Spring 2025 Confluence: Breakout Sessions Preview
Westminster College • June 6, 2025
The Spring 2025 Confluence, hosted by the Headwaters to the Ohio Water Network, promises a full day of dialogue, learning, and collaboration—and the breakout sessions are where the magic happens.
From environmental policy to hands-on science and community engagement, this year’s breakout topics reflect the diversity and depth of the water movement across the Upper Ohio River Basin. Whether you’re an environmental professional, local leader, educator, or watershed volunteer, these sessions will spark new ideas and foster lasting partnerships.
We’re pleased to announce that Larry Schweiger will deliver the keynote address at the Spring 2025 Confluence, taking place on June 6, 2025, at Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA.
Larry brings a distinguished track record in conservation, climate advocacy, and environmental policy. His leadership roles include serving as President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, PennFuture, and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. With decades of experience in both national and state-level environmental work, his insight into clean water and climate challenges is unmatched.
He has collaborated closely with national figures such as Vice President Al Gore, helped shape the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments, and played a pivotal role in the passage of the RESTORE Act following the BP oil spill. Larry has also authored two widely recognized books on climate and environmental policy, offering thoughtful perspectives on the future of our planet.
At the Confluence, Larry will speak to the role of local and regional leadership in responding to water and climate issues—drawing from his long career in conservation and public service.
Confluence co-hosted by H20 Water Network and Westminster College’s Clarence and Mary Harms Center for the Environment.
Featured Breakout Topics & Speakers
Alysha B. Trexler – Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Session: Riparian Rally – Continue the Tree Planting Support!
This session dives into the importance of riparian buffers—and why education must go beyond streamside landowners. Alysha will explore how to involve whole communities and local planners in protecting stream ecosystems through thoughtful planning and inclusive outreach.
Mark Lyons – Penn State’s Center for Dirt and Gravel Roads (PACDGRS)
Session: Stream-Smart Crossings & Aquatic Organism Passage
Learn how road-stream crossings can be redesigned to improve stormwater control and aquatic connectivity. This session highlights how we can move beyond sediment reduction to reconnect fragmented habitats with cutting-edge, fish-friendly infrastructure.
Beth Uhler – Center for Watershed Protection
Session: From Mandate to Opportunity: MS4 Permits & Municipal Collaboration
With updates to PA’s MS4 stormwater permit, Beth will unpack how the new Volume Management Objective (VMO) and collaboration credits can transform mandates into meaningful local action. Learn about intermunicipal collaboration, new tools like the MEP spreadsheet, and real-world examples from Pennsylvania.
Civil & Environmental Consultants (CEC)
Sessions:
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The Power of Story Mapping – Explore how story maps are being used to communicate complex environmental restoration work, such as the Kanawha Yeager Fork Mitigation Bank.
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Electrofishing Demo – Get a firsthand look at aquatic data collection through electrofishing.
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Stream and Wetland Restoration – Discuss the full cycle of restoration: design, implementation, and monitoring.
Dr. Helen Boylan – Westminster College
& Miranda Crotsley – Jennings Environmental Education Center
Joint Session: Teaching the Watershed
Hear about ongoing partnerships with the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition on AMD water testing, and Jennings’ powerful educational outreach to teachers and students across Pennsylvania.
Eric Null – Trout Unlimited
Session: Stream Assessments & Aquatic Habitat Health
Understand the role of stream assessments in conservation planning and how data can drive restoration priorities.
Cliff Denholm – Stream Restoration Inc.
Session: Addressing AMD Across the Basin
With over 13,000 miles of streams impacted in the Ohio River Basin, this session will explore the science of acid mine drainage, real-world impacts, and how communities can implement passive and active treatment systems to reclaim their waters.
Susan Boser & Danielle Rhea – Penn State Extension
Session: Know Your Drinking Water Well
Over 3 million Pennsylvanians use private wells, but many aren’t aware of how to test or treat them. Learn what every well owner should know, and explore the educational tools available to ensure safe drinking water at the household level.
Renika Weimer – Pennsylvania Interfaith Power and Light
Session: Uncovering Your Story: Building Confidence and Community Buy-in for Watershed Initiatives
Extreme weather and climate displacement are on the rise here in SWPA. How do we build power through collaboration in local communities to respond to these challenges? You are the expert in your own experience, and in this session, you’ll learn how to uncover your own story – and maybe even leave with ideas for collaboration. Join PA IPL for a discussion on community building, deepening our imaginations to what is possible!
Why These Sessions Matter
Each breakout represents not just a topic, but a pathway for action. Whether you’re:
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Launching a stream project,
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Coordinating with local governments,
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Leading students through hands-on water science, or
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Just trying to better understand your own backyard water source…
…you’ll leave empowered, informed, and connected.
Register for the Confluence Now!
From policy wonks to streambank planters, everyone has a role to play in the water movement. The Spring 2025 Confluence is where you meet your people, get the tools, and recharge your passion for the work.
📅 Date: June 6, 2025
📍 Location: Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA
**Please note that some of the field-based demonstrations—such as electrofishing, stream assessments, and wetland restoration tours—will take place outdoors and may involve proximity to water. We recommend that participants bring weather-appropriate, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear to ensure comfort and safety while engaging in these hands-on sessions. Dressing in layers is also encouraged, as conditions may vary throughout the day.
