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
SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT BY July 15, 2026
The lake community wants to hear from you! Share your latest project or research by submitting an abstract for the conference. Abstracts may be submitted for oral presentations and posters. Submit your abstract to WALPA HERE. You will be asked for a title, author(s) and a brief description (250 word limit) of your presentation or poster. This year we will also offer an option for lightning talks - these are short presentations designed to pique the interest of the audience.
Stay tuned for more conference details and a registration link. We look forward to seeing you all there!
