WCSU In Danbury Hosting Three-Part Virtual Lake Symposium Series This Fall

DANBURY, CT — Western Connecticut State University will host a three-part virtual symposium series this fall focusing on lake health, volunteer monitoring, and fisheries.

The 2025 Regional Lake Communities Symposia, organized by WCSU’s Department of Biology in collaboration with the Connecticut Federation of Lakes and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, will run on three Monday evenings at 7 p.m.

The first session, "Monitoring Water Quality in Our Lakes," is scheduled for Oct. 6. Presenters include James Fischer of the Connecticut Federation of Lakes and representatives from the state’s Water Monitoring and Assessment Program. Speakers will highlight the Connecticut Lake Watch Volunteer Program and updates from four local lake associations.

On Nov. 3, "Volunteers Help Assess Connecticut Fisheries" will feature state fisheries biologists and analysts discussing PFAS in lake fish, the Trophy Fish Award Program, and efforts to evaluate fisheries through trail cameras and angler reports.

The series will conclude Dec. 1 with "The Jefferson Project," a discussion on harmful algal blooms led by scientists from WCSU and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

All sessions are free and open to the public through WebEx, with registration required.