🌊 Welcome to the Spring 2025 Confluence
On June 6, 2025, leaders, learners, and water advocates will gather at Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA for the Spring 2025 Confluence, hosted by the Headwaters to the Ohio Water Network. This annual event brings together professionals, students, government agencies, nonprofits, and community members to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and advance clean water solutions in the Upper Ohio River Basin.
🎤 Keynote Address: Larry Schweiger
We are honored to welcome Larry Schweiger—renowned conservationist, author, and former CEO of the National Wildlife Federation—as our keynote speaker. With decades of high-impact leadership in national policy, climate advocacy, and watershed protection, Larry will inspire attendees with insights from the frontlines of environmental change.
🧠 Breakout Sessions: Learn, Share, Connect
From technical deep dives to policy discussions, breakout sessions cover critical water topics, including:
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Riparian Buffers & Tree Planting – Alysha Trexler, Western PA Conservancy
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Stream-Smart Crossings & AOP – Mark Lyons, Penn State
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MS4 Permits & Municipal Collaboration – Beth Uhler, Center for Watershed Protection
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Story Mapping – Civil & Environmental Consultants
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Watershed Education & Partnerships – Dr. Helen Boylan & Miranda Crotsley
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Stream Assessments – Eric Null, Trout Unlimited
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Acid Mine Drainage Solutions – Cliff Denholm, Stream Restoration Inc.
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Private Well Water Basics – Penn State Extension
- Building Confidence and Community Buy-in for Watershed Initiatives – Renika Weimer – Pennsylvania Interfaith Power and Light
Each session offers practical insights, peer exchange, and opportunities to bring new ideas back to your organization or community.
🌿 Boatload of Knowledge & Field Demos
During the lunch break, visit the Boatload of Knowledge—a curated space where agencies and organizations will share resources, tools, and success stories. Some sessions will also include hands-on field demonstrations, such as electrofishing and wetland assessment techniques.
Outdoor sessions may involve uneven terrain or stream access. Please come prepared.
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Waterproof footwear or boots
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Rain jacket or water-resistant clothing
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Sun protection and layers
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Reusable water bottle
📍 Getting to Westminster College
Address: 319 S. Market Street, New Wilmington, PA 16172
Venue: Hoyt Science Center, Room 101
Parking: Available via the east entrance off Route 208
Entry: Use the back of the building and follow posted signage
GPS-friendly and easy to navigate, Westminster’s campus offers ample parking and a welcoming environment for attendees. Plan to arrive early for registration and networking.
📅 Event Schedule at a Glance
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9:30 AM – Registration
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10:00 AM – Keynote: Larry Schweiger
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11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Breakout Session I
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12:00 – 1:00 PM – Lunch & Hall of Knowledge
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1:00 – 2:00 PM – Breakout Session II
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2:00 – 3:00 PM – Breakout Session III
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3:00 – 4:00 PM – Wrap-up and Collaborative Reflections
🔗 Registration & Participation
The Spring Confluence is free to attend, but registration is required. Whether you’re coming to listen, present, or connect with peers, your voice matters.
If you represent a community watershed group, municipality, or school, this is a fantastic opportunity to share your needs, highlight successes, and find new collaborators.
💬 Final Thoughts
The Spring 2025 Confluence is a space for connection, action, and shared purpose. Water ties us together—across counties, across sectors, and across generations. We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring and practical day of learning and movement-building.
See you at the Confluence.
