Date: October 22, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM ET (11:00 AM CT)
Location: Zoom
Webinar Topic: Invasive Species to Watershed Health: Great Lakes Solutions for a Changing Future
REGISTER HERE
Guest Speakers: Nicole Carpenter, Science Projects Manager: Phragmites Research at Georgian Bay Forever
Moderator: Sean Mullin, Program Officer, Sustainability and Stewardship, Council of the Great Lakes Region
Invasive species are changing the Great Lakes, and protecting these incredible freshwater ecosystems requires action. Join us to learn about some of the most pressing invasive species challenges facing the region. Discover how these species impact native wildlife, shorelines, wetlands, and water quality, and learn about the innovative conservation and eradication efforts underway to manage their spread. We’ll explore what is working, the challenges communities face, and how conservation organizations, governments, and local residents can work together to protect the Great Lakes for generations to come. Whether you’re passionate about the Great Lakes, interested in conservation, or simply want to better understand the changes happening in your local environment, this webinar will provide an engaging look at the fight against invasive species and what you can do to help.
SPEAKERS:
Nicole Carpenter | Science Projects Manager at Georgian Bay Forever
Nicole Carpenter holds a Bachelor of Science with a focus on Marine and Freshwater Biology from the University of Guelph, and a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Environmental Analysis. Nicole started with the Georgian Bay Forever team in 2021 and has been managing the invasive Phragmites program across southeastern Georgian Bay. Alongside the invasive Phragmites program, Nicole also utilizes GIS to create maps, and analyze water quality and bathymetric data.
Her passion for the environment continues to build every day and she strives to help people better understand, appreciate and value our freshwater ecosystems. Outside of work you can find her spending time outdoors with family and friends swimming, canoeing or hiking.
John Dettmers, Ph.D. | Director, Fishery Management, Great Lakes Fishery Commission
Dr. John Dettmers is the Fishery Management Director with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. John earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received Master’s and Ph.D. degrees at The Ohio State University. After graduating, John worked for 10 years with the Illinois Natural History Survey, directing a research field station on Lake Michigan, where the station’s work focused on fisheries research in southern Lake Michigan, especially yellow perch, smallmouth bass and alewife. John has worked for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission since 2005, where he facilitates cooperative fishery management across the basin. He regularly collaborates with Great Lakes fishery managers and resource users to link science, management, and policy for more effective fishery management. John works with managers and researchers on efforts to improve fish habitat quality and quantity, restore native fishes, and to keep invasive fishes from establishing in the Great Lakes. He serves as a co-chair of the Invasive Carp Regional Coordinating Committee’s Monitoring and Response Work Group in the fight to keep bigheaded carps and Black Carp from invading the Great Lakes. He also facilitates coordinated responses to Grass Carp, especially in the Lake Erie basin. In his spare time, John loves to fish, hunt, hike, travel, and read.
MODERATOR:
Sean Mullin | Council of the Great Lakes Region
Sean Mullin is CGLR’s Program Officer, Sustainability and Stewardship, where he leads collaborative initiatives such as Great Lakes WISE and ALUS Defiance. He brings a background in ecological biology and project management, combining technical expertise with a passion for environmental advocacy and aquatic stewardship. Sean is dedicated to advancing collaborative solutions that protect the Great Lakes and inspire greater appreciation for one of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystems.
