JUNE 12, 2026
LAKE RESILIENCE IN
Welcome to the 2026 Lake Conference
The conference theme this year will be Lake Resilience in the Face of Change, and speakers will focus on ways we can adapt our shorelines (and our behaviors) to meet the changes in our future. From climate to land-use to funding to demographic change, how can we best protect our lakes and make them resilient for an uncertain future?
Registration is OPEN! We hope to see you on June 12th, from 8:30-4 at the Wells Conference Center at the University of Maine at Orono. See more about our keynote and other guest speakers below.
Too far to travel? Consider staying the night before (or the night after) at the Ursa Hotel right on campus. Our block of rooms is booked for Thursday June 11 at our special rate of $139 for the night (option of 1 King-sized bed or 2 Queen-sized; discount off of $190 normal rate). Click here to book a room.
Hotel Ursa is located at 1 Moosehead Road, Orono, ME 04469.
The “Reserve by” deadline date is May 20, 2026.
Hosted By Maine Lakes & Lake Stewards of Maine
Keynote Speaker: Keith Carson, Maine Conservation Voters
Former meteorologist for NewsCenter Maine and The Weather Channel and now the Director of Environmental and Science Communications at Maine Conservation Voters, Keith is on a mission to share the science of climate change and motivate people to make positive changes for the earth. Keith will share his expertise on ways to communicate effectively and take action, framed in the future of lakes in the face of change.
Plenary Speaker: Sabrina Koetter, University of Vermont
Currently wrapping up her Master’s thesis work at the University of Vermont, Sabrina will share results from her research into pathways of information sharing and outcomes for participants in volunteer water monitoring programs. Some of you may have interacted with Sabrina over the last year, or filled out her survey. She will share lessons learned and ways to help us all engage more people in action for healthy lakes as they face a changing future.
More Guest Speakers & Conference Schedule
Our afternoon sessions will include a presentation by Sally Stockwell, Conservation Director at Maine Audubon, on a new program Forestry for Maine Fish where she will share how changing land management around lakes and streams can help fish habitat. Ivonne Vasquez from Bas Rouge Farm in Orono will share her perspective on how vegetative buffers can help make shorelines more resilient in the face of change.
One of the most popular conference events, we’ll have another panel of Lake Association representatives to share their innovations and success stories. Does your association have something to share? Let us know with an email to Carolyn Seibert at Maine Lakes.
In addition to lots of time to network with fellow lake volunteers and activists, we’ll share news from the current legislative session, share a hearty lunch, and have another Silent Auction and Raffle full of native plants and lake-related fun stuff.
Check back to our site often as we add additional afternoon speakers, as well as presenter bios and talk abstracts
Sponsorship Opportunities
Do you have a business that would benefit from connections to lake enthusiasts? Sponsoring the Lakes Conference is a great way to connect directly with over 250 conference attendees as well as more than 5,000 others who see conference advertising, read about the conference in our two organizational e-news, and follow our organizations on social media. It is also a great way to help reduce conference expenses, keeping the conference more affordable for all who would like to attend. Please click here for more information and to donate.
In Kind Donations
Please click here if you would like to donate an item to our silent auction in 2026, or know of a business that might consider a donation,
Sign up for our Lake Conference Newsletter
Click here to subscribe to our Lake Conference Newsletter to find out more about next year’s conference and registration information.
2026 Lake Conference FAQs
Why has the price of registration changed?
Registration costs have increased this year due to several factors, including a change in venue and the rising cost of food and event services. As with many events, the overall cost of hosting the conference, including meals, presentation space, and related logistics, has gone up. We remain committed to keeping registration as affordable as possible while continuing to provide a high quality conference experience for participants.
Why has the conference moved to a new location?
As statewide organizations, we are working to make the conference as accessible as possible to participants from across Maine. To help achieve this, we are looking to hold the conference in different parts of the state and try new locations. Rotating locations allows us to better reach stewards, volunteers, and partners from a variety of regions.
What should I bring?
There will be all-day coffee and tea service. Please bring a coffee mug and/or refillable water tumbler. Light snacks will be available in the afternoon.
Where can I stay?
There is a small block of rooms reserved at the Hotel Ursa for Thursday, June 11 at a special rate of $139 + tax for the night (option of 1 King-size bed or 2 Queen-sized; discount off $190 normal rate). Click here to book a room. Please reserve by May 20th.
Will there be a silent auction and raffle?
Yes. There will be both a silent auction and a raffle held as part of the conference. Proceeds from these fundraisers will help support the conference and offset event costs.
