City Times Staff

Hundreds are expected to turn out for the 38th annual Wisconsin Lakes Partnership Convention, which kicks off Wednesday at the Holiday Inn Convention Center.

The gathering brings together the public, researchers, politicians, lakes groups and others interested in the quality of Wisconsin’s 15,000 lakes.

The event runs four days and offers education and data on preserving the state’s watershed.

“Wisconsin has thousands of lakes and we rely on citizens to be a big part of managing and protecting these lakes,” said Eric Olson, director of the UW-Extension Lakes. “This convention is basically a place and time where everybody across the state can get together.”

Keynote speakers include Kris Stepenuck, who will discuss her extensive research on the effects of citizen lake monitors, and Alyssum Pohl, who traveled the length of the Mississippi River, testing water quality along the way.

The event includes 20 workshops and tours, special sessions, a poster session, Lake Stewardship banquet, welcome reception, lunches, breaks, and all educational materials for $215.

The convention is open to the public, but registration is required.

For more information, or to register, go to www.wisconsinlakes.org. The Holiday Inn and Convention Center is located at 1001 Amber Avenue.