Local land and water management will take center stage next month as experts gather to discuss the health of the Western Lake Erie Basin.
Hillsdale County serves as the headwaters of five major rivers. Two of those rivers are part of the Lake Erie watershed.
Local soil and nutrient management directly impacts the water quality for millions of people downstream.
The 2026 State of the Western Lake Erie Basin Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, at the Adrian Tobias Center in Adrian. The event will run from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.
Researchers, farmers, and community members will meet to discuss progress in reducing nutrient pollution. Key topics include updates on watershed management plans, the creation of nutrient-reducing wetlands, and new engineering practices designed to protect water quality without hurting crop yields.
The conference is open to the public. General admission is $70, though scholarships are available.
Farmers and agricultural professionals may also apply for reimbursement for their registration and travel costs.
Organizers say the goal is to build community resilience while protecting the natural resources that begin right here in Hillsdale County. Those interested in presenting research posters on water quality or algae blooms have until the registration deadline to submit their information.
Hillsdale County serves as the headwaters of five major rivers. Two of those rivers are part of the Lake Erie watershed.
Local soil and nutrient management directly impacts the water quality for millions of people downstream.
The 2026 State of the Western Lake Erie Basin Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, at the Adrian Tobias Center in Adrian. The event will run from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.
Researchers, farmers, and community members will meet to discuss progress in reducing nutrient pollution. Key topics include updates on watershed management plans, the creation of nutrient-reducing wetlands, and new engineering practices designed to protect water quality without hurting crop yields.
The conference is open to the public. General admission is $70, though scholarships are available.
Farmers and agricultural professionals may also apply for reimbursement for their registration and travel costs.
Organizers say the goal is to build community resilience while protecting the natural resources that begin right here in Hillsdale County. Those interested in presenting research posters on water quality or algae blooms have until the registration deadline to submit their information.