Lake Doctor | A Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams Podcast

What happens when the Lake Doctor opens the floor to your questions? Science meets stewardship in this fascinating exploration of freshwater ecosystems with Dr. Nate Bosch and Suzie Light. Dive into the mystery of the tiny red worms appearing on boat lifts (they're blood worms!), learn why those pesky lily pads actually protect your shoreline, and discover how a single fish species might help...

Aaron Voirol's journey from local baseball player to DNR hatchery biologist reveals the fascinating world of fish management happening beneath the surface of Indiana's lakes. As a Grace College environmental science graduate who worked at the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams, Aaron brought unique "fish IQ" and "boating IQ" skills that set him apart even before launc...

Water is life, yet most of us take its origins for granted, often unaware of the underlying systems that sustain it. Join us as we dive deep into the world of groundwater and aquifers with hydrogeologist Todd Feenstra.  Through this engaging episode, we unravel the complexities of aquifers and their crucial role in maintaining our lakes and river systems. Learn about the fascinating journey of wat...

The Lake Doctor podcast dives into pressing environmental concerns affecting our beautiful local lakes, delving deep into the issue of E. coli contamination in public swimming areas. Join hosts Suzie Light and Dr. Nate Bosch as they welcome Mayor Jeff Grose of Warsaw and Parks Superintendent Larry Plummer for an insightful discussion about the current state of our lakes and the proactive measures...

Dive into the inspiring world of young environmental champions in our latest episode! Meet Tatiksha Gorhe and Sydney Clark of Warsaw High School, who recently participated (and won!) at the statewide Envirothon competition. This exciting educational program encourages students to explore critical environmental topics and fosters teamwork through competition. Join us as we discuss their experiences...

What if your local lake could be healthier, cleaner, and more beautiful than ever before? Join us for an insightful conversation with Chris Cummins, president of the Winona Lake Preservation Association, as he shares his passion for lake conservation and his proactive strategies to combat pollution. From tackling the aftermath of a local chemical spill to working hand-in-hand with environmental ex...

Ready to explore the enchanting world of lake tourism and its profound economic impact? Join us as we chat with Cori Humes, a passionate tourism advocate from Northern Indiana who shares her incredible journey from growing up in Marshall County to leading the Kosciusko County Visitor Bureau. Cori’s contagious enthusiasm for her region paints a vivid picture of more than 100 stunning lakes that off...

Unlock the secrets of sustainable lake conservation and soil health with our guests, Tashina Lahr-Manifold, Soil Health Specialist, and Amanda Heltzel, Education-Outreach Coordinator. Discover how Tashina, who grew up on a Clydesdale farm, and Amanda, who was raised on a row crop farm, transform their agricultural backgrounds into a mission for environmental change. Their inspiring stories reveal...

Join us on an insightful adventure into the world of lake science and conservation with Lyn Crighton, executive director of The Watershed Foundation. Lyn's journey from growing up on Lake Tippecanoe to leading impactful environmental initiatives offers a unique perspective on how passion can steer one’s career toward making a difference. Her blend of business acumen and environmental expertis...

Unlock the mysteries of lake ecosystems with Dr. Joe Frenzel, our guest from Grace College, as we journey into the intricate world of algae science. Now with a thriving career in Winona Lake, Dr. Frenzel shares his unique path and passion for biology and biochemistry. Get ready to explore the diverse world of algae, often compared to a "junk drawer" due to its mix of bacterial and non-ba...

Discover the secrets behind effective lake conservation with Heather Harwood, executive director of the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation. Heather shares her transformative journey with the Foundation, taking it from a modest initiative to an environmental powerhouse with over 1,000 acres secured for conservation. Gain insights into how these wetland and upland areas are critical for maintaining...

Experience the world of conservation law enforcement through the eyes of Lieutenant Ashley Jackson, District 1 Commander with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Discover the path that led Ashley to a career that combines a love for nature with a family legacy in law enforcement. As fully sworn officers, conservation officers like Ashley play a crucial role in supporting a variety of DNR...

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&ap...

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...

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 f...

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 unit...

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 Ca...

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 a...

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...

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...

What if wetlands could save your community from catastrophic floods and polluted water? Join us as we uncover the hidden heroes of our ecosystems with Scott Fetters from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Scott's extensive expertise in wetland restoration sheds light on their crucial role in water filtration, flood control, and habitat creation. Hear about the inspiring stories behind the remo...

How do strategic health initiatives transform a community? Join us as Rich Haddad from the K21 Health Foundation shares his journey from Grace College to leading the K21 Health Foundation for nearly two decades. You'll learn about K21's mission, born from the sale of Kosciusko Community Hospital, and how it now champions health opportunities for Kosciusko County residents. Rich's an...

Discover how STEM education is revolutionizing our community with insights from Dr. Rachael Hoffert of Grace College's School of Education and Dr. David Hoffert, superintendent of Warsaw Community Schools. These passionate educators share their unique journeys and discuss how their efforts have led to the development of STEM-certified schools, enhancing learning experiences from elementary th...

Can investing in lake-front properties improve your financial future and your lake's health? On this episode of the Lake Doctor podcast, we chat with Kay Young, a real estate veteran with 36 years of experience in the Syracuse area, who unveils the secrets behind the magnetism of lakefront homes. From the allure of tranquil, family-friendly environments to the economic benefits these properti...

Welcome to Lake Doctor: A Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams Podcast, your go-to source for understanding and preserving the health of our local lakes. Join hosts Dr. Nate Bosch, an expert in limnology, and Suzie Light, a lifelong resident and passionate advocate for our aquatic environments, as they dive deep into the challenges facing Kosciusko County's lakes. Dr. Nate Bosch grew up in Mich...