Community-Science Partnership

Provides analysis and public communication regarding the potential implications of the NYS Wetlands Act on Cazenovia Lake, including developing a projected map of worst-case regulatory outcomes and organizing member outreach using sample email templates to contact state representatives.

Partners with SUNY ESF to monitor, mitigate, and educate the community about harmful algae blooms (HABs) in Cazenovia Lake, supporting public health and environmental safety.

Hosts an annual Lake Summit event and monthly public board meetings to engage the community, promote transparency, and share information about lake management initiatives and environmental conditions.

Implements a 121-page Lake Management Plan in cooperation with the Town of Cazenovia, including herbicide treatments (such as ProcellaCOR application planned for 2027), annual weed studies, shoreline and water management, and water and sediment sampling to control invasive Eurasian Milfoil and maintain water quality.

Conducts annual plant sampling to monitor milfoil levels, implements mechanical removal of invasive aquatic weeds as part of a recurring three-year treatment cycle, and removes approximately 85 loads of aquatic weeds annually—each load containing 15,000 pounds of wet biomass—removing about 4 pounds of phosphorus from the lake ecosystem each year.

Operates a boat cleaning station at Lakeside Park equipped with a vacuum, pressurized blower, and manual tools, and implements mandatory inspection and cleaning procedures for boats and trailers at launch points to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species into Cazenovia Lake.

Provides guidance on responsible boating practices and publishes contact information for reporting unsafe boating to law enforcement, promoting safety and environmental protection on Cazenovia Lake.

Redirected harvested aquatic weeds from the north end of Cazenovia Lake to a local farm for composting and soil amendment, contributing to nutrient management and environmental sustainability.

Collaborates with municipalities, state agencies, and partner organizations to develop long-term environmental strategies, including a remediation plan for Lake Agawam and efforts to protect over 13,000 acres of land and working farms on Long Island.

Raises private funds to finance ecological restoration initiatives, such as the $700,000 campaign for the Gin Lane wetlands restoration project, ensuring no cost to taxpayers.

Designs and installs infrastructure to intercept and treat nitrogen pollution from septic systems and stormwater runoff, including construction of a Permeable Reactive Barrier with three injection wells at the north end of Lake Agawam and redevelopment of key impervious surfaces such as the West Main Street and Village main parking lots to include bioswales and increased stormwater storage.

Provides information to residents about nitrogen pollution from aging septic systems and available financial incentives, including up to $30,000 in combined government grants for system upgrades. Hosts educational events on sustainable landscaping practices.

Operates and maintains a real-time monitoring buoy in Lake Agawam that collects and publicly shares data on dissolved oxygen, blue-green algae, temperature, and pH levels to inform public health and environmental decision-making.

Documents and communicates scientific findings on nitrogen pollution in local water bodies, citing a 2017 Stony Brook University study identifying aging septic systems as the primary pollutant source to Lake Agawam.

Conducts on-the-ground restoration and conservation work to improve water quality and ecological health of Lake Agawam in Southampton, NY, including bioswale construction, native vegetation planting, and stormwater management. Projects include a 7,000 square foot bioswale along the lake’s south shore, replanting 30,000 native wetland species along 1,000 feet of shoreline, and maintenance of multiple bioswales throughout the village.

Stocks walleye fingerlings in DeRuyter Lake over multiple years to biologically control populations of small fish that consume insects which naturally feed on invasive milfoil.

Co-founded the Tioughnioga Lake Preservation Foundation in 2012 in partnership with the Tioughnioga Lake Association to expand organizational capacity for lake conservation.

Hosts community open houses and information sessions to educate stakeholders about watershed management plans and future preservation initiatives, promoting public involvement and partnerships.