Partnerships for Practical Solutions

Defiance, OH—April 3, 2025— The Defiance Research Alliance and the Maumee Watershed Alliance proudly hosted the Land to Lake Conference: Partnerships for Practical Solutions, a full-day event focused on innovative conservation strategies within the Western Lake Erie Basin. Bringing together a diverse group of experts, community leaders, farmers, and environmental stakeholders, the conference fostered collaboration and shared solutions for improving water quality across the Maumee Watershed.

“The objective of hosting this event was to showcase innovations and demonstrate where partnership opportunities exist, enabling us to work collaboratively across the watershed to enhance water quality,” said Jennifer English, Project Coordinator for the Defiance Research Alliance.

Engaging Presentations and Expert Panels

Attendees heard from a wide range of speakers who are leading the charge in conservation and water quality efforts:

• Dan Wire and Jacquelyn Buck from the Maumee Watershed Alliance shared insights from their Farmer Input Series, highlighting the power of collaboration with local producers.
• Matt Fisher of the Lake Erie Foundation presented case studies on successful phosphorus reduction efforts using targeted edge-of-field filters.
• Scott Singer, a third-generation Defiance farmer, detailed his experience with a conservation ditch project that included the creation of a linear wetland.
• Interactive panel discussions gave attendees a deeper understanding of real-world strategies for conservation and monitoring across the region.

“You Cannot Manage What You Do Not Measure.”

The importance of data and measurement was a central theme, underscored by keynote speaker Dr. Chris Winslow, Director of the Ohio Sea Grant and the Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory.

“You cannot manage what you do not measure,” Dr. Winslow stated, emphasizing that effective water quality management begins with sound scientific monitoring.

Watershed Gallery Showcases Regional Partnerships

Participants also explored a Watershed Gallery, featuring 15 organizations actively working to improve water quality and conservation throughout the region. The gallery served as a networking hub for discovering future partnership opportunities.

“Creating spaces for sharing lessons learned enhances our ability to make a meaningful impact,” said Jacquelyn Buck, Program Administrator for the Maumee Watershed Alliance. “Understanding the work of various organizations allows us to learn from each other and find new ways to collaborate.”