June 2026 FOCUS Forum. Water Conservation: Understanding & Protecting Our Watersheds
June 2026 FOCUS Forum. Water Conservation: Understanding & Protecting Our Watersheds
Join FOCUS for a hybrid public forum where local experts will explore water conservation, watershed health, and the shared environmental responsibility of protecting Central New York's most essential natural resource. This discussion is informed by regional conditions, ongoing conservation efforts, and the interconnected relationship between healthy land, healthy water, and thriving communities. Panelists will provide an overview of watershed ecology, conservation strategies, and environmental stewardship efforts across Onondaga County, drawing on their professional roles and direct experience in conservation science, environmental education, and land and water stewardship at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, the Onondaga Environmental Institute, and the Onondaga County Soil & Water Conservation District. The conversation will highlight how these organizations work alongside communities, landowners, and local governments to protect and restore the natural systems that sustain our water supply. The Forum will emphasize practical civic participation, including understanding how land use affects water quality, supporting local conservation programs, and connecting with the organizations working every day to preserve and protect the region's watersheds, while allowing panelists to address emerging issues and priorities as they see fit. After opening remarks from our panel, the conversation moves to a moderated Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and discover ways to engage with local priorities and initiatives. This is a welcoming, respectful space for community members to learn, engage, and explore ways to be actively involved in shaping the civic life of Central New York.