FOCUS Forums are a series of engaging public discussions featuring expert panelists who discuss a range of topics that impact Central New York residents, including education, environment, local government, business, health, public service, and more. Each forum consists of insightful presentations followed by a moderated Q&A session that encourages community participation. We aim to create an inclusive space for residents to learn and contribute to the issues that matter most in our community.
Date: Friday, June 26, 2026 | Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Doors Open at 11:45 a.m.)
Registration & Location: In-Person & Zoom. Registration: Free and Open to Everyone.
This FOCUS Forum was held in-person at One Group, with the option of virtual participation via Zoom.
Topic: FOCUS hosted a hybrid public forum on water conservation, watershed health, and the shared environmental responsibility of protecting Central New York’s most essential natural resource. Panelists from the Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Onondaga Environmental Institute, and SUNY ESF’s Center for Native Peoples and the Environment explored the connection between agricultural stewardship, urban waterways, Indigenous land and water relationships, and the significant environmental questions that come with Micron’s arrival in the region. The conversation ranged from composting and lawn care to PFAS contamination and the ongoing work of Onondaga Lake cleanup — with a consistent message that water connects all of us, and caring for it is everyone’s responsibility.
Language Access: FOCUS Forums are presented in English. Zoom provides optional, automated live captions and translation features that participants may choose to enable. These tools are generated by Zoom and are not professionally interpreted.
How We Built This Conversation: This topic came directly from a community member who responded to our survey. Your suggestions shape FOCUS Forums. Have a topic you’d like to see at a future FOCUS Forum? Suggest a topic or panelist here.
Panelists:
Mark E. Burger, M.S., CPESC, Executive Director, Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District
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Mark Burger has been with the Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for twenty-four years and oversees a staff of 12 full-time and nine part-time employees. Mark is the Executive Director of the SWCD and the Program Manager for the Skaneateles Lake Watershed Agricultural Program. He received his Bachelor’s and Master of Science from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse. Mark is a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control and a NYS DEC Cooperating Consulting Forester.
Stephanie L. Johnson, Ph.D, Project Manager, Onondaga Environmental Institute
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Stephanie L. Johnson, Ph.D. is the Project Manager for the Onondaga Environmental Institute (OEI). Dr. Johnson received a B.S. in Environmental Science from Russell Sage College in 2005, an M.S. in Ecology from State University College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) in 2009, and a Ph.D. in Ecology from SUNY ESF in 2013. Stephanie’s research interests include understanding human impacts to aquatic ecosystem health with the aim of implementing projects that help restore and protect the natural world, especially our vitally important freshwater resources. Stephanie works closely with OEI’s Education & Outreach Educator to implement science-based experiential learning and engagement for youth and adults alike in an effort to better connect people to nature, instill a sense of place, and empower communities to be active stewards of their local environment. Stephanie has also served as a Visiting Lecturer at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry since 2021. Whenever possible, Stephanie likes to spend her free time walking streams and flipping rocks for aquatic insects, puttering in her gardens, and cuddling her cats.
Dr. Madeline Nyblade, Assistant Professor, SUNY Environmental Science & Forestry
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Dr. Madeline Nyblade is an assistant professor in the Environmental Studies Department at SUNY ESF. She is also the faculty co-director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. She works with Indigenous Nations and community partners to study and care for our waters here in Central New York and across the Great Lakes. Dr. Madeline Nyblade is a distinguished graduate of the Winter 2024 cohort of FOCUS’ Citizens Academy!