Field Notes

September 27, 2019

Indiana State Representatives Visit Lilly Center, Share Passion for Lake Health

Indiana representatives David Abbot, District 82, and David Wolkins, District 18, share the Lilly Center’s vision for clean, healthy, safe and beautiful lakes. The representatives took time from their busy schedules to visit the Dr. Dane A. Miller Science Complex on Thursday, Sept. 19, to learn how the community benefits from the Lilly Center’s current and upcoming projects.

Rep. David Abbott, District 82; Dr. Nate Bosch, director of the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams; Rep. David Wolkins, District 18

“Lakes are part of the reason I was drawn to public office,” said Rep. Abbot. “I saw the health of my own lake deteriorating and wanted to learn more about what I could do to change that.” Abbot and Wolkins toured the science complex. They learned about the Lilly Center’s system for rapid algae toxin analysis, cyanobacteria’s connection to zebra mussels, in-house and outbound K-12 programming and more.

“Lakes are one of the key economic drivers in Northern Indiana, alongside agriculture and orthopedics,” said Rep. Wolkins. He stressed the importance of working alongside farmers and business leaders to make the best choices for the community, as well as for the natural beauty everyone enjoys.

“We were honored to have both representatives visit us, and to hear about their interest in lake science,” said Dr. Bosch. “It’s encouraging to know that our representatives value the lakes in our region and want to learn more about how we can better care for them,” Bosch added.