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.
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
WALPA's SPRING FUNDRAISING AUCTION - Bid by June 30th!
This year WALPA will be having an online auction before the conference to raise money for student scholarships. You have until the end of June (30th) to bid on state-of-the-art water quality equipment from YSI. Start bidding now to purchase a YSI ProSolo optical dissolved oxygen handheld (value $2,182)!!!