The Ohio River Basin Alliance Discussion Series is an opportunity for communities to share their knowledge and passion for the Ohio River. This seasonal series of webinars features topics in Water Quality, Ecosystem Restoration, Research, Education, Transportation, Flood Control, and Recreation. The Series was originally created by the Ohio River Way in 2020. Since 2021, the Series has been expanded to include additional ORBA partners, providing content and support. The series is hosted by ORSANCO and supported by the Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE), Ohio University Voinovich School, Kentucky Association for Environmental Education, Thomas More University, and Youngstown State University.
Join us for February’s Ohio River Discussion Series Webinar
Turning Science into Stories: Connecting People to Water Quality and the Environment
Wednesday, February 25 | Noon-1 pm
Turning Science into Stories: Connecting People to Water Quality and the Environment brings together practitioners who are transforming complex environmental data into compelling narratives that inspire action across the Ohio River Basin. This webinar will explore how science, economics, and creative communication can bridge the gap between monitoring, policy, and community engagement. Presenters will showcase innovative approaches for connecting people to water quality, strengthening watershed restoration efforts, and turning data into meaningful impact.
Presenters:
Presentation – From Sensors to Citizens: Bridging Monitoring and Community Action
Elizabeth Burton is an Outreach Specialist with the Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE), where she connects students and communities to hands-on river stewardship across the Ohio River Basin. She leads the River Watchers Volunteer Monitoring Program, training volunteers in water-quality monitoring and citizen science, and supports field programs, litter cleanups, and outreach efforts that foster long-term environmental stewardship. Elizabeth holds a BS in Biology, Cell/Cellular, and Molecular Biology from the University of Louisville.
Presentation – H2Ohio and the Value of Restoring Watersheds
Glen Delaney is a project director and director of partnerships at Earth Economics, a non-profit with a mission to quantify and value nature for better decision-making. He has led valuations of diverse ecosystems from salmon habitat restoration in Washington to the Greater Everglades. Previously, Glen was a British commercial officer in San Francisco, supporting the UK’s climate agenda during COP26, and a policy officer in the UK’s Ministry of Justice.
Presentation – Art and Data for Action: Transforming Complex Data Into Engaging Solutions For Critical Climate Issues
Season Martin is the CEO and founder of Virga Labs. She has over 15 years of experience in water management, data science, and conservation. She holds a Master of Environmental Science and Management from UC Santa Barbara and a BA in Geology and Environmental Studies from Whitman College. Season specializes in innovative, data-driven solutions for sustainable water management that use engaging design.
Future Ohio River Discussion Series Webinars
March 25th – Student-Led Discoveries
Recordings of past Ohio River Discussion Series webinars
January 2026 – Funding the Future: Federal and State Investments Driving Watershed Recovery in the Ohio River Basin
March 2025 – Student Voices in Ohio River Basin Research
February 2025 – Trees and Water Connection
January 2025 – Environmental Education
March 2024 – Student Voices in Ohio River Basin Research
February 2024 – Nutrient Reduction Strategy Resources
January 2024 – Community Benefits of Ohio River Restoration
March 2023 – Student Voices in Ohio River Basin Research
February 2023 – Ohio River Restoration
January 2023 – Designing and Communicating Data
