Bluegrass Watershed Summit Recap - Advancing Water Quality in Kentucky
On Saturday, April 11, 2026 leaders, professionals, and community members from across the region gathered for the Bluegrass Watershed Summit, hosted by WaterwaysLex, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving water quality across Kentucky.
Photo: Members of the Palmer Engineering team - Megan Fister, EIT; Erin Remley, EIT; Katie Lindeman, Landscape Architect; and John Pike, PE
Held at Bluegrass Community & Technical College, the Summit welcomed approximately 80 attendees and focused on advancing environmental engineering projects, grant opportunities, and innovative tools for watershed data collection. With support from sponsors including Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, the event highlighted the power of collaboration in tackling water quality challenges.
Leading the Summit was John Pike, PE, President of WaterwaysLex and a dedicated water resources engineer at Palmer Engineering. John led the organization of the conference, bringing together experts and community voices to share knowledge and spark action. Beyond his professional role, John also serves on the board of Hickman Creek Conservancy, where he contributes to grant writing and the implementation of water quality improvement projects.
The event also featured hands-on collaboration through the BMP (Best Management Practices) Bingo Exercise, where attendees pitched project ideas and received real-time feedback. Megan Fister, EIT and Erin Remley, EIT with Palmer Engineering, offered guidance on project feasibility, potential challenges, and funding pathways—helping turn ideas into actionable plans.
The Summit showcased a diverse lineup of speakers who shared insights on watershed management, environmental engineering solutions, and community-driven conservation efforts. Together, these conversations are helping to build a stronger, more connected network of advocates working toward healthier waterways across the Bluegrass region.
Events like the Bluegrass Watershed Summit highlight the impact that’s possible when professionals, volunteers, and communities unite around a shared purpose. At Palmer, that same commitment drives our work every day. Through innovative design, sustainable practices, and smart engineering, we are dedicated to protecting and preserving our water resources for generations to come—and we were proud to be part of this year’s Summit.