Algal Bloom Talk — Idaho DEQ — Living Lake Project

For the May 8 session, fellows were invited to attend a public meeting at the Idaho DEQ's Osprey Room in Coeur d'Alene — a chance to observe lake science in a civic setting and hear directly from the people working on it.

The Idaho DEQ, in partnership with Panhandle Health, hosted the session on harmful algal blooms (HABs) — covering what causes them, the risks they pose to people and wildlife, and how DEQ is currently responding. Representatives from local Small Lakes Associations were also in attendance, and their questions and concerns added an important layer to the conversation — a reminder of how impactful the efforts of small groups can be, and the importance of working together to pay close attention to what's happening in our water.

Fellows went around the table with introductions, which was a small but meaningful moment to hear artists talk about their mediums in a room that usually centers data and policy. The DEQ team is excited about the prospect of artists helping carry these issues to wider audiences, and glad to foster such a unique partnership. It was a good reminder that the people doing this work care deeply about it, and that there's real room for art and science to work side by side, especially when it comes to public engagement and connecting with people – something artists are really good at!