FOVLAP's 2026 Lake Seminar: Hidden Worlds: Life Under the Surface

Hidden Worlds: Life Under the Surface

An event co-sponsored by The Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

Friday, June 5th, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Do you know what’s going on in your lake? You might be surprised!

We enjoy a walk in the woods because of the richness of this ecosystem with its variety of flora and fauna. A healthy lake is also rich in its diversity but not nearly so familiar, because it is not often seen by those of us who enjoy these waters. In this seminar, experts will highlight some of the many interesting parts of this hidden ecosystem.

Topics include:

• Turning Stones: Discovering the Life of Water - Declan McCabe - Professor of Biology, St. Michael's College, Author of Turning Stones
• Mighty Mysis - How a Shrimp No Bigger than your Thumbnail is Key to the Lake Champlain Food Web - Jason Stockwell - Professor of Aquatic Ecology and Director of UVM's Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory
• Native Aquatic Plants - Izzy Anderson- Environmental Scientist - VTDEC Lakes and Ponds Program
• Bio-criteria Development Process for Vermont's Lakes and Ponds - Kellie Merrell - Aquatic Ecologist - VTDEC Lakes and Ponds Program
• Underwater Surprises - Jeri Bergdahl - FOVLAP Director
• Foam - Kris Stepenuck, PhD, UVM Extension Associate Professor, Rubenstein School Associate Director and Extension Program Leader, Lake Champlain Sea Grant and Dr. Lindsey Cookson, Water and Science Program Coordinator for the Lake Champlain Committee, LCC.
• Native Mussels in Vermont - Mark Ferguson - VTFW Zoologist, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
• FOVLAP Videos - Pat Suozzi - FOVLAP President
• Lake Health - Julie Moore - Secretary, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources

Registration is required.

This is a hybrid event, taking place in-person at the South Burlington Library Community Room and online via Zoom. In-person seats are limited to 60.

Click here to register