Lake Doctor | A Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams Podcast

Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams
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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 Michigan and received his doctorate in 2007 from the University of Michigan in limnology. With 18 peer-reviewed publications spanning research from the Great Lakes to smaller inland lakes and streams, Nate has been awarded the prestigious Chandler Misner Award twice by the International Association of Great Lakes Research. At Grace College, Nate is a professor in the environmental science program, dean of the School of Science and Engineering, and leads the Lilly Center team, serving the local community with dedication and expertise. Each episode tackles these critical issues head-on, featuring insightful interviews with our partners, engaging Q&A sessions, and fun segments for the science enthusiasts among us. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the impactful research and education efforts spearheaded by the Lilly Center and discover how we can all contribute to safeguarding our precious freshwater ecosystems. Tune in bi-monthly starting June 2024, and join the conversation by leaving comments or emailing us at lakes@grace.eduwith your questions and ideas. Supported by the K21 Health Foundation, Rick and April Sasso, and DreamOn Studios, this podcast aims to inspire and inform the next generation of water-literate citizens and environmental stewards. Learn more about our work and how to support us at lakes.grace.edu.

  1. Meet Indiana's Turtle Expert: DNR Herpetologist Nate Engbrecht

    May 19

    Meet Indiana's Turtle Expert: DNR Herpetologist Nate Engbrecht

    In the final episode of season two of the Lake Doctor Podcast, Indiana DNR Herpetologist Nate Engbrecht takes a fascinating deep dive into the world of turtles. We discuss everything from common painted and snapping turtles to rare species like Blanding’s, spotted, and even an unexpected alligator snapping turtle documented in Kosciusko County. Nate shares insights on critical spring breeding grounds, how turtles can survive winter under ice, the challenges of habitat loss and nest predation, and why most turtles may not make great pets. The conversation also covers proper handling if you find a turtle on the road, reporting rare sightings to help conservation efforts, and the important role forested wetlands and natural shorelines play in supporting turtle populations. Packed with practical advice, fun childhood stories, and turtle shell show-and-tell, this episode highlights why protecting turtles and their wetland habitats is essential for healthier lakes and vibrant local ecosystems. Report a rare turtle sighting by emailing herpsurveys@dnr.in.gov  Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/. Have a question we could answer on the podcast? Send an email to lakes@grace.edu or submit a comment below. Help us improve the podcast by filling out this short survey: https://forms.gle/MzGSXHcnkEQC8T74A.

    47 min
  2. A Prescription for Healthy Lakes: A Transformational Gift to Launch Lake Rx

    May 5

    A Prescription for Healthy Lakes: A Transformational Gift to Launch Lake Rx

    In Episode 22 of The Lake Doctor Podcast, we make an exciting announcement: Grace College and the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams has received a transformative grant from Lilly Endowment to launch Lake Rx — a bold new initiative to create customized “prescriptions” for improving the health of local lakes. Dr. Nate Bosch explains how Lake Rx will develop targeted, holistic solutions for individual lakes in Kosciusko County. These include constructing and restoring wetlands, incentivizing lake-friendly agricultural practices, promoting responsible boating, enhancing shoreline vegetation with native plants, and rebalancing lake ecosystems. The goal is to speed up lake recovery from decades of nutrient pollution and make measurable, visible improvements in water clarity and quality in tens of years rather than hundreds of years. Nate and Suzie discuss the inspiration behind the program (including a memorable visit to ultra-clear Crater Lake), the importance of collaboration with community partners, and why sustained funding and community support will be critical for long-term success. This episode marks a major milestone for lake stewardship in northern Indiana. To stay up-to-date on the latest Lake Rx news, sign up for the Lilly Center's monthly newsletter at: https://forms.aweber.com/form/83/118972383.htm. Support the Lilly Center's work: https://lakes.grace.edu/ways-to-give/ Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/. Have a question we could answer on the podcast? Send an email to lakes@grace.edu or submit a comment below. Help us improve the podcast by filling out this short survey: https://forms.gle/MzGSXHcnkEQC8T74A.

    35 min
  3. Floating Trees and Ephemeral Wetlands with Jason Kissel

    Apr 21

    Floating Trees and Ephemeral Wetlands with Jason Kissel

    In Episode 21 of The Lake Doctor Podcast, Jason Kissel, Executive Director of ACRES Land Trust, joins us for a fascinating conversation about forested wetlands and ephemeral wetlands. Jason's lifelong passion for trees was sparked at age five while standing on a mountaintop with his U.S. Forest Service father. Jason also shares why northeast Indiana is special as a crossroads of prairie, forest, wetland, and boreal systems. The discussion dives into forested wetlands—places where trees thrive in seasonally flooded soils—along with rare bogs like Glenwood Bog, where trees grow atop floating sphagnum mats. Jason describes ephemeral (temporary) pools that appear briefly each spring, serving as critical breeding grounds for amphibians like spring peepers because they lack predators. He also covers ACRES Land Trust’s work protecting nearly 9,000 acres, restoring wetlands, managing invasives, and using mitigation projects to create larger, connected natural areas. Practical and inspiring, this episode highlights how protecting trees and wetlands improves water quality, supports biodiversity, and benefits the lakes and streams we all enjoy in Kosciusko County and beyond. Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/. Have a question we could answer on the podcast? Send an email to lakes@grace.edu or submit a comment below. Help us improve the podcast by filling out this short survey: https://forms.gle/MzGSXHcnkEQC8T74A.

    41 min
  4. Wild About Wetlands: Nature's Amazing Water Filters

    Apr 7

    Wild About Wetlands: Nature's Amazing Water Filters

    In Episode 20 of The Lake Doctor Podcast, hosts Suzie Light and Dr. Nate Bosch revisit the best moments from Season 2 episodes about wetlands. They explore how wetlands act as nature’s kidneys—filtering nutrients, reducing floodwaters, and protecting lakes from pollution—while explaining the differences between marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens. Featuring insights from Landon Vine, Nathan Herbert, Nate Simons, Jacob Macke, and Stephen Jacquemin, the episode shows how restored wetlands filter significant amounts of water and help reduce harmful algal blooms. Nate and Suzie connect these ideas to Kosciusko County and the new Lake Rx program, highlighting why protecting and restoring wetlands is key to cleaner, healthier lakes. There will be some really big news about Lake Rx in the coming weeks, so make sure you're subscribed. You won't want to miss this announcement! Check out the full conversations featured in this episode below: 02:31 - Ep. 10 - How to Eat Like a Wetland with Landon Vine, V3 Consulting 05:31 - Ep. 18 - Quaking Bogs & Old Forests: Extraordinary Ecosystems with Nathan Herbert, The Nature Conservancy  08:07 - Ep. 4 - Why a Controlled Wildfire is Important for our Lakes with Nate Simons, Blue Heron Ministries 14:53 - Ep. 17 - How Wetlands Help Lakes Recover with Dr. Stephen Jacquemin, Wright State University 19:12 - Ep. 19 - Why Choose Native Plants for Your Lake Property with Jacob Macke, Chapman Lake Nursery 22:38 - Ep. 14 - How to Improve Lake Health Using a Holistic Approach Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/. Have a question we could answer on the podcast? Send an email to lakes@grace.edu or submit a comment below. Help us improve the podcast by filling out this short survey: https://forms.gle/MzGSXHcnkEQC8T74A.

    29 min
  5. Why Choose Native Plants for Your Lake Property with Jacob Macke

    Mar 24

    Why Choose Native Plants for Your Lake Property with Jacob Macke

    In Episode 19 of The Lake Doctor Podcast, we welcome Jacob Macke, owner of Chapman Lake Nursery and a passionate engineer-turned-native plant grower. Jacob shares his inspiring journey—after erosion threatened his new Chapman Lake home during windy storms, he discovered native plants' deep roots for shoreline stabilization. Starting with milkweed during the 2020 COVID summer, his family raised and released over 50 monarch butterflies—sparking a deep dive into native gardening. He explains key benefits: native plants like swamp rose mallow, showy tick trefoil, and butterfly weed thrive in Indiana's soils, filter nutrients from runoff, support pollinators and wildlife, and prevent monocultures when mixed with grasses. Jacob contrasts true natives (like butterfly weed) with non-native invasives (like butterfly bush), offers tips on establishment, rabbit protection, and seed collecting, and highlights his local sales, events, and upcoming workshops at the Lilly Center. Tune in for an uplifting story of how one homeowner’s fix can serve as a blueprint for healthy lakes and thriving wildlife across Indiana. Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/. Have a question we could answer on the podcast? Send an email to lakes@grace.edu or submit a comment below. Help us improve the podcast by filling out this short survey: https://forms.gle/MzGSXHcnkEQC8T74A.

    51 min
  6. Quaking Bogs & Old Forests: Extraordinary Ecosystems with Nathan Herbert

    Mar 10

    Quaking Bogs & Old Forests: Extraordinary Ecosystems with Nathan Herbert

    Dive into the wild heart of northeast Indiana in this episode of The Lake Doctor Podcast, where we sit down with Nathan Herbert—a lifelong herpetology enthusiast turned Northeast Indiana Conservation Lands Manager for The Nature Conservancy. Nathan takes us on a captivating journey from his childhood days flipping rocks for snakes in Pennsylvania to his current role stewarding remarkable natural treasures. This episode explores The Nature Conservancy's properties in Kosciusko County, including Oppenheim Woods—a 62-acre mixed hardwood forest with trees over 200 years old—and a hidden bog not open to the public due to its fragility and rarity. Nathan highlights restoration efforts, invasive species management, and the unique biodiversity of bogs and fens, including carnivorous plants, rare turtles, and rediscovered species like arrow grass.  With tales of massasauga rattlesnakes, quaking bogs, and community weed-wrangling events, this episode sparks awe for Indiana’s wild places and shows how everyone can play a role in helping to preserve them. Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/. Have a question we could answer on the podcast? Send an email to lakes@grace.edu or submit a comment below. Help us improve the podcast by filling out this short survey: https://forms.gle/MzGSXHcnkEQC8T74A.

    54 min
  7. How Wetlands Help Lakes Recover with Stephen Jacquemin

    Feb 24

    How Wetlands Help Lakes Recover with Stephen Jacquemin

    In Episode 17 of The Lake Doctor Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Stephen Jacquemin, professor at Wright State University’s Lake Campus, to explore the remarkable recovery of Grand Lake St. Marys, Ohio’s largest inland lake. Once a poster child for harmful algal blooms—fueled by shallow depths and heavy nutrient runoff from surrounding agriculture—the lake hit crisis levels with toxins in the 99th percentile, impacting public health, tourism, and property values. Stephen traces the lake’s history as a 1830s canal reservoir and shares how community-wide action turned the tide: farmers adopting precision nutrient management, cover crops, tile controls, and riparian buffers, combined with the strategic restoration of engineered wetlands now covering over 2.5% of the watershed. These wetlands filter up to 15% of incoming water, significantly reducing nitrogen and phosphorus while boosting wildlife habitat and offering recreational trails. With ongoing monitoring ensuring long-term success, the episode highlights measurable progress in toxin reduction and provides an inspiring, practical blueprint for Kosciusko County and other lakes facing similar challenges. Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/. Have a question we could answer on the podcast? Send an email to lakes@grace.edu or submit a comment below. Help us improve the podcast by filling out this short survey: https://forms.gle/MzGSXHcnkEQC8T74A.

    51 min
  8. Restoring Relationships: An Approach to Environmental Stewardship

    Feb 10

    Restoring Relationships: An Approach to Environmental Stewardship

    In this episode of The Lake Doctor Podcast, we honor the legacy of Dr. Ron Manahan, one of the original founders of the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams and a lifelong example of faithful stewardship and environmental care. Though Dr. Manahan has passed away, his influence continues to shape the mission and heart behind the Lilly Center’s work. This episode reflects on his vision and the relational approach to environmental stewardship he championed—reminding us that caring for creation begins with how we connect with the world around us and with one another. Through stories, reflection, and thoughtful insight, the conversation explores how restoring trust, communication, and shared responsibility can lead to lasting environmental impact. Dr. Manahan’s legacy invites listeners to see stewardship not simply as a scientific practice, but as a relational commitment rooted in humility, care, and long-term vision. This episode offers an inspiring perspective on how honoring those who came before us can help guide the future of healthy lakes and streams. Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/. Have a question we could answer on the podcast? Send an email to lakes@grace.edu or submit a comment below. Help us improve the podcast by filling out this short survey: https://forms.gle/MzGSXHcnkEQC8T74A.

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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 Michigan and received his doctorate in 2007 from the University of Michigan in limnology. With 18 peer-reviewed publications spanning research from the Great Lakes to smaller inland lakes and streams, Nate has been awarded the prestigious Chandler Misner Award twice by the International Association of Great Lakes Research. At Grace College, Nate is a professor in the environmental science program, dean of the School of Science and Engineering, and leads the Lilly Center team, serving the local community with dedication and expertise. Each episode tackles these critical issues head-on, featuring insightful interviews with our partners, engaging Q&A sessions, and fun segments for the science enthusiasts among us. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the impactful research and education efforts spearheaded by the Lilly Center and discover how we can all contribute to safeguarding our precious freshwater ecosystems. Tune in bi-monthly starting June 2024, and join the conversation by leaving comments or emailing us at lakes@grace.eduwith your questions and ideas. Supported by the K21 Health Foundation, Rick and April Sasso, and DreamOn Studios, this podcast aims to inspire and inform the next generation of water-literate citizens and environmental stewards. Learn more about our work and how to support us at lakes.grace.edu.

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