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Keynote Speakers & Networking Opportunities

On Friday and Satu​rday, we bring together hundreds of lake lovers to hear informative and inspiring messages from national leaders in lakes and natural resources. These sessions take place in the Northwoods Expo room.

Agenda subject to change.

Friday, April 25th


9:00 - 10:45 am
Kickoff Plenary Panel

"Back to the Point of Lake Management"​

​Panel Members: Dr. Susan Knight, Dr. Tim Kratz, and Dr. Carl Watras
Moderated by Glen Moberg, Wisconsin Public Radio

The Friday morning plenary session emphasizes our theme of getting back to the point of lake management with a panel of lake scientists discussing the evolution of lake challenges over the past three decades. Dr. Carl Watras, Research Scientist; Dr. Susan Knight, Botanist and AIS Specialist; and Dr.Tim Kratz, Director of the Trout Lake Station will engage in a moderated discussion with Glen Moberg from Wisconsin Public Radio. They will highlight the long-term experiments carried out at Little Rock Lake in Vilas County and the management implications of lake research in Wisconsin. Read (and listen) to a recent Wisconsin Public Radio report on the Little Rock Lake experiments here.

Slideshow put to Glen Moberg's radio news broadcast​ (shown prior to the panel discussion)


"Back to the Point" Digital Production​​

This year's state-wide convention is back in Stevens Point, and it reminded us that we need to get "back to the point" of protecting and restoring our state's lakes. Come along with us as we take a quick trip along the timeline of Wisconsin's lakes. This digital production is brought to you through the continued partnership of UWEX Lakes and the UW-Stevens Point music department.


 
 ​​​​​​​​​​​Saturday​, April 26th
8:50 - 9:50 am
Keynote Speaker​
Dr. Tyrone Hayes, Univ. of California - Berkeley

​Biologist and herpetologist Tyrone Hayes, a professor of integrative biology at the University of California, Berkeley strongly believes scientific breakthroughs don’t begin and end in the laboratory. They also come from the field. Hayes’ interest in frog hormones, specifically those of a tiny reed frog common in Ethiopia and Uganda, sparked his interest in his current fieldwork. “Surprisingly, frog hormones are very similar, and in some cases identical, to human hormones,” he says. “So what affects a frog may also affect humans.” Hayes is perhaps best known for his research on the herbicide atrazine where his findings reveal a crucial new link between conservation and health. He was featured in the PBS Nature documentary Thin Green Line, you can view an excerpt here. In 2013, the Center for Biological Diversity presented its second annual E.O. Wilson Award for Outstanding Science in Biodiversity Conservation to Dr. Hayes for his work elevating the issues facing frogs and amphibian species worldwide.


Networking Opportunities

There are many opportunities throughout this year's convention agenda to connect and reconnect with others who love our state's wonderful water resources. 

 

Wisconsin Lakes Partnership Convention Welcome Reception

Thursday, 7:00-11:00 pm

This informal gathering of lake lovers is a great way for newcomers to "get their feet wet" and for seasoned convention attendees to reconnect. There will be a handful of Wisconsin Lake Leaders graduates - and trust us, you'll want to know what they've been up to! Never heard of Lake Leaders? Well, here's your opportunity to meet some of the lake citizens and professionals who have earned the title of "Wisconsin Lake Leader," and find out what this leadership opportunity sparked them to accomplish and how they continue to be committed to Wisconsin's amazing lakes.
 
There will also be Wisconsin Lakes Board Members, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource Professionals, UW-Extension Lakes Specialists and other lake educators and enthusiasts.
 
This reception is covered by your Friday registration fee and will include appetizers. Beverages will be available at the conveniently located bar in the Amber Grill.
 
 

Sunrise Yoga

Friday, 6:45-7:45 am

Quita Sheehan from Phelps, Wisconsin will lead participants through basic yoga poses in a mellow and relaxed environment. Participants should bring a yoga mat or bath towel with them. Wearing comfortable clothing is recommended. Free and welcome to all ages and levels of interest.
 

Wisconsin Lake Stewardship Banquet and Awards Ceremony

Friday, 6:00 pm

There are many citizens and professionals across the state who are dedicated to protecting and restoring our water resources. The Wisconsin Lakes Stewardship Awards are a way to recognize some of these extraordinary individuals and groups who protect and improve our lakes. People are nominated for Stewardship Awards by their peers - what a meaningful way to say, "Thank you!" to the people in your community who work so hard to care for our lakes. Winners of these awards join a select group of women, men, students, and organizations whose unmatched dedication, vision, and commitment ensure that Wisconsin's legacy of lakes will be safe and secure for generations to come.

Please join us in celebrating the 2014 Wisconsin Lake Stewardship Award winners and new nominees at our banquet and awards ceremony on Friday evening.

Stewardship Winners:
Citizen: Carol LeBreck (video​)
Group, Single Lake: Tainter/Menomin Improvement Association (video)
Group, Multiple Lakes: Washburn County Lakes and Rivers Association (video)
Public Service: Center for Watershed Science and Education, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Extension (video)
Youth: Girl Scout Troop#2789 (Lisa Conley accepting - shown here with Carroll Schaal and Eric Olson)

 

Lakes Partnership After Hours

Friday, 8:00-11:00 pm

This informal gathering is another opportunity to make new friends and reminisce with old ones. Some folks will be crafting jewelry and other trinkets from aquatic invasive species, some will be sharing favorite lake stories, poems, quotes, and songs (or making them up on the fly). If you have an instrument, bring it along! The only requirement is that you relax and enjoy yourself!
 
 

Education Tables and Exhibitor Booths

Thursday through Saturday

Business and education tables will line the halls of the Holiday Inn Convention Center throughout the convention. Take some time during the refreshment breaks, designated networking times, and poster session to chat with these folks. Find out more here. 


 














Poster Presentations​

Friday - 3:30-5:00 p.m.


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