Adventures in the Finger Lakes

Attending the Finger Lakes Research Conference January 31, 2024 was a treat and honor. It feels amazing to gather with the people who dedicate much of their lives to studying and caring for our region’s environmental health.

Presentations covered a variety of topics in depth from professionals from NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Rochester Institute of Technology, Hobart William and Smith Colleges to name a few.

The final presentation was led by three people from different sectors who worked together to implement an innovative and costly watershed project. It was wise to share this collaborative work with the educators and community organizers. As Bruce Murray of Boundary Breaks Vineyards noted, technology innovations and the iSmart corridor will bring enormous pressures to our area, including real estate markets and our environment. Cooperative projects like the watershed protections at Boundary Breaks in Lodi, NY can give smaller stakeholders an opportunity to operate more sustainably.

The views of lakes, farms and forests is what many residents and visitors enjoy the most about the Finger Lakes. Including information about the NY Wine Sustainability Program beside research about micro plastics in Lake Ontario and the varying health of our lakes, told a vivid picture of our area. This broad view was especially pleasing to me as agriculture, wine, hospitality and recreation in the Finger Lakes are my life’s passion.

Two photos from my archives follow. First, a Farmall tractor in the sunlight beside rows of crops at Ravines in Geneva. Secondly, A view across vineyards at Heron Hill Wine Co. in Hammondsport, with a glimpse of Keuka Lake.

In addition to the formal presentations, posters were also presented and available for viewing throughout the day. Reviewing work from Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species and Rochester Institute of Technology was incredibly informative. From black swallow wort and Hemlock wooly adelgid to micro plastics in Lake Ontario, the experts were in attendance! This unique opportunity to network with others in our vast field is precious.

The First Annual Watershed Innovator Award to Keynote Speaker, John Halfman was inspiring in the most humble and admiring manner. We were lucky to hear John cover a Multi-Decadal Review of John’s research at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and beyond.

In addition to many pages of notes, I discovered materials from NYSDEC, FLPRISM and others that I’m happy to share. I’m still processing information covered, but this year’s Finger Lakes Research Conference at Hobart and William Smith Conference encouraged attendees to keep learning and collaborating. Sharing lunch with traditional dinnerware and recycling name badges were two examples of how we can embody best practices.

Thank you Finger Lakes Institute!