The annual symposium to explore the theme, “The Importance of Water and Rivers: What Does the Future Hold?”
LEWISBURG, Pa. — Experts in the field of environmental policy, watershed science, and stream restoration will present on a wide range of topics when the Bucknell Center for Sustainability & the Environment (BCSE) hosts the 20th Annual Susquehanna River Symposium on Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8, in the Elaine Langone Center (ELC) at Bucknell University.
“The Symposium brings people together across all walks of life who have a common interest in rivers, watersheds, communities and the health of the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay” says Professor Benjamin Hayes, director of the BCSE’s Watershed Sciences & Engineering Program and symposium chair. “It offers a place for the public to interact with academics, professionals and regulators, all with a common goal of promoting and persevering our watersheds for future generations.”
Stream restoration, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, science and management priorities, indigenous wisdom, and social-ecological dynamics will be featured in oral and poster presentations from faculty, students and professionals. Members of the general public can interact with academics and professionals through presentations and breakout discussions. All events take place in the ELC)at the corner of Moore Avenue and 7th Street on the Bucknell campus. Free public parking is available nearby. Registration is free and can be done online here.
The symposium begins on Friday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. in the ELC Forum (Room 272) with Freida J. Jacques (Whatwehni:neh) a humanities scholar, teacher, writer and clan mother of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy delivering the keynote address “The relationship changes over time with water, why it matters.” Jacques has been a leader and cultural liaison for over 50 years advocating for Native American Culture, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the rights and well-being of Native peoples and our planet.
After the presentation, more than 100 students and faculty from over 10 colleges and universities will present research posters in the ELC Terrace Room (Room 276) from 7 to 9 p.m. Also present will be exhibits from watershed groups, emergency management agencies, and environmental organizations.
The symposium continues on Saturday, Nov. 8 with plenary presentations, panel discussions, lunch, and oral presentations and two special public breakout sessions.
“Our lives depend upon a healthy Susquehanna River — its aquifers and streams are critical to our health and quality of life. We are very excited to gather together, listen to a wide range of experts, and ponder the question “what does the future hold?,” says Sean Reese, ecologist with the Watershed Sciences and Engineering Program and symposium co-chair.
Saturday from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m., Jacques will deliver a plenary presentation, “Onondaga Creek and Salt City.” From 9:45 to 10:15 a.m, Laurel Etter Longenecker, executive director, River Stewards Collaborative, will deliver a plenary address titled “Indigenous Heritage Initiative: Reconnecting Land and Culture.” From 10:30 to 11 a.m., Megan Schmidt, technical director with AKRF, will deliver a plenary address entitled “Resilient by the River: Strengthening Flood Preparedness and Preservation in Selinsgrove Borough.” From 11 to 11:30 a.m., David Goerman, water program specialist with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, will deliver a plenary address entitled “Adaptive Approaches to Process-Based Stream Restoration.” and from 11:30 a.m. to noon, there will be a panel discussion with reflection on the morning plenary presentations.
Saturday’s program will include additional oral presentations from 1 to 3 p.m. in the ELC. Special sessions for the public on “The Hidden Costs of Data Centers” will be held in the ELC Center Room from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8.
The symposium is free and open to the public and is made possible through financial support from Bucknell’s Center for Sustainability & the Environment and the Pennsylvania Water Resources Research Center at the Pennsylvania State University. Registration for the symposium helps us keep accurate food counts to prevent food waste. You can register or find additional information on the symposium website.
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CONTACTS: Benjamin Hayes, 570-577-1830, benjamin.hayes@bucknell.edu; Mike Ferlazzo, 570-577-3212, 570-238-6266 (c), mike.ferlazzo@bucknell.edu