His session opened the floor to conversation about pond health and the importance of proactive management strategies. Attendees also heard from Kenneth Boyd, whose family has a long and meaningful connection to the pond. Kenneth shared historical insight and offered thoughtful ideas about community-based solutions to address and reverse the impacts of nutrient buildup and algal growth.

Another highlight of the day was the keynote presentation by Dr. Nina Schoch, from the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, who captivated attendees with her research on loon ecology and how these charismatic birds act as indicators of lake health.

Lisa O’Driscoll, a conference participant, found both the data and wildlife sessions to be highly engaging:

“Water data was interesting because it focused on water quality. I’m not a numbers person, but I found her research informative. I had lots of new learning about loons and their importance on our lakes.”

Attendees also took part in small breakout groups, where lake association leaders and residents discussed their own lake-specific challenges and shared success stories. IRLC Board Chair John O’Driscoll noted:

“I did learn the most when we did the breakout session and I got to listen to people from other lakes talk about their issues.”

The conference also introduced IRLC’s upcoming Love the Lakes Survey, which will launch this summer as a way to collect community input, strengthen collaboration across lakes, and guide future water quality initiatives.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this conference a success, including all presenters, participants, and volunteers. Special appreciation goes to Cross Island Farm, The Enchanted Edible Forest, and the New York State Federation of Lake Associations for their generous sponsorship.

Stay tuned for the launch of the Love the Lakes Survey, and learn how you can get involved in shaping the future of our waters.