What Is the State of Our Lakes? Join the Conversation This September
The lakes of the Kawartha watershed are more than just beautiful places to spend a summer day. They support fish and wildlife, provide drinking water, attract visitors, contribute to local economies, and help define the communities we call home.
But like lakes across Ontario, they are facing growing pressures. Invasive species, changing weather patterns, shoreline development, water quality concerns, and evolving recreational demands all influence the health of our lakes and the decisions being made to protect them.
To help foster a better understanding of these challenges and opportunities, Kawartha Conservation is hosting its inaugural State of the Lakes Symposium on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Fenelon Falls Community Centre.
The symposium will bring together scientists, environmental organizations, community leaders, lake associations, stewardship groups, and residents for a day of learning, discussion, and collaboration focused on the future of our lakes.
Attendees will hear directly from experts working on some of the most important issues affecting our region's water resources. Presentations will explore topics ranging from aquatic vegetation and fisheries management to public health monitoring, source water protection, community well-being, and programs that support local landowners in protecting and improving lake health.
Confirmed speakers include:
Andrea Kirkwood (PhD, Environmental Microbiology) discussing Aquatic Vegetation in the Kawartha Lakes: The Good, the Bad, and the Complexity
Adam Challice, Nolan Pearce, and Jeremy Holden from the Ministry of Natural Resources presenting on Monitoring, Assessment, and Management of Fisheries in FMZ 17
Jim Hunt, former Chair of the Trent Conservation Coalition Source Protection Committee, speaking about The Importance of the Source Protection Program
Maya Miric and Faizat Adio of Lakelands Public Health presenting on public health surveillance programs, including beach monitoring, mosquitoes, ticks, and rabies awareness
Eric Smeaton, Executive Director of the Kawartha Community Foundation, sharing findings from the community's Vital Signs Report
Kawartha Conservation staff discussing the Lake Management Implementation Action Plan and programs that support local landowners
Gavin Vance, Lake Stewardship Coordinator with the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations on the Lake Partner Program Initiative
Additional speakers and panel discussions will be announced as planning continues.
"The State of the Lakes Symposium is an opportunity to bring together people who care about the future of our lakes," said Carolyn Snider, Community Engagement Technician with Kawartha Conservation. "Whether you're a waterfront property owner, member of a lake association, municipal representative, environmental professional, or simply someone who enjoys spending time on the water, there is something valuable to learn. We want people to leave with a better understanding of the issues affecting our lakes, the work being done to address them, and how they can be part of the solution."
Beyond the presentations, attendees will have opportunities to connect with organizations working across the watershed through vendor and information booths. Participating organizations currently include the Kawartha Conservation Foundation, Kawartha Land Trust, The Land Between and Turtle Guardians, Invasive Species Awareness Program, Scugog Lake Stewards, Kawartha Lakes Stewards Association, Lakelands Public Health, and the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations (FOCA).
Lunch is included with registration, and the $15 registration fee helps offset the cost of lunch and event delivery. There is no fee to access Kawartha Conservation's watershed information or monitoring data, which continue to be publicly available through the organization.
Whether you are interested in lake stewardship, environmental science, fisheries, public health, community engagement, or simply gaining a deeper understanding of the lakes that shape our region, the State of the Lakes Symposium promises to be an informative and engaging day.
Space is limited. To learn more or register, visit the State of the Lakes Symposium event page on the Kawartha Conservation website or www.kawarthaconservation.com/stateofthelakes.
