Genesee RiverWatch
Genesee RiverWatch hosted 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 was “Emerging Issues”. Approximately 100 stakeholders, experts, and community members participated in vital discussions on Emerging Issues affecting water quality and recreation in the Genesee River Basin. It was a unique opportunity to learn about critical topics impacting our watershed and to participate in meaningful conversations that can drive positive change. In addition to the presentations, 10 organizations exhibited their work on subjects such as recreation opportunities and improving the environment.
Each year at our Summit, the Elizabeth Thorndike Award is given to individuals, organizations, projects, or events in recognition of significant contributions to our mission of “championing solutions that improve the water quality of the Genesee and initiatives that connect people to the River”. This year’s honor went to Kaeti Stoss, Environmental Education Specialist at RIT. Congratulations, Kaeti!
Summit presentations included:
Welcome and Opening Remarks: Why Emerging Issues – Presenter: George Thomas, Executive Director, Genesee RiverWatch
Methods to Sample Dissolved Greenhouse Gases in the Genesee River – Presenter: Katie Gregory, Doctoral Student, University of Rochester’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Presentation Summary (Presentation not available)
The Impact of the Erie Canal on Water Quality of the Genesee River – Presenter: SUNY Brockport Distinguished Professor Emeritus Joseph Makarewicz. Presentation Summary
Characterization of Plastics in the Genesee River – Presenter: Christy Tyler, Professor, RIT’s Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences. Presentation Summary (Presentation not available)
Wood Debris Removal in the Upper Genesee – Presenters: Rebecca Rowley of Genesee River Wilds and Rando Morgan, Founder/CEO of River Rangers International, Inc., Presentation Summary
Exhibitors included: