welcome! [1bgfed3gunqq3wtodz172r4o …...protect and restore these freshwater jewels. the good news...

GREAT LAKES CONFERENCEHEALING OUR WATERS®– GREAT LAKES COALITION 14TH ANNUAL

WELCOME!THANK YOU FOR HELPING SHAPE THE FUTURE

OF THE GREAT LAKES.

Photos by Donna Kert, Todd Marsee/Michigan Sea Grant and Mary Bohling/Michigan Sea Grant

The Joyce Foundation is proud to support the 14th Annual Healing Our Waters Conference.

We congratulate the HOW Coalition on more than a decade of remarkable success. It's amazing what can

be accomplished when a committed, smart group of people brings together ideas and solutions in a

collaborative process and acts on them.

INVESTING IN POLICIES TO ADVANCE RACIAL EQUITY AND ECONOMIC MOBIL ITY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION IN THE GREAT LAKES REGION.

EDUCATION & ECONOMIC

MOBIL ITY

ENVIRONMENT

GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION &

JUSTICE REFORM

DEMOCRACY

CULTURE@JoyceFdn

www.JoyceFdn.org

THANK YOUTO THE HEALING OUR WATERS–GREAT LAKES COALITION FUNDERS

brookbyfoundation.org erbff.org

McDOUGAL FAMILY FOUNDATION

joycefdn.org

mott.org wegefoundation.com

2 @HealthyLakes • #GreatLakes19 healthylakes.org

WELCOME GREAT LAKES ADVOCATES

On behalf of the Governance Board, members, and staff of the Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition, I am pleased to welcome you to Detroit for the 14th Annual Great Lakes Conference. Of course, this welcome is nearly 7 months after we originally scheduled this conference. I want to thank you all for your patience and tenacity as we worked extremely hard to reschedule this conference due to the labor strike in October. I am happy to report that we were able to not only replicate nearly all of the original agenda but we have increased our registrants and sponsors, and added new, exciting content to ensure that we are delivering the most up-to-date information and perspectives. It shows how strong and close-knit a community we are. So, we’re not only back — we’re better than before!

Since 2004, when we formed the coalition with a goal of restoring the Great Lakes, we have made remarkable strides. Through the dedication of our member groups, allies, and partners, the Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition has played a monumental role in generating more than $3 billion in federal restoration funding to protect and restore this treasured resource, securing billions in infrastructure funding and engaging in key Great Lakes policy issues. One hallmark of this effort is the creation of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which has supported over 4,000 restoration projects that are healing the lakes and revitalizing local communities and economies.

This work has built a great foundation for the successful restoration of our Great Lakes, but we all know that there is much more work to do. All people deserve access to clean, healthy, affordable drinking water, and the past several years have made all of us painfully aware of how often this is lacking. Whether you are concerned about harmful algal blooms that foul waters like Lake Erie, the threat of more aquatic invasive species, the safety and affordability of drinking water, or the impacts of climate change, we all know that much more needs to be done to fully protect and restore these freshwater jewels.

The good news is that thanks to the Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition and all of the hard work of our many partners across the region, we are better

positioned than ever to tell the stories of Great Lakes communities, react to these threats, and forcefully speak with one voice. From its inception, the Coalition has worked to make Great Lakes restoration a national priority that is supported by public officials from all political stripes — and we have done that by a commitment to bring diverse voices to the table. It is our job to ensure that this collective voice leads to real results for our waterways and citizens. So there is much work before us.

This conference, with our more than two dozen workshops, engaging field trips, and a delightful evening reception, will hopefully inform, engage and inspire you for the work ahead. When you leave Detroit this week, I am hopeful that this Great Lakes Conference will have given you an opportunity to relax and see old friends, and to make a few new ones. But beyond that, I challenge you to share success stories, forge new relationships and partnerships and develop new strategies. I hope you all will go home with a renewed sense of vigor, optimism and energy to continue the fight to protect and restore these magnif-icent water bodies.

Many thanks to all of you for all that you do for the most significant fresh water resource on the planet —our Great Lakes.

Mike ShribergCo-Chair & Interim Coalition DirectorHealing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition

3Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition • 14th Annual Great Lakes Conference

THE ROLE OF JUSTICE IN OUR WORK

The Great Lakes provide drinking water for more than 30 million people around the region, but in the midst of water riches, many people must go without. Sometimes people cannot drink their water because it has been poisoned, as residents of Flint, Toledo, and Milwaukee know all too well. But sometimes the water itself is fine—it’s the policies and practices that separate people from this most basic need. Over the last decade six major cities in this water-rich region issued 367,740 shutoff notices for families. An analysis by American Public Media and Great Lakes Today showed that these water shutoffs disproportionately harmed poorer areas, African Americans, and Latinx neighborhoods. We all need water to live and in this region, especially, no one should go without safe drinking water.

Increasingly, the Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition has been working to ensure that ecological restoration of the Great Lakes means that all of the region’s people can have access to affordable, clean, safe drinking water; to eat fish that are safe and not

toxic; and to live healthy lives that are not undermined by toxic pollutants and legacy contaminants. We know that healthy lakes and healthy lives go hand-in-hand. To help the coalition connect more deeply with communities of color, the Equity Advisory and Action Committee was formed in 2017.

The Equity Committee advises the Coalition on things like how to bring a justice lens to the strategic plan and the coalition’s work. Leaders on the committee also take action. This year’s conference received significantly more proposals for presentations than in previous years thanks to Equity Advisory and Action Committee members reaching out their networks and encouraging folks to apply. We hope conference attendees will notice there are more sessions that discuss issues of equity than in past years, and we expect this emphasis on justice in the Great Lakes will only grow more over time. As you attend sessions, consider questions like these:

• Who is being most impacted by the problems discussed and how have those people been engaged in solving the problem?

• Have people in this room not been heard from yet and can I wait to raise my point until they have been?

• Does this issue or problem have justice as a goal? How might the next steps being proposed change if justice were added as a goal?

To learn more about the Equity Advisory and Action Committee, stop by our table in the exhibitor area. We have handouts on best practices for bringing an equity and justice lens to Great Lakes advocacy, and we’re interested in learning more about where your organi-zation is on the journey to a more healthy, restored, and just Great Lakes. We hope that you’ll join us in this commitment and journey because healthy lakes mean healthy lives.

Carla WalkerEquity Advisory and Action Committee CoordinatorHealing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition

Photo by Alicia Smith


MEETING ROOMS AT A GLANCE

THIRD FLOORAMBASSADORESQUIREFOUNDERS AFOUNDERS BWASHINGTON BOARDROOM – MEDIA ROOM

SECOND FLOORBOULEVARD APREFUNCTIONWOODWARD BALLROOM (A–D) WOODWARD PREFUNCTION

MEDIA ROOM

THIRD FLOORAMBASSADORESQUIREFOUNDERS AFOUNDERS BWASHINGTON BOARDROOM – MEDIA ROOM

SECOND FLOORBOULEVARD APREFUNCTIONWOODWARD BALLROOM (A–D) WOODWARD PREFUNCTION

MEDIA ROOM


JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

@HEALTHYLAKES #GREATLAKES19

During the Great Lakes Conference, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition will be posting on both Facebook and Twitter. Most of our coverage will be on Twitter, where we will be live-tweeting select plenary and breakout sessions. Please join us to comment on the breakout sessions you are in and learn about sessions you could not attend.

• Wireless internet network: Westin_Conference• Wireless internet password: greatlakes• Follow @HealthyLakes on Twitter for our conference updates• Use the conference hashtag for your tweets: #GreatLakes19• Tag your photos with @healthylakes and we’ll share or like them• Use the hashtags in the program book to help you tweet and follow along with our tweets. For example, this

entry in the program bookHURON PINES AND THE HEALTHY WATERSHEDS CONSORTIUMFounders B#ConservationHuron Pines recently received funding from the national Healthy Watersheds Consortium grant program to increase capacity for watershed protection in the Great Lakes. This workshop shares information on the Healthy Watersheds Consortium program and Huron Pines’ strategies for putting our communities in the driver’s seat for long-term natural resource protection.• Abigail Ertel, Community Program Lead, Huron Pines @HuronPines• Jeff Lerner, Senior Advisory, U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities @USEndowment

could be used to compose this series of tweets:Excited to hear from @HuronPines and @USEndowment about #Conservation successes with the Healthy Watersheds Consortium at #GreatLakes19!

At #GreatLakes19, @HuronPines and @USEndowment talk about Healthy Watersheds Consortium and #Conservation shares community empowerment tips!

Throughout the program book you will see hashtags associated with each breakout session. You can use the hashtags to track our coverage on Twitter of individual breakout sessions, to view comments other Twitter users are making about the breakout session, and to learn more about the general topic discussed at the session. The handles listed after speakers are for use on Twitter only. Handles may be different for Facebook. Handles of presenters can be used to call out people or institutions by name, commenting on their presentation or asking questions.

GET TEXT MESSAGE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE CONFERENCE

Interested in getting on-site updates directly to your phone throughout the conference? If you didn’t opt in to our texting platform through our registration site, it’s not too late! Text “greatlakes” to 797979 to start getting our text updates.

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@HealthyLakes • #GreatLakes19 healthylakes.org

Dinner Reception

Registration Opens/Breakfast

Welcome

Field Trips

1:30 P.M. DEPARTURES• City of Flint: Recovery Progress• Islands of Restoration in the Lower Detroit River• Kayak Tour of the Lower Rouge Industrial stretch of

the Lower Rouge River Water Trail

2:30 P.M. DEPARTURES• Belle Isle Habitat Restoration Projects• Collaborative Community Open Space and Green Infrastructure on Detroit’s Eastside• The Detroit Riverfront – Transformation of an industrial waterfront into a globally-

recognized public waterfront destination• Roll in Detroit: A Bike Tour of the River, Murals, & the Nation’s Oldest Public Market• The Unaffordable Water Tour• Wetland, Green Infrastructure and Aquatic Molecular Science Laboratory Tour

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8 AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE

Breakout Sessions

• From Rust to Blue Economy• Legal and Legislative Status for Water Affordability• GLRI Large Scale Restoration of the Detroit River’s South Islands

• Beyond the Buzzwords and Jargon• Protecting the Great Lakes and Public Health from

Toxic PAHs

Lunch and Plenary

Breakout Sessions

• Reaching beyond the choir• Great Lakes Business Network• The Great Lakes Clean Water Infrastructure Promise

• Demonstrating Green Stormwater Infrastructure• A watershed approach in the Lower Fox River

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Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition • 14th Annual Great Lakes Conference

Breakfast

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THURSDAY, MAY 9 AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE

Lunch, Keynote and Plenary

• Affordability & Restoration: Integrally Connected

Breakout Sessions

• Expanding Coverage of Great Lakes Issues for General Audiences

• Collective Infrastructure• Huron Pines and the Healthy Watersheds Consortium

• “Pools are for fun not for closing”• Intersecting community engagement with social, economic and

ecological revitalization of Michigan’s 14 Areas of Concern

Breakout Sessions

• Actionable Strategies For Proactive, Inclusive Community Engagement

• Training: Analyze Power, Build Power, Use Power• What Is A Community To Do?

• Great Lakes Business Green Infrastructure Champions• The Risks of Net-Pen Aquaculture in the Great Lakes

Breakout Sessions

• Creation of a Great Lakes Bi-National Climate Adaptation Strategy

• Building A Water Resilient Great Lakes City• Lake Erie Coastal Wetland Restoration

• Mobilizing, Equipping and Building Capacity in Frontline Communities to create Water Warriors and achieve Water Liberation

• Using Technology To Drive Organizing & Activist Leadership

Breakout Sessions

• Restoring the Grand Rapids• Assessing the Investment

• Engaging End Users in Collaborative Research• Great Lakes Drinking Water Guide

Lightning Rounds

BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY TRACK• Smart Lake Erie• Forging Collaboration• Mapping Water Access

TOXICS AND INVADERS TRACK• An Update on PFAS• New Zealand Mud Snail Collaborative• An Update on Lake Erie HABs

GREAT LAKES INNOVATION TRACK• Water’s Law• Great Lakes Dredged Material• Biomimicry for Social Innovation

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TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2019

12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Exhibitor set up

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration opensSecond Floor, Pre-Function

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2019

7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Registration opens/BreakfastRegistration

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Opening Plenary – Welcome to Detroit and Overview of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes CoalitionWoodward• Mike Shriberg, Great Lakes Regional Executive Director, National Wildlife Federation,

and Co-chair, Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, @mshriberg• Nia Winston, President, UNITEHERE! Local 24, @local24nia• Khalil Ligon, Senior Planner, City of Detroit Planning & Development Department,

@CityofDetroit• Donna Givens, President & CEO, Eastside Community Network, @ECNDetroit• Rhonda Anderson, Regional Organizing Manager, Sierra Club, @SC_Great_Lakes• Joel Howrani Heeres, Director of Sustainability, City of Detroit, @sustain_detroit

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Break

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Breakout Sessions

From Rust to Blue Economy: Inland Seas of Opportunities and ChallengesBoulevard A#BlueEconomyAs the region rebrands itself from the Rust Belt to the Water Belt, how will it attract new businesses without compromising the health of the water, which is the very asset that attracts businesses in the first place? Join policy and business leaders from the region to discuss this emerging tension in the Great Lakes basin.• Andrew Hoffman, Ross School of Business, School for Environment and

Sustainability, University of Michigan, @HoffmanAndy• Joel Brammeier, President & CEO, Alliance for the Great Lakes, @JoelBrammeier,

@A4GL• Kathryn Buckner, Executive Director, Americana Foundation• Tom Catania, retired Vice President of Government Relations, Whirlpool Corporation

Legal and Legislative Status for Water AffordabilityFounders A#WaterAffordabilityThis session will address the hurdles and the opportunities related to legal and legis-lation on water affordability.• Oday Salim, Staff Attorney, National Wildlife Federation and Director, University of

Michigan Law School Environmental Law & Sustainability Clinic, @OdaySalim• Thomas Stevens, Legislative Policy Division, City of Detroit, @CityofDetroit

GLRI Large Scale Restoration of the Detroit River’s South IslandsFounders B#DetroitRiverOver the past two centuries, the Detroit River has experienced degradation of fish and wildlife habitat. With implementation of the lower Detroit River Island Habitat Restoration

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Projects, significant strides are underway to restore important coastal habitat. This workshop presents the river’s historical degradation, project development, adaptive solutions, and community engagement.• Sam Lovall, Project Manager, Friends of the Detroit River• Robert Burns, Technical Director, Friends of the Detroit River• John O’Meara, Principal Engineer, Environmental Consulting & Technology Inc. @ECTINC• Emily McKinnon, Principal/Director of Operations, SmithGroup, @SmithGroup

Beyond the Buzzwords and Jargon — Understanding the Lexicon of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and JusticeEsquire#EquityHow do you define equity? What does it mean to be inclusive? We come to this work from different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. As stakeholders and decision-makers explore and address DEIJ issues, it is helpful to have a deeper under-standing of the vocabulary to know that the work goes beyond jargon and buzzwords. This workshop will help unlock the language and terminology in the lexicon of DEIJ.• Carla Walker, think BIG strategies LLC, @globalsistah

Protecting the Great Lakes and Public Health from Toxic PAHsAmbassador#ToxicsAdvocates from Michigan and Wisconsin bring a compelling story of Great Lakes protection and restoration in the form of their successful local policy-making efforts targeting toxic PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) from certain pavement sealant products entering Great Lakes waters with urban stormwater runoff.• Rebecca Esselman, Watershed Planner, Huron River Watershed Council, @NaturelsWater• Ezra Meyer, Water Resources Specialist, Clean Wisconsin, @CleanWisconsin• Sam Noffke, Senior Aquatic Biologist, Michigan Department of Environment, Great

Lakes, and Energy, @MichiganEGLE

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Lunch WelcomeWoodward• Gildo Tori, Director of Public Policy, Great Lakes/Atlantic Region, Ducks Unlimited,

and Co-chair, Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, @GildoTori_DU

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch Plenary – Great Lakes Restoration and Protection: the View from Inside GovernmentWoodward• Mike Shriberg, Great Lakes Regional Executive Director, National Wildlife Federation,

@mshriberg• Chris Korleski, Director, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Great Lakes National

Program Office, @EPAGreatLakes• Kara Cook, Environment and Energy Policy Advisor for Michigan Governor, State of

Michigan• Dan Eichinger, Director, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, @MichiganDNR

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions

Reaching Beyond the Choir: How to Influence BehaviorBoulevard A#BehaviorChanging behavior is hard. Unfortunately it is not as simple as relaying data and facts. The good news is that there are simple tactics you can use to reach beyond innovators

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8 – CONTINUED

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and “the choir.” This workshop will present strategies based on real-world examples and how to relate them to your work.• Jessica Espenshade, National Wildlife Federation, @NWF• Elizabeth Lillard, National Wildlife Federation, @NWF

Great Lakes Business Network: Line 5 and BeyondFounders A#Line5Learn more about the Great Lakes Business Network and the work that’s been done around Enbridge’s Line 5—the oil pipeline that crosses the Straits of Mackinac.• Mike Shriberg, Great Lakes Regional Executive Director, National Wildlife Federation,

@mshriberg• Jim Lively, Program Director, Groundwork Center, @grndwk• Dan Sloboda, Chicago Environmental Coordinator, Patagonia, @patagonia• Carrie Veldman, Sustainability & Philanthropy Manager, Barfly Ventures

The Great Lakes Clean Water Infrastructure PromiseFounders B#WaterInfrastructureClean water infrastructure is a core governmental service vital to health and economies. Despite the abundance of Great Lakes fresh water, states throughout the basin struggle to maintain their water infrastructure while keeping costs in check. Leaders from nonprofits talk about how states are delivering on the clean water promise.• Steve Morse, Executive Director, Minnesota Environmental Partnership

@MEPartnership• Katie Rousseau, Director, Clean Water Supply, Great Lakes, American Rivers,

@americanrivers

Demonstrating Green Stormwater Infrastructure with Art, Science, and Community ValuesEsquire#ArtAndScienceDetroit’s Museum of African American History and Science Center are building a GSI demonstration site that integrates science education, African American culture, and stormwater management. In this panel, we will explore how this single practice is creating triple bottom line benefits for many stakeholders, from grassroots organizations to the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.• Sigal Hemy, Program Officer, Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation• Kwamena Mensah, Detroit Independent Freedom Schools Movement• Leslie Tom, Chief Sustainability Officer, Charles H. Wright Museum of African

American History, @TheWrightMuseum• Chandra Lewis, Communications Consultant, Detroit Water and Sewerage

Department, @DetroitWaterDep

A Watershed Approach in the Lower Fox RiverAmbassador#RunoffWhat would a point source be doing working with a farmer? If you find answering that question difficult or interesting, then come explore the watershed approaches that are part of Wisconsin law. Warning! You will use our tools and some role-play so this could be fun!• Jeff Smudde, Director of Environmental Programs, Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage

District• Todd Brennan, Senior Policy Manager, Alliance for the Great Lakes, @A4GL• Martin Brown, Policy Research and Analysis Specialist, Delta Institute, @DeltaGreatLakes


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Thank you to our generous sponsors:

Please join us for a strolling dinner reception featuring seasonal and locally-sourced cuisine at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, the birthplace of the Model T. Enjoy entertainment by Detroit jazz ensemble The Gathering Orchestra and a photography exhibition by Kate Levy and Shanna Merola while exploring unique exhibits of early automotive history and Detroit innovation. Complimentary beer and wine, as well as non-alcoholic beverages will be available.

Shuttle bus transportation will be provided from the Westin Book Cadillac hotel to the reception. Buses will pick up and drop off attendees at the Michigan Avenue entrance of the hotel, near valet pickup. Shuttles begin service at 5:45 and will run continuously between the two locations for the duration of the event.

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

Please join us for a strolling dinner reception featuring seasonal and locally-sourced cuisine at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, the birthplace of the Model T. Enjoy entertainment by Detroit jazz ensemble The Gathering Orchestra and a photography exhibition by Kate Levy and Shanna Merola while exploring unique exhibits of early automotive history and Detroit innovation. Complimentary beer and wine, as well as non-alcoholic beverages will be available.

Shuttle bus transportation will be provided from the Westin Book Cadillac hotel to the reception. Buses will pick up and drop off attendees at the Michigan Avenue entrance of the hotel, near valet pickup. Shuttles begin service at 5:45 and will run continuously between the two locations for the duration of the event.

Piquette Avenue Plant ReceptionWednesday, May 8, 2019 • 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

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1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Field Trips that depart at 1:30 p.m.All shuttle buses will pick up and drop off attendees at the Michigan Avenue entrance of the hotel, near valet pickup. For full descriptions, please see page 20 and 19.

City of Flint: Recovery ProgressHosted by Flint Development Center#Flint

Islands of Restoration in the Lower Detroit RiverHosted by Michigan Sea Grant#RiverRestoration

Kayak Tour of the Lower Rouge Industrial Stretch of the Lower Rouge River Water TrailHosted by Friends of the Rouge#RougeRiver

2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Field Trips that depart at 2:30 p.m.

Belle Isle Habitat Restoration ProjectsHosted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources#BelleIsle

Collaborative Community Open Space and Green Infrastructure on Detroit’s EastsideHosted by Eastside Community Network#CommunityGardens

The Detroit Riverfront – Transformation of an Industrial Waterfront into a Globally-Recognized Public Waterfront DestinationHosted by SmithGroup#DetroitRiverwalk

Roll in Detroit: A Bike Tour of the River, Murals, & the Nation’s Oldest Public MarketHosted by Eastern Market Corporation#EasternMarket

The Unaffordable Water TourHosted by We the People of Detroit#DetroitWater

Wetland, Green Infrastructure and Aquatic Molecular Science Laboratory TourHosted by the Healthy Urban Waters Program#WaterScience

5:30 p.m. All Field Trips returnWestin Book Cadillac

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Dinner ReceptionFord Piquette Avenue PlantAll shuttle buses will pick up and drop off attendees at the Michigan Avenue entrance of the hotel, near valet pickup. Enjoy a photography exhibit featuring the work of Detroit artists Kate Levy and Shanna Merola. Entertainment will be provided by members of the Gathering Orchestra, a program of The Carr Center, and doodle artist Two if by Sea Studios.


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THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Opening RemarksWoodward• Lynn McClure, Senior Midwest Regional Director, National Parks Conservation

Association, and Co-chair, Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, @NPCA• Joe Comartin, Counsel General of Canada, @CGJoeComartin

8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Breakout Sessions

Expanding Coverage of Great Lakes Issues for General AudiencesBoulevard A#CommunicationsLooking for more coverage of Great Lakes issues? Need content to help engage your audiences? Public media has launched two journalism initiatives in the Great Lakes to improve coverage and reach more audiences. See some recent work, and share your opinions on what is needed with the editorial leadership of these important public initiatives.• Sandra Svoboda, Program Director, GreatLakesNow.org, Detroit Public Television,

@detriotpublictv• Gary Wilson, Senior Correspondent, Great Lakes Now, Detroit Public Television,

@detriotpublictv• Lester Graham, Environment Reporter and Stateside’s Friday Host, Michigan Public

Radio, @MichiganRadio

Collective Infrastructure: Using Decentralized Systems and Community to Create More Sustainable InfrastructureFounders A#CollectiveActionWhat is community-scale infrastructure? Learn about innovative approaches to develop decentralized infrastructure that strengthens community ties and builds resilience.• Dr. Robert Zimmerman, President, Zimmerman Strategic Communications• Jackson Koeppel, Executive Director, Soulardarity, @Soulardarity• Rev. Joan C. Ross, Acting Station Manager and Director, North End Woodward

Community Coalition• Nadine Marshall, Content Coordinator, Allied Media Projects, @Allied_Media

Huron Pines and the Healthy Watersheds Consortium: Connecting Land and People for Conservation SuccessFounders B#ConservationHuron Pines recently received funding from the national Healthy Watersheds Consortium grant program to increase capacity for watershed protection in the Great Lakes. This workshop shares information on the Healthy Watersheds Consortium program and Huron Pines’ strategies for putting our communities in the driver’s seat for long-term natural resource protection.• Abigail Ertel, Community Program Lead, Huron Pines, @HuronPines• Jeff Lerner, Senior Advisor, U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities @USEndowment

“Pools Are For Fun Not For Closing:” Addressing a History of Inequity and Segregation around Swimming in MilwaukeeEsquire#PublicPoolsWisconsin Sea Grant and Milwaukee Water Commons have partnered to ensure that every child and adult in Milwaukee has safe and meaningful experiences with water. To

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date, we have mapped swimming pool deserts in Milwaukee and employ experiential learning activities. We’ll discuss projects, challenges, and successes in reaching our goal.• Deidre Peroff, Social Science Outreach Specialist, Wisconsin Sea Grant, @DeidreMKE• Brenda Coley, Co-Executive Director, Milwaukee Water Commons, @MKEWaterCommons

Intersecting Community Engagement with Social, Economic and Ecological Revitalization of Michigan’s 14 Areas of ConcernAmbassador#AreaOfConcernThe Michigan Office of the Great Lakes is partnering with the University of Michigan to explore the effectiveness of local Public Advisory Councils assisting with delisting of Areas of Concern and with subsequent social, economic, and ecological revitalization within neighboring communities. Two master’s projects are currently underway: one a retro-spective analysis of lessons learned across the Areas of Concern; and the second focused on dynamics at the point of delisting and beyond. In addition, a group of urban and regional planning students from the University of Michigan have been working to evaluate the institutional relationships between members of the Public Advisory Councils and existing local governments, focusing especially on local community planning systems.• Rick Hobrla, Chief of the Great Lakes Management Unit, Michigan Department of

Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, @MichiganEGLE• Dr. Paul Seelbach, Professor of Practice, University of Michigan, @Umich• Richard Norton, Professor, Urban and Regional Planning Program, University of

Michigan, @UMich• Allison Voglesong Zejnati, Master’s Thesis Student, University of Michigan, @AVzejneti• Collin Knauss, Master’s Project Student, University of Michigan, @CollinKnauss

9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Snack Break

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Lightning Rounds

BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY TRACK Woodward A

Smart Lake Erie: Healing Our Waters With Innovation and Data10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.#DataLearn how the grassroots activation surrounding harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie inspired the “Smart Lake,” a new breed of smart and connected infrastructure that enables intelligent community water management.• Max Herzog, Program Manager Cleveland Water Alliance, @CLEH2OAlliance

Forging Collaboration for Long-term Prosperity in the Great Lakes Region: Priorities and Pathways10:20 a.m. – 10:35 a.m.#CorporateSustainabilityBusinesses operating around the Great Lakes depend on the abundant natural and human resources of the region and have a vested interest in ensuring their availability into the future. Hear the findings of a recent study on the state of corporate sustain-ability in the Great Lakes region, including top priority issues and ripe opportunities for solution-oriented action.• Edwin Piñero, President, The Piñero Group, @ThePineroGroup

Mapping Water Access with 360° Imagery10:40 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.#WaterTrail

THURSDAY, MAY 9 – CONTINUED

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Southeast Michigan Council of Governments led a recent effort to map more than 400 miles of navigable waterways in Southeast Michigan with 360 degree imagery. The resulting data documents accessibility to the water in photographic detail, allowing users to better understand the opportunities and limitations for water recreation, tourism, and place-making in Southeast Michigan.• Tyler Klifman, Planner, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, @SEMCOG

TOXICS AND INVADERS TRACK Woodward B

An Update on PFAS in the Great Lakes10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.#PFASPFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have contaminated groundwater throughout the Great Lakes region. Join us for an update on this toxin in drinking water.• Eric Uram, Principal Consultant, Headwater LLC, @HeadwaterLLC

The Great Lakes New Zealand Mud Snail Collaborative10:20 a.m. – 10:35 a.m.#StopInvasivesThe New Zealand mud snail is rapidly expanding its range throughout the Great Lakes Region. The impact mud snails may have on native communities are currently unknown. Learn how a regional collaborative is seeking to improve knowledge on potential impacts, minimize spread, better inform management activities, and raise public awareness.• Jeremy Geist, Great Lakes Stream Restoration Manager, Trout Unlimited, @TroutUnlimited

An Update on Lake Erie HABs10:40 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.#ToxicAlgaeHarmful algal blooms have become an almost annual event on Lake Erie in the summer. Join us for the latest update on the blooms and what’s being done to prevent them.• Gail Hesse, Director of Water Programs, National Wildlife Federation, @NWFGreatLakes

GREAT LAKES INNOVATION TRACK Woodward C/D

Water’s Law: What Would It Mean For Lakes and Streams To Have Their Own Legal Rights?10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.#WaterLawInstead of suing to protect your stream, what if your stream could sue to protect itself? In the last decade there have been numerous examples of courts and legislatures conferring legal rights to natural resources. This workshop explores the possibility of doing that in the Great Lakes region.• Oday Salim, Staff Attorney, National Wildlife Federation and Director, University of

Michigan Law School Environmental Law & Sustainability Clinic, @OdaySalim

The Great Lakes Dredged Material Center for Innovation at the Riverside Confined Disposal Facility in Toledo, Ohio10:20 a.m. – 10:35 a.m.#DredgingThe first of its kind in the Great Lakes, the Dredged Material Center for Innovation in Toledo, Ohio, is a critical step toward eliminating open lake placement of dredged


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sediment through beneficial uses such as agricultural improvements. This workshop will provide a dynamic, visual overview of the project and lessons learned.• John Hull, Founder & Principal, Hull & Associates, Inc., @HullAssociates

Biomimicry for Social Innovation10:40 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.#BiomimicryBiomimicry for social innovation presents Nature as Mentor, Model and Teacher anchored on Life’s 3.8 billion years of experience. Explore how you can tap into this rich source to improve your personal and organizational skills, training opportunities and development. Your growth will benefit your work and passion for the Great Lakes!• Gloria Rivera, IHM, Coordinator, Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit, @GLBioneers

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Break

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions

Actionable Strategies For Proactive, Inclusive Community EngagementBoulevard A#CommunitySystems thinking, scientific method and rapid prototyping: a new tool kit promises impact for overcoming our most intractable challenges. This workshop provides capacity building support for organizations to enable them to be more targeted, effective and successful as they engage in their mission based work.• Eve Pytel, Director, Delta Institute, @egpytel• Bill Schleizer, CEO, Delta Institute, @Schleizer

Training: Analyze Power, Build Power, Use PowerFounders A#PowerMappingThis interactive workshop will provide training, so participants learn how to create power maps to identify who will help them win what they want. It will include a presentation and hands-on exercises.• Art Reyes III, Executive Director, We the People — Michigan

What Is A Community To Do? Developing an Action Plan to Measure and Ensure Compliance with the Lead and Copper RuleFounders B#LeadInWaterLead in drinking water can present a significant public health risk. The Lead and Copper Rule is complex, and the relationship between compliance and health protection is confusing. This workshop will explain the rule, the risks of lead in water, and strategies to ensure water utilities comply with the rule.• Elin Betanzo, P.E. Principal, Safe Water Engineering, LLC, @SafeWaterEng• Nicholas Leonard, Interim Executive Director, Great Lakes Environmental Law Center, @GLELC

Great Lakes Business Green Infrastructure Champions: Using Mentoring to Build CapacityEsquire#GreenInfrastructureThe Great Lakes Green Infrastructure Champions Mentoring Network paired emerging green infrastructure champions with pioneers in green infrastructure. This workshop will discuss how the mentoring network helped communities build capacity to advance green infrastructure, featuring a mentor and a mentee, and describe opportunities for future engagement.• Margo Davis, Program Specialist, Great Lakes Commission, @GLCommission


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• Elaine Sterrett Isely, Director of Water Programs, West Michigan Environmental Action Council, @ElaineIsely, @WMEAC

• Michael Kuss, General Manager, Michigan City Sanitary District

The Risks of Net-Pen Aquaculture in the Great LakesAmbassador#FishFarmsOur Great Lakes are currently threatened by commercial net-pen fish farming facilities (aquaculture). Hear directly from experts about the adverse impacts of aquaculture, first-hand accounts of current activities in the Great Lakes, as well as legislative and administrative actions at the state and federal level in protecting the Great Lakes and inland waters from aquaculture.• Marc Smith, Director of Conservation Partnerships, National Wildlife Federation,

@NWFGreatLakes• Taylor Ridderbusch, Great Lakes Organizer, Trout Unlimited, @TroutUnlimited• Dennis Eade, Executive Director, Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fisherman’s Association

12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Lunch WelcomeWoodward#GLRI• Katie Rousseau, Director, Clean Water Supply, Great Lakes, American Rivers;

Co-chair, Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition• Karen Weaver, Mayor, City of Flint, @KarenAboutFlint, @Cityof_Flint

12:45 p.m. – 1:30 om Lunch KeynoteWoodward• Mustafa Santiago Ali, Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and

Community Revitalization, National Wildlife Federation, @EJinAction @NWF

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Plenary — Affordability & Restoration: Integrally ConnectedWoodward#DrinkingWater• Monica Lewis Patrick, CEO and President, We the People of Detroit, @WeThePeopleDet• Alice Jennings, Partner, Edwards & Jennings, P.C.• Honorable JoAnn Watson, Legislative Author, Water Affordability Plan for Detroit;

Michigan Water Unity Table• Tawana “Honeycomb” Petty, Author & Poet, Water & Digital Justice Advocate,

@CombsThePoet• Bob Allison, Deputy Director, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, @MichiganLCV• Anthony M. Spaniola, Esq., Ufer, Spaniola & Frost P.C.


Creation of a Great Lakes Bi-National Climate Adaptation StrategyBoulevard A#ClimateThis workshop will explore how, based on the general duty to cooperate as a customary principle of international water law, and based on their commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Canada and the United States should create a comprehensive binational strategy for climate adaptation in the Great Lakes region, with special attention to the climate impacts to Great Lakes indigenous communities.• Nick Schroeck, Associate Professor, University of Detroit Mercy Law School, @NickSchroeck• Patrícia Galvão Ferreira, Assistant Professor in Transnational Law, University of

Windsor, @Pat_Galvao• Beverly Jacobs, Mohawk Nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, Bear

Clan, Assistant Professor, Windsor Law


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Building A Water-Resilient Great Lakes CityFounders A#WaterResilientDetroit could be a leader in implementing innovative, multifunctional greenways. A coordinated effort between government and community could ensure that greenways, and other multimodal corridors, are designed to serve multiple functions and benefit surrounding neighborhoods. Come learn about our work to discover how to achieve this through integrative stormwater management.• Angela Larsen, Community Planning Director, Alliance for the Great Lakes, @AG4L• Todd Scott, Executive Director, Detroit Greenways Coalition, @DetroitGreenway• Oday Salim, Staff Attorney, National Wildlife Federation and Director, University of

Michigan Law School Environmental Law & Sustainability Clinic, @OdaySalim

Lake Erie Coastal Wetland Restoration: Howard Marsh Case StudyFounders B#HowardMarshHoward Marsh Metropark — a conversion of 750 acres of farmland into coastal wetlands — opened to the public in April 2018 and provides significant regional environmental benefits returning a lost asset back to Lake Erie through reduction in phosphorous loading in runoff and creation of critical fish and wildlife habitat.• Tim Schetter, PhD, Director of Natural Resources, Metroparks Toledo, @MyMetroparks• Emily McKinnon, Principal/Director of Operations, SmithGroup, @SmithGroup• Denis Franklin, Natural Resources Supervisor, Metroparks Toledo, @MyMetroparks

Mobilizing, Equipping, and Building Capacity in Frontline Communities to Create Water Warriors and Achieve Water LiberationEsquire#WaterWarriorsThis workshop is designed to showcase different water injustices by connecting the issues and impacts to build capacity, resiliency and resistance toward Water Liberation.• Kimathi Boothe, Environmental and Climate Justice Co-Chair, Northern Oakland

County Branch, NAACP, @CountyOakland

Using Technology To Drive Organizing & Activist LeadershipAmbassador#AdvocacyJoin the team from Michigan League of Conservation Voters in a discussion around how they’re attempting to use a blend of technology to drive “online-to-offline” organizing and grow volunteer leaders. From social media advertising and VAN-fueled patch-through calls to video text messages and 1:1 outreach, learn how Michigan LCV is trying to weld old-school and new-school field tactics together — and some of the successes and challenges along the way.• Bob Allison, Deputy Director, Michigan League of Conservation Voters @MichiganLCV• Baldomero Gonzalez, Political and Outreach Director, Michigan League of

Conservation Voters @MichiganLCV• Tessa Harvey, Communications Coordinator, Michigan League of Conservation Voters

@tessa_harvey

3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Break


Restoring the Grand Rapids – Two Guys, a Dream and a MicrobrewBoulevard A#GrandRapids


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A dream that started with two kayaking buddies over a microbrew in downtown Grand Rapids asking: “But where are the rapids?” Learn how they have grown into a powerful and motivating non-profit called Grand Rapids Whitewater, dedicated to revitalizing the Grand River and putting the namesake rapids back in the Grand for everyone’s enjoyment.• Matt Chapman, Project Coordinator, Grand Rapids Whitewhater, @grwwproject• Wendy Ogilvie, Director of Environmental Programs, Grand Valley Metro Council• Tonya Lewandowski, Senior Engineer, Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc.,

@ECTINC

Assessing the Investment: The Economic Impact of the Great Lakes Restoration InitiativeFounders A#EconomicImpactMuch is known about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative’s environmental impacts, but less information is available about the program’s economic impacts. This session highlights the results of a study that answers a critically important question in the Great Lakes region: How has the federal government’s investments under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative impacted the Great Lakes economy?• Mike Shriberg, Great Lakes Regional Executive Director, National Wildlife Federation,

@mshriberg• Matt Doss, Policy Director, Great Lakes Commission, @GLCommission• Mike McWilliams, PhD, Michigan Forecasting Specialist, University of Michigan, @UMich• Patrick Dunn, Managing Editor, Issue Media Group, @PatrickDunnHere

Engaging End Users in Collaborative Research: Experiences from the Detroit and Maumee River WatershedsFounders B#CitizenScienceSince its inception in 2012, the University of Michigan Water Center has worked to bridge research and practice by bringing researchers and end-users together to address common challenges on the Great Lakes. This session will provide multiple perspectives on the benefits of collaborative research for the policy and research communities, reflecting on the impacts realized through work in the Detroit River and western basin of Lake Erie.• Jennifer Read, Director, University of Michigan Water Center, @GrahamInstitute• Melissa Damaschke, Program Officer, Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation• Gail Hesse, Great Lakes Water Program Director, National Wildlife Federation,

@NWFGreatLakes• Margaret Kalcic, Assistant Professor in Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering,

the Ohio State University, @margaretkalcic

Great Lakes Drinking Water Guide: An Advocacy and Outreach Resource for Watershed and Community GroupsEsquire#WaterGuideWe need to engage more deeply on drinking water issues. River Network, its partners and advisory group, have developed a layperson’s drinking water guide that includes components on treatment, safety, funding, equity, community engagement and policy. This session will introduce the guide, explain how to use locally and seek further input.• Paco Ollervides, Great Lakes Leadership Development Manager, River Network,

@rivernetwork• Jumana Vasi, Board Member, River Network, @RiverNetwork• Oday Salim, Staff Attorney, National Wildlife Federation and Director, University of

Michigan Law School Environmental Law & Sustainability Clinic, @OdaySalim• Katherine Baer, Director of Science and Policy, River Network @rivernetwork

5:00 p.m. Conference Ends



FIELD TRIPSAll shuttle buses will pick up and drop off attendees at the Michigan Avenue entrance of the hotel, near valet pickup.

THESE FIELD TRIPS LEAVE FROM THE HOTEL AT 1:30 P.M.

Attendees of these field trips will not be able to attend any afternoon workshops on Wednesday.

CITY OF FLINT: RECOVERY PROGRESS#FlintHosted by Flint Development Center.The Flint Water Crisis revealed drinking water problems, breakdowns in government systems, and systemic racism that are present in many Great Lakes urban centers. This tour will provide a brief history of the crisis with a focus on highlighting recovery progress by visiting City Hall, neighborhoods, Community Center, and Flint River. Thank you to The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and American Rivers for sponsoring this field trip.

ISLANDS OF RESTORATION IN THE LOWER DETROIT RIVER#RiverRestorationHosted by Michigan Sea Grant.Over the past centuries the Detroit River has experi-enced degradation of habitat. However, significant strides to restore important coastal habitat have been

made due to the islands restoration. This on-river experience will tour the completed Stony Island, work in progress at Celeron Island, and discuss the planning of Sugar Island. This is a 2-1/2 hour boat ride.

KAYAK TOUR OF THE LOWER ROUGE INDUSTRIAL STRETCH OF THE LOWER ROUGE RIVER WATER TRAIL(includes kayak rental, paddle and personal flotation device)#RougeRiverHosted by Friends of the Rouge.Come experience a guided tour of the Lower Rouge industrial stretch in the Rouge River by kayak. Trip will feature information about industrial/environmental history, highlights from projects happening at Forman Park, Fort Street Bridge Park/Fordson Island and the EPA- Honeywell lower Rouge River sediment remedi-ation project, to name a few. You must have kayak experience to attend this trip.

Photo by Friends of the Detroit River


THESE FIELD TRIPS LEAVE FROM THE HOTEL AT 2:30 P.M.

COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY OPEN SPACE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE ON DETROIT’S EASTSIDE#CommunityGardensHosted by Eastside Community Network.Eastside Community Network is committed to working with communities to alleviate localized flooding and regional stormwater overflow. Through robust engagement and the use of a 3D visualization tool, residents and businesses have played active roles in the development of stormwater management applica-tions/designs for the open spaces around them.

WETLAND, GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND AQUATIC MOLECULAR SCIENCE LABORATORY TOUR#WaterScienceHosted by the Healthy Urban Waters Program, Wayne State University.Join us to visit a variety of features relating to aquatic science, Great Lakes marsh restoration and green infrastructure at Lake St. Clair Metropark, which boasts one of the largest remaining natural coastal wetlands along the Huron-to-Erie corridor, supported by a partnership of academia, parks, government, and civil service organizations. Attendees should expect lengthy walking on uneven trails that could be muddy.

ROLL IN DETROIT: A BIKE TOUR OF THE RIVER, MURALS, & THE NATION’S OLDEST PUBLIC MARKET#EasternMarketHosted by Eastern Market Corporation.Put your best wheel forward and enjoy a bike ride of Detroit. Ride along the Riverwalk to see the Detroit River, one of the fastest moving bodies of water in the country that empties the water from the upper Great Lakes to the lower lakes. From rail to trail, explore the two-mile greenway that connects the Riverwalk to Eastern Market, the nation’s oldest and largest public market. At the market, learn about planning efforts for a centralized stormwater management system and see dozens of murals that grace the area’s buildings. Participants should expect a 15 minute walk to and from both the start and finish of the tour. The tour will include a 2 mile bike ride and walking.

THE UNAFFORDABLE WATER TOUR#DetroitWaterHosted by We the People of Detroit.On the Unaffordable Water Tour, we invite you to participate in a ‘bucket brigade’ to stock and distribute water with grassroots organizers. We’ll visit the community water relief station at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and hear from activists with We the People of Detroit and Flint Rising about the landscape of rising, inequitable water rates in both cities and the conse-quences for families and communities. Participants will then travel to the North End (to meet at the One Mile or Oakland Avenue Urban Farm) to learn more about the social and medical consequences of unaffordable water.

THE DETROIT RIVERFRONT – TRANSFORMATION OF AN INDUSTRIAL WATERFRONT INTO A GLOBALLY-RECOGNIZED PUBLIC WATERFRONT DESTINATION#DetroitRiverwalkHosted by SmithGroup.Covering 4 miles of the Detroit Riverfront, we will explore the transformation of a once industrial working riverfront, now a public amenity that boasts play spaces for children; interpretive and educational elements depicting how urban stormwater is treated; and the creation of urban habitat and wetland systems. Attendees should expect a 15 minute walk to and from both the start and finish of the tour and a 4 mile walk along the riverfront.

BELLE ISLE HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECTS#BelleIsleHosted by Michigan Department of Natural Resources.Learn about habitat enhancements at the 125-year-old Belle Isle Park: reconnection of 65 acres of lake habitat to the Detroit River, 5 acres of Detroit River spawning reef targeted for 17+ fish species, 5 acres of new fish nursery in the nearshore, and restoration of the globally-significant 200-acre flatwoods forest. Participants should wear hiking shoes and dress for the weather. The hike will avoid wet parts of the island and stick to existing paths and trails.


THANK YOU TO THE

LOCAL HOST STEERING COMMITTEE

The Healing Our Waters–Great Lakes Coalition would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the members of the Local Host Committee for dedicating your time, thoughtfulness, creativeness,

and passion as we worked together to shape this year’s Great Lakes Conference.

We could not have done it without you!

Alliance for the Great Lakes

Clinton River Watershed Council

Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice

Ducks Unlimited

Flint Development Group

Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation

Freshwater Future

Friends of the Detroit River

Michigan Environmental Council

National Wildlife Federation

Office of the Great Lakes, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Sierra Club

Trout Unlimited

We the People of Detroit


THANK YOU TO THE

CONFERENCE SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

LAKE SUPERIOR LEVEL$25,000 AND ABOVE

Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation

The Joyce Foundation

LAKE MICHIGAN LEVEL$10,000 TO $24,999

The Brookby FoundationFund for Lake Michigan

Wege Foundation

LAKE HURON LEVEL$5,000 TO $9,999

Alliance for the Great LakesAudubon Great Lakes

Brico FundDTE Energy Foundation

Great Lakes Fishery TrustMcDougal Family Foundation

National Parks Conservation AssociationNational Wildlife Federation

LAKE ONTARIO LEVEL$2,500 TO $4,999

BlueGreen AllianceCooperative Institute for Great Lakes

ResearchDetroit Zoological Society

Ducks UnlimitedFrey Foundation

International Joint CommissionJohn G. Shedd Aquarium

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

The Nature Conservancy in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and

WisconsinRiver Network

University of Michigan Water CenterUnited States Geological Survey

Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesUnited Steelworkers

LAKE ERIE LEVEL$1,000 TO $2,499

Consulate General of Canada in Detroit

Eureka Water ProbesGEI ConsultantsGiffels Webster

Great Lakes Business NetworkGreat Lakes Now

International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers

Izaak Walton League of AmericaLake Erie Charter Boat Association

National Fish and Wildlife FoundationNational Oceanic and Atmospheric

AdministrationNational Wildlife Federation with

Great Lakes Protection FundOhio Environmental Council

United Steelworkers – District 2

DETROIT RIVER LEVEL$500 TO $999

American RiversCentral Screw Products

Citizens Campaign for the EnvironmentConservation Resource Alliance

Council of Great Lakes IndustriesEnvironmental Consulting and Technology

Environmental Law and Policy CenterFriends of the Detroit River

International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers

Land Trust AllianceLimnoTech

Milwaukee Water CommonsMinnesota Environmental Partnership

Sierra ClubSmithGroup

Western Reserve Land Conservancy

BELLE ISLE LEVEL$300 TO $499

Annis Water Resources Institute at Grand Valley State University

Atwater BreweryBudget Dumpster

Clinton River Watershed CouncilDave Ullrich

Freshwater FutureGathering Waters: Wisconsin’s Alliance for

Land TrustsGreat Lakes Bioneers Detroit

Great Lakes Environmental Law CenterHopcat

Hull and Associates, Inc.Junction Coalition

Natural Community ServicesSave the Dunes

Speciation Artisan AlesTip of the Mitt Watershed Council

Trout Unlimited

Proud sponsor of the Great Lakes Conference

Strong communities are the foundation of a healthy, thriving environment. That’s why the DTE Energy Foundation helps power communities through supporting projects and programs that enhance life. We partner with local leaders to promote community initiatives from environmental education to protecting our natural resources and waterways. The DTE Energy Foundation is proud to support the Great Lakes Restoration Conference and its efforts to restore and enhance Michigan’s lakes.

ENVIRONMENT

Proudly supporting the restoration of Lake Michigan.

PROTECTING THE GREAT LAKES FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW

We involve tens of thousands of people each year in advocacy, volunteering, education, and research to ensure the lakes are healthy and safe for all.

GREATLAKES.ORG

Just like you, birds need clean water.

Audubon is a proud coalition member and sponsor of the Healing Our Waters 14th Annual Great Lakes Restoration Conference.

Pied-billed Grebe.

Photo: Caleb Putnam/Audubon

PROUD SUPPORTER OF GREAT LAKES

RESTORATION

Photo by Gail Heffner

Proud partners of the Healing Our Waters — Great Lakes Coalition since 2005: Supporting federal Great Lakes efforts that are producing results for people, communities, fish and wildlife, and our national parks. WWW.NWF.ORG WWW.NPCA.ORG

The people in the Plaster Creek watershed near Grand Rapids, Mich., are working together to reduce polluted stormwater runoff in their community and into Lake Michigan. Photo: Gail Heffner

w w w . d e t r o i t z o o . o r g Celebrating and Saving Wildlife

The Detroit Zoological Society

works to save species and habitats

in the Great Lakes, and proudly supports

the 14th Annual Great Lakes

Restoration Conference.

GreatLakesRestorConf_HalfPage_PloverLt.pdf 1 9/4/2018 9:19:52 AM

Our Great Lakes Restoration Initiative accomplishments:

• 64 projects

• 18,000 acres conserved

• 80+ Partnerships

T h a n k s t o H O W f o r a l l y o u d o t o s u p p o r t G L R I ! • w w w . d u c k s . o r g / G L R I

Nature Unites UsWe depend on the Great Lakes for drinking water, recreation, manufacturing and more.

They depend on us to keep them healthy.

Together, we can find solutions to Great Lakes’ challenges that benefit people and nature.

nature.org© SuperiorWallpapers.com/Maria

On behalf of the wildlife thatcall the Great Lakes home, thank you!

www.sheddaquarium.org/greatlakes

The University of Michigan (U-M) Water Center addresses water resource challenges, in the Great Lakes region and nationally, by fostering collaborative research that informs policy and

management decisions affecting our waters. Housed within U-M’s Graham Sustainability Institute, the Center receives major support from the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family

Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

See: graham.umich.edu/water

Discover Our Great Works, on Our Great Lakes...

https://dnr.wi.gov Search “Great Lakes”

We are proud to sponsor a meetingof the best advocates for the Great Lakes. Have a great conference!

Izaak Walton League of America

We are proud to sponsor a meeting of the best advocates for the Great Lakes. Have a great conference!

Join Our Session & Share Your Opinion

Expanding Coverage of Great Lakes Issues for General Audiences

Thurs, May 9 | 8:45am | Blvd. AGreat Lakes Now is an initiative of Detroit Public Television

What does YOUR audience need to know about the

Great Lakes?

Sponsored by:Richard C. Devereaux

Foundation for Energy and Environment Programs at DPTV

Polk Family Fund Eve & Jerry Jung And Viewers Like You!THE

Laurie & Tim Wadhams

GLN AD_3.877x5.127.indd 1 4/15/19 3:13 PM

centralscrewproducts.com

ELPC.org/GreatLakes@ELPCenter/ELPCenter

Keeping Our Great Lakes Clean for Safe Drinking Water, Healthy Recreation,

Vital Ecosystems and Strong Economies

KEEPING OUR GREAT LAKES CLEAN FOR SAFE DRINKING WATER, HEALTHY RECREATION, VITAL ECOSYSTEMS AND STRONG ECONOMIES.

It Doesn’t End Here…Keep Learning After the Conference!

Access a comprehensive selection of land conservation resources on The Learning Center.www.lta.org/learning

PFAS chemicals that repel oil and water are odorless, tasteless, and toxic. Testing your water for PFAS is the only way to know if they are in your drinking water.

Get your water tested for

only $60.

ORDER A TESTING KIT:

https://freshwaterfuture.

org/services/water-testing/

Are PFAS in your drinking water?

For more information on PFAS and PFAS

water testing call 231-348-8200, ext 110

Dave Ullrich, friend of

Healing Our Waters

Keep the Great Lakes Safe and Healthy

Our mission is to promote sustainable community that fosters life-giving relationships, nurtures connections, and celebrates

solutions for restoring and healing Earth’s communities.

Contact: Gloria Rivera, IHM, GLBD Coordinator (313) 717-6151 • [email protected] • glbd.org

savedunes.org

Photo credit: iStockPhoto

Kayakers on the Detroit River. Photo by Todd Marsee, Michigan Sea Grant


2019 HEALING OUR WATERS-GREAT LAKES COALITION

MEMBER GROUPS

Advocates for a Clean Lake ErieAlliance for the Great Lakes*†

American Rivers*BaySail - Appledore Tall ShipsBlueGreen AllianceBluestem CommunicationsBrookfield ZooBuffalo Audubon SocietyBuffalo Niagara WaterkeeperBush Lake Chapter – Izaak Walton

League of AmericaCitizens Campaign for the

Environment†

Citizens’ Environmental CoalitionClean Water Action†

Clean Water Action - MichiganClean Wisconsin†

Clinton River Watershed CouncilConservation Resource Alliance*County Executives of AmericaCranbrook Institute of ScienceDairy Grazing ApprenticeshipDelta InstituteDiscovery World (at Pier Wisconsin)Ducks Unlimited*†

Dwight Lydell Chapter of the Izaak Walton League

Ecology CenterEnvironment AmericaEnvironment ErieEnvironment IllinoisEnvironment MichiganEnvironment OhioEnvironmental Advocates of New

YorkEnvironmental Health Watch*Environmental Law & Policy CenterFor Love of Water (FLOW)Freshwater Future*Friends of the CovesFriends of the Detroit RiverFriends of the RougeFriends of the St. Joe River

Association, Inc.Gathering Waters: Wisconsin’s

Alliance for Land Trusts*Genesee County Hispanic Latino

Collaborative - La PlacitaGenesee River Watch (formerly CEI)Georgian Bay AssociationGeorgian Bay Eco Museum

Georgian Bay ForeverGreat Lakes Boating FederationGreat Lakes Observing SystemGreen Lake AssociationGriffith Izaak Walton League of

AmericaGroundwork Center for Resilient

CommunitiesHeadwaters Chapter Izaak Walton

League of AmericaHoosier Environmental CouncilHuron PinesHuron River Watershed CouncilIllinois Council for Trout UnlimitedIllinois Division of the Izaak Walton

LeagueIndiana Division of the Izaak Walton

League of AmericaIndiana Dunes TourismIndiana Wildlife FederationInternational Association for Great

Lakes ResearchIzaak Walton League of AmericaJohn Ball Zoological Gardens/ John

Ball Zoo SocietyJohn G. Shedd AquariumJunction Coalition*Kalamazoo River Cleanup CoalitionKalamazoo River Protection

AssociationKalamazoo River Sturgeon for

TomorrowLake Erie Charter Boat AssociationLake Erie FoundationLake Erie Region ConservancyLakeshore Natural Resource

PartnershipLand Trust AllianceLeague of Ohio SportsmenLeague of Women Voters Lake

Michigan RegionLeague of Women Voters of IllinoisLeague of Women Voters of IndianaLeague of Women Voters of

MichiganLeague of Women Voters of

MinnesotaLeague of Women Voters of

New YorkLeague of Women Voters of Ohio

League of Women Voters of Wisconsin

LightHawkMGROW (Middle Grand River

Organization of Watersheds)Michigan Audubon SocietyMichigan Council of Trout UnlimitedMichigan Environmental CouncilMichigan League of Conservation

VotersMichigan United Conservation

ClubsMichigan Wildlife ConservancyMidwest Environmental AdvocatesMidwest Pesticide Action CenterMilwaukee RiverkeeperMilwaukee Water Commons*†

Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy

Minnesota Conservation FederationMinnesota Council of Trout

UnlimitedMinnesota Environmental

Partnership*†

Mona Lake Watershed CouncilNational Audubon Society*†

National Parks Conservation Association*

National Wildlife Federation*Natural Resources Defense CouncilNature AboundsNature QuebecNew York State Division of the

Izaak Walton LeagueNew York State ZooNorthern InitiativesNorthwest Indiana Paddling

AssociationNorthwest Indiana SteelheadersOhio Conservation FederationOhio Division Izaak Walton League

of AmericaOhio Environmental Council*†

Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund

Ohio Wetlands AssociationOnondaga AudubonPartners for Clean Streams, Inc.PennEnvironmentPrairie Rivers NetworkReForest London


Residents for Responsible Government

River Alliance of WisconsinRiver NetworkRiver Revitalization FoundationSave the Dunes*†

Save The River (Upper St. Lawrence RiverKeeper)

Seneca Park ZooSierra Club - John Muir ChapterSierra Club- Great Lakes Program*†

Sierra Club Hoosier ChapterSierra Club Illinois ChapterSierra Club MichiganSierra Club OntarioSoutheastern Wisconsin

Watersheds Trust, Inc.St. Louis River Alliance

Stewardship NetworkSuperior Rivers Watershed

AssociationThe Conservation FundTinkers Creek Watershed PartnersTip of the Mitt Watershed Council*Toronto Green CommunityTrout Unlimited*Union of Concerned ScientistsUniversity of Michigan SNREWastewater Education 501(c)3Water Protection NetworkWatershed Center Grand Traverse

BayWe the People of DetroitWest Creek ConservancyWest Michigan Environmental

Action Council

Western Reserve Land Conservancy*

Winous Point Marsh ConservancyWisconsin EnvironmentWisconsin Green MuslimsWisconsin LakesWisconsin League of Conservation

VotersWisconsin Trout UnlimitedWisconsin Wetlands AssociationWisconsin Wildlife Federation

* denotes HOW Governance Board member group

† denotes State Lead group

Photo by iStockPhoto/carlballou


Photo credit: iStockPhoto

2019 HEALING OUR WATERS-GREAT LAKES COALITION

GOVERNANCE BOARD AND STAFF

GOVERNANCE BOARD CO-CHAIRSLynn McClure, Midwest Regional Director, National Parks Conservation Association

Katie Rousseau, Director, Clean Water Supply, Great Lakes, American RiversMike Shriberg, Great Lakes Regional Executive Director, National Wildlife FederationGildo Tori, Director of Public Policy, Great Lakes and Atlantic Region, Ducks Unlimited

GOVERNANCE BOARD MEMBERSJoel Brammeier, President & CEO, Alliance for the Great Lakes

Mike Carlson, Executive Director, Gathering Waters: Wisconsin’s Alliance for Land TrustsBrenda Coley, Co-Director, Milwaukee Water Commons

Kira Davis, Program Director, Conservation Resource AllianceKim Foreman, Executive Director, Environmental Health Watch

Natalie Johnson, Executive Director, Save the DunesErma Leaphart, Associate Organizer, Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club

Jennifer McKay, Policy Director, Tip of the Mitt Watershed CouncilKristy Meyer, Managing Director, Natural Resources, Ohio Environmental Council

Steve Morse, Executive Director, Minnesota Environmental PartnershipTaylor Ridderbusch, Great Lakes Organizer, Trout Unlimited

Rebeccah Sanders, Executive Director, Audubon Great LakesAlicia Smith, Associate Director of Policy, Freshwater Future

Joseph Smith, Youth Fitness and Mentor Coordinator, Junction Coalition

COALITION STAFFLaura Rubin, Incoming Campaign Director

Chad Lord, Policy DirectorJordan Lubetkin, Communications Director

Celia Haven, Field DirectorAnna Brunner, Communications Coordinator

Carla Walker, Coordinator, Equity Advisory & Action Committee

Photo credits (clockwise from top): iStockPhoto, Ohio Lake Erie Commission, Ohio Lake Erie Commission, Ohio Lake Erie Commission, Ohio Lake Erie Commission

RIVER RALLY WILL BE IN THE GREAT LAKES THIS YEAR!JUNE 21 – 24, 2019 | CLEVELAND, OHIO

River Rally, hosted annually by River Network, is a national conference for river and water champions and this year it will be in Cleveland, Ohio! The rally coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Cuyahoga River catching fire — a disaster that led to landmark environmental regulations like the Clean Water Act. While much progress has been made since the river fire in 1969, we know we still have work to do before the lakes are restored. With the rally in the Great Lakes region, the Healing Our Waters–Great Lakes Coalition has been working with River Network to highlight the Great Lakes at this national event. We encourage Great Lakes advocates to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the important work happening around the region.

Learn more at: https://www.rivernetwork.org/connect-learn/river-rally/


Notes

THE HEALING OUR WATERS-GREAT LAKES COALITION’S15TH ANNUAL GREAT LAKES CONFERENCE

WILL BE IN

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSINFALL 2020

CONFERENCE DATES YET TO BE DETERMINED.CHECK HEALTHYLAKES.ORG FOR CONFERENCE UPDATES.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Photo by iStockPhoto/benkrut

This is Anishinaabe Land Anishinaabe are the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa Peoples

Canada’s Northern Neighbor

Last U.S. Stop on the Underground Railroad

Paris of the Midwest

The Arsenal of Democracy

The Motor City

Motown

Our Great Lakes City

Welcome to Detroit Photo Credit: Detroit RiverFront Conservancy

welcome! [1bgfed3gunqq3wtodz172r4o …...protect and restore these freshwater jewels. the good news...

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