Discover how a simple dinner bell trade sparked a sailing legacy as we chat with Frank and Becky Levinson, who share their family's deep-rooted history with Lake Wawasee. We unravel tales dating back to the 1920s and explore how Frank and Becky have shaped their lives around cherished memories and business ventures in the area. Becky’s upbringing on a Pennsylvania dairy farm and her family's conservation ethos have heavily influenced her passion for sustainability, which shines through in our discussion.

Known affectionately as "Becky and Frank the Builders," this dynamic duo talks about their community-building endeavors. They’ve addressed local housing needs by constructing townhomes and fostered stronger community ties than ever before. Their commitment goes beyond bricks and mortar, as they actively participate in organizations like the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation and Syracuse-Wawasee Trails. Through their company, Team FaB, they emphasize teamwork and environmental responsibility, aligning closely with the Lilly Center's mission, and they share insights into how these efforts have transformed the local landscape.

Experience the innovation and collaboration that drive meaningful change in lake conservation. We highlight groundbreaking projects with the Environmental Protection Agency and Purdue University, using satellite imagery to tackle algal blooms and connecting water quality improvements to property value growth. Dive into the complexities of cyanobacteria and the Levinsons' role in spearheading research to understand and combat these challenges. This episode is a celebration of legacy, collaboration, and community empowerment—join us as we explore how you, too, can make a difference in preserving our natural resources.

Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/.

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Discover the journey of Diane Quance, a dedicated city council member for Warsaw and passionate advocate for environmental stewardship. Diane's childhood love for lakes has seen her transition from camping trips near Lake Michigan to living by Little Pike Lake, where she actively implements sustainable practices. Her story is one of personal and professional evolution, from aspiring minister or social worker to a fulfilling career as a clinical therapist and guidance counselor, all while championing lake stewardship and innovative shoreline conservation.

Explore the fascinating intersection where systems theory meets environmental stewardship. Diane, as a multifaceted social scientist and public servant, shares her insights on the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human communities. As the fourth woman elected to the Warsaw Common Council, she emphasizes the importance of intentional planning and stewardship in community development. Her experience highlights the critical role of government in aligning community and economic interests, effectively engaging stakeholders, and the power of breaking glass ceilings to make a meaningful difference in public service.

Join us as we highlight the collaborative efforts between the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams and the city of Warsaw, showcasing projects that have transformed local lakeshores and improved environmental health. From tackling stormwater issues and E. coli contamination to rapid responses to chemical spills, the episode underscores the power of partnership in achieving sustainable outcomes. We also delve into the diverse career opportunities in environmental studies, encouraging listeners to consider the lifelong impact they can make in this vital field. Whether you're exploring career paths or lifelong learning in environmental education, this episode offers inspiration and insight for aspiring environmental stewards.

Learn more about the topics in this episode at lakes.grace.edu.

What if you could witness the seamless blend of agriculture and lake conservation? Join us on the Lake Doctor Podcast as we welcome Mindy Truex, president of Creighton Brothers. With nearly a century of family history, Mindy invites us into her world, where she navigates the storytelling challenges of agriculture and how the stewardship practices that are beneficial for agriculture are also good for our lakes. Discover how Creighton eggs journey from hen to consumer, untouched by human hands, and how Mindy champions agritourism through the charming
Creighton's Crazy Egg Cafe & Coffee Bar.

Explore the cutting-edge world of modern agriculture, where precision farming and stringent biosecurity measures reign supreme. We also turn our attention to lakefront property maintenance, discussing the role of native plants in curbing nutrient pollution and the critical importance of phosphorus-free fertilizers. This episode promises invaluable insights for those passionate about the confluence of farming and environmental stewardship.

What transforms an ordinary community into a beacon of environmental stewardship and research? This episode features an inspiring conversation with the visionary founders of the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams: Dr. Ron Manahan, Dr. Frank Levinson, and Suzie Light. As they share their personal journeys, you'll discover how a shared vision and a deep commitment to the environment have united them to address critical water quality issues in Kosciusko County. Dr. Manahan's unexpected journey from history student to environmental advocate, Suzie Light's impactful community work, and Dr. Levinson's Silicon Valley successes all converge to create a powerful narrative of change and collaboration.

Our founders reflect on the crucial gaps they identified in local lake and stream research, sparking the creation of the Lilly Center. You'll hear about Frank's pivotal experiences with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and how these fueled his desire to give back to his cherished Lake Wawasee. When he met Suzie, it was the beginning of a partnership that would transcend traditional philanthropy, focusing instead on long-term environmental impact. Their collaboration with Grace College leaders underscores the transformative power of marrying community passion with academic rigor, laying a strong foundation for the Lilly Center's mission.

The journey of integrating environmental education into Grace College is a testament to the power of stewardship and a biblical worldview. With support from dedicated figures like Dr. Manahan, the college's program evolved to emphasize environmental ethics, historical connections, and practical stewardship. As our founders recount their stories, they highlight the significance of focusing on county-specific issues and the essential role of partnerships. The legacy of the Lilly Center is a shared commitment to preserving the natural world, ensuring a sustainable future through education, research, and a collaborative community effort.

Can tank safety teach kids about personal space and environmental respect? Join us as we sit down with Leslie Tharp, the passionate school librarian from North Webster Elementary School, to uncover how her love for turtles and nature has shaped her educational journey. We'll explore Leslie's heartfelt stories of protecting baby turtles from raccoons, a family project that blossomed at Camp Crosley. Learn how Leslie's transition from teaching to library science has been influenced by her deep-seated love for research and wildlife conservation.

But that's not all! Leslie also shares her innovative approach to teaching environmental stewardship by implementing tank safety in her library. We discuss how observing fish tank dynamics helps students understand personal space and the feelings of other creatures. Additionally, dive into the world of local turtle species, their crucial ecological roles, and Leslie's thrilling adventures in spelunking and interest in bat conservation. Dr. Nate Bosch and Emily from the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams amplify the conversation with insights into the "Lake in the Library" program, highlighting how aquariums help young students grasp the importance of clean water and environmental care. This episode beautifully weaves together themes of family, education, and conservation, promising a wealth of inspiring stories and valuable insights.

Unlock the mysteries of weather and its profound effects on local lakes with our special guest, Matt Rudkin, a meteorologist who has taken his expertise from TV to an analytical role at United Airlines. Learn how Lake Michigan’s ice cover impacts Indiana’s spring weather and the critical role of education in understanding weather patterns. Matt’s passion for demystifying weather phenomena shines as he explains the 'why' behind what we see in the skies and how it all connects to our daily lives.

Join us as we break down the complex interplay between atmospheric conditions and lake dynamics. Discover how microbursts mimic a garden hose hitting a driveway and the cascading effects of high and low-pressure systems on thunderstorms and nutrient mixing in lakes. With vivid analogies and a focus on making science accessible, we explore the stratification of lakes, the influence of wind and rain, and how these elements foster plant and algae growth, all while connecting these processes to broader atmospheric layers and weather patterns.

Finally, delve into the fascinating world of ice cover and weather predictions. Uncover the impact of ice on evaporation and aquatic life during winter, and compare historical ice harvesting with modern forecasting methods. Matt and Dr. Nate Bosch shed light on global patterns like El Niño and La Niña, leveraging historical data to predict future weather. We also touch on Matt’s inspiring journey into meteorology and discuss how changes in our climate could lead to more severe weather events. This episode is packed with insights that will transform your understanding of the intricate dance between weather, climate, and our lakes.

Discover the secrets of transformational leadership and community impact with our special guest, Stephanie Overbey, CEO of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. Stephanie's journey from being hired 24 years ago by Susie Light to now leading the organization provides a wealth of insights into formal philanthropy and developing a servant's heart. Learn how her childhood experiences of frequent moves and her family's house-flipping adventures shaped her perspective, and gain valuable knowledge about the foundation's grant-making process and its role in supporting local nonprofits.

Get an insider look at charitable giving and volunteer engagement dynamics, with a special focus on the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams. Stephanie discusses the essential need for diversifying revenue streams for nonprofits, establishing sustainable donor relationships, and turning contributions into lasting partnerships. Understand the meticulous process of vetting volunteers, managing scholarship funds, and how the Community Foundation aligns donor passions with community needs. We also provide important contact information for those looking to make a difference through donations or volunteer work.

Find out how nonprofits can grow while maintaining a balance between operational demands and personal life. Stephanie shares her experiences of raising triplets while leading a significant organization, highlighting the importance of strategic staffing, financial planning, and the invaluable role of board members with financial expertise. Explore the critical parameters for measuring lake health with experts from the Lilly Center and discover meaningful steps to improve your lake's ecosystem. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about community service, environmental sustainability, and achieving personal and professional balance.

Curious about what makes Indiana's lakes tick? Join us as we chat with Tyler Delauder, the District Fisheries Biologist from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Tyler shares his fascinating journey from aspiring teacher to passionate steward of Indiana’s aquatic ecosystems. Learn how a summer internship transformed his career path and fuelled his personal love for fishing and outdoor adventures, a passion he now shares with his family. Dive into the DNR's essential work in maintaining our lakes, particularly through the Status and Trends project, a key initiative that ensures the health and quality of lakes across Indiana.

Ever wondered what's really happening beneath the surface of your favorite fishing spot? Tyler breaks down the intricate food chains within lake ecosystems, from the top predators like bass and northern pike to the vital roles of zooplankton and phytoplankton. He gives practical advice for local anglers, highlighting the best fishing spots in Kosciusko County and stressing the importance of adhering to fish consumption advisories for safety. You'll also gain insights into Indiana’s fishing regulations and where to find critical information on mercury advisories, especially for lakes like Winona Lake.

But it's not all smooth sailing in Indiana's lakes. Tyler delves into the battle against invasive aquatic species, focusing on a troublemaker known as "starry." Discover the pros and cons of different management strategies, from herbicide treatments to mechanical removal, and learn why timely fish kill reporting is crucial. We also explore ongoing research on the impact of public sewer systems on lake health and efforts to clear log jams from the Tippecanoe River. Finally, find out how you can take actionable steps to contribute to healthier lakes by visiting lakes.grace.edu. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips for anyone passionate about preserving the natural beauty of Indiana’s lakes.