The annual Ramapo River Watershed Conference features speakers from around the region and takes place Friday, April 22, at Ramapo College of New Jersey. Photo by Geoff Welch: Ramapo River near Sloatsburg, NY.

The annual Ramapo River Watershed Conference gets underway Friday, April 22, at Ramapo College of New Jersey, and again, will feature speakers discussing watershed issues that impact the lives and health of the watershed people who depend on water in this region.

This year the Ramapo River Watershed Conference welcomes Suzy Allman, speaking on Rockland County’s burgeoning trail towns. Allman runs the popular site My Harriman.com which has rapidly become a vital resource for park adventurers exploring Harriman State Park. Dr. Chuck Stead will update on the on-going paint sludge clean up along the Rampo River in Torne Valley and noted Rutgers Professor Dan Van Abs will discuss how municipalities can better protect water resources.

The event is free and kicks off with coffee and bagels at 9:30 a.m., followed by opening remarks by Ramapo College President Peter Mercer. The Watershed Conference runs through 3:30 p.m. with a reception scheduled for 3:45 p.m.

The Ramapo Watershed Conference is presented by the Rampo River Committee and the Institute for Environmental Studies at Ramapo College. Additional sponsorship has been provided by the Tuxedo Hudson Company.

Visit RamapoRiver.org for more information or contact GeoffWelch@gmail.com.

The event takes place in the Trustees Pavilion with guest parking available.