Genesee RiverWatch
Genesee RiverWatch is hosting its annual Genesee River Basin Summit on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the RIT Inn and Conference Center. The topic of this year’s Summit is “Emerging Issues”. Join Genesee RiverWatch and fellow stakeholders, experts, and community members for a vital discussion on Emerging Issues affecting water quality and recreation in the Genesee River Basin. This will be a unique opportunity to learn about critical topics impacting our watershed and to participate in meaningful conversations that can drive positive change.
Emerging issues to be discussed include:
- Methods to sample dissolved greenhouse gases in the Genesee River. Learn more
- The impact of the Erie Canal on water quality of the Genesee River. Learn more
- Characterization of plastics in the Genesee. Learn more
- Wood debris removal in the Upper Genesee. Learn more
The event includes a continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments, exhibitors, and is free to attend.
The link to register and the complete agenda are below.
>> REGISTER HERE for the May 28, 2025, Summit <<
Agenda
| Time | Topic | Presentation(s) | Presenter(s) |
| 8:00 to 8:30 | Registration | Continental Breakfast | VISIT EXHIBITS |
| 8:30 to 9:15 | Opening Remarks | 1. Welcome 2. Why Emerging Issues | 1. Mike Haugh – Genesee RiverWatch 2. George Thomas – Genesee RiverWatch |
| 9:15 to 10:15 | Greenhouse Gases | Methods for Continuous Sampling of Dissolved Greenhouse Gases and Other Environmental Variables in the Genesee River (Presentation highlight) | Katie Gregory – University of Rochester |
| 10:15 to 10:45 | BREAK | Coffee Refresh | VISIT EXHIBITS |
| 10:45 to 11:45 | Erie Canal | Impact of the Erie Canal on Genesee River Water Quality (Presentation highlight) | Joe Makarewicz – Genesee RiverWatch |
| 11:45 to 12:45 | LUNCH | Provided | VISIT EXHIBITS |
| 1:00 to 1:15 | Awards | Elizabeth Thorndike Environmental Leadership Awards | Mike Storonsky – Genesee RiverWatch |
| 1:15 to 2:15 | Plastics | Characterization of Plastics in the Genesee (Presentation highlight) | Christy Tyler – Rochester Institute of Technology |
| 2:15 to 2:45 | BREAK | Cookies & Beverage Provided | VISIT EXHIBITS |
| 2:45 to 3:45 | Logjams | Woody Debris Removal Project in the Upper Genesee River Basin (Presentation highlight) | Rebecca Rowley and Rando Morgan – Genesee River Wilds and River Rangers |
| 3:45 to 4:00 | Wrap-up | Thank You | Genesee RiverWatch |
I hope you will make the sessions available online, especially the one on the Erie Canal, for those of us unable to make it in person.
Thank you for your message and interest, Kit. We have just confirmed that we will record the presentations and post them on our website shortly after the Summit. We’ll be sure to let you know when they’re available.
I have just broken a number of ribs. is there a way I could attend at least some of the talks by zoom. I am in my 80s? Many thanks for your reply, Joanna Heal
Thank you for your message and interest, Joanna. We have just confirmed that we will record the presentations and post them on our website shortly after the Summit. We’ll be sure to let you know when they’re available. (P.S. We hope you’re feeling better and healing quickly!)