Celebrating the 2025 Great Lakes Conference
We had another successful Great Lakes Conference in 2025! Around 230 people joined us in Rochester, New York over the course of two days.
Before the conference officially began, some attendees went to the local food truck rodeo at the Rochester Public Market, sampling many different cuisines and enjoying music from a local band.
On day one we began with a welcome from Anne Vogel, EPA Region 5 Administrator, followed by a panel featuring some of the many advocates in and around Rochester working to protect the Great Lakes, the Genesee River, and clean water. We then had two sets of breakout sessions before splitting up for field trips to six different local sites. That evening we then had our conference reception. This year’s was at the charming Arbor at the Port right on the Genesee River. It was a beautiful night and attendees were able sit outside and enjoy the view of the water while they enjoyed their appetizers and drinks.
We started off day two with a welcome from Malik Evans, Rochester’s Mayor, before moving into a panel on ROC the Riverway, an initiative made up of over two dozen projects that are reconnecting the Rochester community to the Genesee River. We then had two more sets of breakout sessions before ending with a plenary on the Trump Administration’s impact on the Great Lakes, examining the ups and downs of federal policy and how it’s affecting the region.
We also ran a printmaking station again at this year’s conference, which was a hit with attendees. The design was created by Milwaukee artist, Yesi Pérez, who also spoke at the conference as a member of the Milwaukee Community Advisory Committee for the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern.
Great Lakes advocates from around the region came to Rochester, including representatives from community groups, NGOs, government, and private industry. The Coalition worked closely with local and regional partners to provide over $67,000 in full and partial scholarships to 82 recipients, enabling many folks who would not otherwise have the resources to attend to join us to learn and network. This annual event continues to be an exciting and meaningful gathering space for Coalition members and partners, providing space to stay updated on Great Lakes work, learn from one another, and stay connected with our Great Lakes community.
You can still view the agenda and other information from the 2025 Great Lakes Conference on our conference website.
We’re already planning the 2026 Great Lakes Conference and we hope you’ll join us next fall Detroit, Michigan!
Participants toured recent restoration projects funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, seeing how cutting-edge techniques in coastal resiliency and collaborative efforts have transformed this vital habitat.
ROC the Riverway is an initiative to develop the Genesee Riverfront, consisting of over two dozen public space and development projects. Attendees got to bike around the city while learning more about the initiative and seeing some of these transformational projects up close.
Attendees at Thursday’s conference celebration.
Night view of the Rochester Public Market.
Attendees making prints at the conference.
Genesee Land Trust led a tour of the organization’s flagship property, Cornwall Preserve, teaching attendees about the history of the land, how the project came to be, the restoration and management opportunities and challenges, and community involvement.
Participants took a scenic tour on the Genesee River and learned about the natural and manmade waterways of Rochester and how they contributed to the city’s technology, industry, and agriculture.
Attendees explored the Wonders of Water exhibit at the Rochester Museum and Science Center. They learned about how climate change is affecting Lake Ontario and why wetlands are important to the local ecosystem, heard about the USS Scourge Shipwreck, and interacted with a replica of the Erie Canal Lock.
Attendees at Thursday’s conference celebration.
Attendees during an arts and activism focused breakout session.
