The 29th Maryland Water Monitoring Council Annual Conference:
Stepping Up Our Efforts - Now Is The Time
November 17, 2023
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum
This year the Maryland Stream Restoration Association (MSRA) is supporting the Maryland Water Monitoring Council (MWMC) to put on this year’s conference. Attend a plenary session and several concurrent breakout sessions, view posters, visit exhibitor tables, and enjoy plenty of snacks and, of course, the famous Maritime Institute all-you-can-eat buffet lunch.
This past year has heralded a number of new opportunities for the water monitoring community. With current initiatives and opportunities including federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, Chesapeake Bay 2025 pollution reduction targets, FEMA Climate Resiliency Grants, 5 Million Trees for Maryland, and the 30% by 2030 initiative to conserve terrestrial and marine habitat globally, this is a time of intensifying efforts, new technologies, and innovations that make collecting and using monitoring data more efficient, so that we may address big issues.
That leads us to our conference theme this year: Stepping Up Our Efforts - Now Is The Time
Concurrent sessions will include speakers covering such topics as the Protection of High Quality Waters and Watersheds, PCBs, Ephemeral Streams, eDNA, Groundwater, Megafauna, Thermal Impacts, Stormwater, Reintroduction Projects, Waterkeeper Litigation Case Studies, PFAS, Student Speed Talks, Harmful Algal Blooms, and more! Register today and join your friends and colleagues at another exciting in-person annual conference of the MWMC!
REGISTRATION DETAILS
Conference registration is open!. Registration includes lunch, breaks and conference materials. Discounts for full-time students and members/staff of nonprofit organizations [501(c)(3)] are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register online by October 27 to get the early-bird discount. All registrations must be complete by November 10. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
CALL FOR POSTER PRESENTERS
If you are interested in presenting a poster, please complete this poster abstract submission form by November 3.
CALLING ALL STUDENTS!
MWMC will be hosting a new student session in a lightning round format at this year’s conference and we look forward to having you join us! Intimidated by the idea of a full presentation? This is for you! Love talking fast? Sign up now! First time presenting your work? Here’s the best way to try it out!
Each student will be given the opportunity to present at lightning speed for 5 minutes - choose to talk super-fast or choose to share only critical highlights from your work – your call! The talks will be followed by a casual Q&A session with all the student presenters as panelists. Any type of water related projects, programs, research, or work are welcome to apply. Please consider joining us for this experience builder! Submit your abstract using this online form and note **student** at the start of your abstract.
AWARDS
The 17th Annual Carl S. Weber Award will be presented to an individual (or individuals) involved in water monitoring in Maryland.
In addition, the council will again offer the Above and Beyond Award to recognize contributions of an up-and-coming member of the environmental community who has volunteered time and energy toward the monitoring of Maryland’s waters and has made a significant contribution to increasing watershed awareness, advocacy, education and stewardship.
Ideal candidates will share the spirit, vision and leadership exemplified by Dr. Carl Weber. Details and the nomination form can be found online. Nominations must be submitted by October 20.
The 12th Annual Maryland Water Monitoring Council Student Poster Award is open to junior high, high school and college undergraduate students. Winners will be awarded $200 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place. See the website for details. Submit your poster abstract to this form to be eligible to win a cash prize!.
Directions to and information about the Maritime Institute are available here.
Vendors: Table Registration will be available through the conference registration site. (link leads to external site)
Updates will be posted on the conference website and Facebook page.
Please feel free to share this information with anyone interested.