A closer look at what’s happening beneath the surface of Seneca Lake will take center stage next month as scientists, environmental professionals, and local stakeholders gather to unpack emerging threats and long-term trends affecting one of the region’s most vital natural resources.
The Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association will host its annual water quality symposium on Thursday, May 28, at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, bringing together experts and the public for a focused discussion on issues ranging from harmful algal blooms to contamination and watershed management.
The event, scheduled from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the Vandervort Room, will be free and open to the public, with both in-person and virtual attendance options available. Organizers say the symposium is designed to give community members direct access to current research and practical insight into the health of the lake.
Among the featured speakers is Ian Smith, Seneca Lake watershed steward, who will present findings from a recent assessment of road drainage systems across Seneca County that flow into Seneca and Cayuga lakes. The work, supported through state Environmental Protection Fund funding, examined how infrastructure contributes to runoff and water quality challenges, and what mitigation efforts may be needed moving forward.
Lydia Martin, terrestrial invasive species program manager with the Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management, will discuss regional efforts to manage invasive species and protect native ecosystems. Her work has focused on habitat restoration and long-term stewardship strategies across the Finger Lakes.
Dr. Roxanne Razavi, an environmental toxicologist and assistant professor at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, will bring a research-driven perspective on contaminants in aquatic systems. Her work examines how pollutants such as mercury and emerging compounds like PFAS move through ecosystems and impact wildlife health.
Organizers say the symposium aims to bridge the gap between science and the public, offering a space for dialogue on shoreline conditions, algal blooms, and broader environmental pressures shaping the lake’s future.
The event will also include informal networking opportunities, along with refreshments and a raffle.
Registration is required, and additional details about virtual access will be shared with attendees ahead of the event.
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