Annual Conference
WALPA's 39th Annual Conference in Bellingham, WA
October 7-9, 2026
"Celebrating Lake Heroes: Critters and Champions"
Four Points Hotel & Conference Center
Bellingham, WA
The Washington State Lake Protection Association (WALPA) is planning for our next conference at the Four Points Hotel & Conference Center in Bellingham, Washington on Wednesday through Friday October 7-9, 2026. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Lake Heroes: Critters and Champions” but presentations from a variety of other topics are also welcome.
Come learn about the heroes that shape our work, from the critters and creatures in every level of the food web within our lakes, to the researchers and lake managers that keep asking questions and teach us how to protect and restore our lakes. This year’s conference will have something for all lake lovers!
SCHEDULE
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Wednesday (half day) - learning sessions
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Wednesday evening
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Social event with poster presentations on research by students and others
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Live and silent auctions to raise funds for student scholarships
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Thursday (full day) - learning sessions
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Friday morning - algae identification workshop by Dr. Robin A. Matthews at Western Washington University.
LEARNING SESSIONS
Learning sessions include, but are not limited to:
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Harmful algal bloom (HAB) research
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Exciting new lake management technologies
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Student research
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Climate change and adaptive management
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Nutrient pollution
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Aquatic invasive species
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Algae and aquatic plant management
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Fish ecology
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Urban lakes
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Volunteer monitoring and citizen science
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Conservation of lake ecosystems
BECOME A WALPA MEMBER AND SAVE
Save money on your registration and become part of Washington’s lake science community!
Discount
Members receive a discounted registration fee.
Student Benefits
Student membership is FREE and required for student registration
Networking
Connect with lake science professionals, researchers, and resources all year long.
Category | Early Bird (before Sept. 4) | Late Registration |
|---|---|---|
Fri., June 20 | The Academy, L.A | Book It |
Thu., June 19 | Bamboo, Santa Barbara | Book It |
Sat., June 28 | Cheers, Santa Cruz | Book It |
Wed., July 6 | The Roxy, San Francisco | Book It |
Member
Non-Member
Thursday only
Student
Friday Algae Workshop
$275
$350
$175
$100
$50 or free for students
Space is limited!
$350
$425
$225
$100
$50
WORKSHOP
This year’s workshop focuses on learning how to identify common freshwater algae found in northwest Washington using conventional taxonomic keys and online resources. Participants will gain experience with a variety of field and laboratory methods used to sample, identify, and preserve freshwater algae found in lakes and ponds in Northwest Washington. Participants will also develop an understanding of the environmental requirements for major algal groups, including factors that contribute to blooms of toxin-forming cyanobacteria and other harmful freshwater algae.
Space is limited so make sure you reserve your spot today! FORMAT This workshop will be offered in person, with 3 hours of guided laboratory instruction. TECHNOLOGY/MATERIALS REQUIRED No textbook is required, but participants will need a laptop, tablet, or smartphone to access online resources. REINVENT YOUR CAREER This workshop is designed for individuals who want to gain basic taxonomic skills for identifying algae in lakes and ponds. It may also be helpful for lake managers because they will learn how to distinguish potential toxin-producing algae from other types of algae. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN This workshop will include short lectures on algal taxonomy and the ecology of major algal groups. Most of the time will be spent on guided and independent algal identification using live algae samples collected prior to the workshop. INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY Dr. Robin Matthews, Professor Emeritus, was the Director of the Institute for Watershed Studies at Western Washington University from 1994-2020 and a faculty member in the Environmental Sciences Department from 1990-2020. She taught Freshwater Algae Bioindicators at WWU from 2009-2020 and has written numerous online guides to freshwater algae. The first three volumes of her online e-book series, Freshwater Algae in Northwest Washington Volumes I, II, and III Part A, have >8000 downloads in 115 countries. This workshop is part of a broader goal of helping researchers and citizen scientists learn more about the amazing world found in a drop of water.
HOTEL DETAILS
Click the button below to reserve a room within our room block by September 14th:
Or call the hotel directly and mention the WALPA Annual Conference Room Block
Four Points Hotel & Conference Center
October 7-9, 2026
714 Lakeway Drive
Bellingham, WA 98229
(360) 671-1011
NOMINATE FOR WALPA SECCHI DISK AWARD!
Help us show appreciation for those working hard for lakes!
Each year WALPA recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to our organization and to the science of lake management and protection. Consider nominating a deserving individual for this year’s Secchi Disk Award. Anyone may submit a nomination. Let us know about a lake hero who should be honored with this year’s Secchi Disk Award!
This 2026 Secchi Disk Award will be presented at the 39th Annual Conference
Nominations Due September 14th.
SUPPORT STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS: FALL AUCTION NOW OPEN!
WALPA is hosting an online auction around our Annual Conference to raise funds for student scholarships. From now until October 8th during the conference, you can bid on state-of-the-art water quality equipment from In Situ/OTT. Start bidding now to purchase an RDO optical dissolved oxygen and temperature meter (value $1265)!
The equipment will be available for pick-up at the conference, where the manufacturer can also train the winning bidder.
Spread the word, rally your friends and family, and together let's make this auction a success! Thank you for your support and happy bidding!