AMHERST, N.Y. – Safeguarding the Great Lakes from the dangers of microbeads, which were recently banned in products sold in Erie County, and other efforts to protect water quality in the Buffalo Niagara region will be explored at the 11th annual Western New York Environmental Summit that will take place Sept. 26 at Daemen College.

“Healthy Living: Water Brings Us Together” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the college’s Wick Campus Center. The environmental event is free and open to the public.

“With the prominence of waterways in our region, we are pleased to have this year’s summit focus on this valuable natural resource,” said Cheryl Bird, executive director of the Daemen Center for Sustainable Communities and Civic Engagement (CSCCE). “Discussions will cover a variety of important topics, from the hazards of microbeads to the importance of trees, and development efforts at the Outer Harbor.”

Featured speakers from 9 to 10 a.m. will include Dr. Sherri A. Mason, professor of chemistry and environmental sciences program coordinator at SUNY Fredonia, who will discuss “Beads of Destruction”; and Paul Maurer, founder and chair of Re-Tree WNY, who will discuss “Progress in Replanting and the Ecological Benefits of Trees.”

Workshops will focus on tree planting techniques, endocrine disruptors in water, storm water control, and reducing water use at home. In addition, a panel discussion will address the significant growth at Buffalo’s Outer Harbor.

Exhibitors from more than 20 local organizations will provide information on community sustainability, environmental issues and green businesses.

As part of the Environmental Summit, a community electronics recycling collection will take place from Sept. 25 through Sept. 27 outside the Wick Center. Styrofoam and household batteries may also be dropped off for recycling during the summit on Sept. 26.

Event co-sponsors are the Daemen Center for Sustainable Communities and Civic Engagement, The Buffalo News, Cyclepoint, Entercom Buffalo, The Home Depot, The Knoer Group, Solar by C.I.R. Electric, and Western New York Apollo Alliance.