Join us for the 2025 Water@Michigan Symposium, which will center on the Water-Climate Nexus across the University, Michigan, and the Great Lakes Region.

Water@Michigan 2025 will highlight the urgency of coordinated efforts and community-based research. Attendees will gain new skills in storytelling, communicating impact, and understanding Indigenous perspectives. They will also gain a better understanding of climate impacts on transboundary waters and policymaking in Michigan for future water priorities.

Engage with leading experts, policymakers, and community leaders working to address these pressing challenges.

Featured Speakers

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Symposium Agenda

• Registration opens (8:30 a.m.)
• Welcome and Morning Keynote Address (9:00 a.m.)
  • Jiigibiig: Life Along the Shore – An Anishinaabe perspective on the interconnectedness of being in our watersheds | Speaker: Stacie Sheldon Chitwaadewegekwe
• Concurrent Sessions
  • Great Lakes North: Tribal Engagement for Water-Climate Issues – Advice, Insights, and Best Practices | Facilitators: David Michener (Matthaei Botanical Gardens) & Selena Smith (LSA, EES)
  • Great Lakes South: Water Storytelling | Facilitator: David Porter (LSA, English & Comparative Literature)
• Lunch, Networking & Afternoon Registration (11:45 a.m.)
• Welcome and Afternoon Keynote Address (12:45 p.m.)
  • The Water-Climate Nexus | Speaker: Shalanda Baker, VP for Sustainability and Climate Action, U-M
• Panel Discussion: Understanding the Impacts of Climate Change on Transboundary Waters, Ecosystems, Communities, and Governance | Facilitator: Annie Wisner, Global Center for Climate Change and Transboundary Waters, U-M
• Break & Open Networking (2:30 p.m.)
• The Future of Water: Projections and Implications for Policymaking | Moderator: Shalanda Baker | with special guests: Debbie Dingell – U.S. Representative and Phil Roos – Director, EGLE
• Reception & Networking (4 p.m.)

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners!