Planning for Sustainable Small Harbors: Project Overview & Useful Tools webinar
2024-01-24 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Detroit)
Register Now for Workshop on Sustainable Small Harbors
Registration is now open for Planning for Sustainable Small Harbors: Project Overview & Useful Tools. Hosted by Donald Carpenter and Kate Bailey, of Drummond Carpenter PLLC, this webinar will feature the work of the Sustainable Small Harbors project, designed to help coastal community leaders assess and strengthen their waterfront assets.
The project team recently published the Sustainable Small Harbors Tools and Tactics Guidebook, which is assisting communities interested in developing and implementing long-term environmental, economic, and social sustainability plans. Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of the project and learn about relevant tools to help communities navigate coastal planning. This work is the culmination of a collaboration between Michigan Sea Grant (MISG) and the Office of the Great Lakes in the Michigan Department of the Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and other partners.

Registration

Great Lakes Data-Sharing Webinar
2024-02-13 12:00 - 13:00
Great Lakes researchers generate a wealth of data to help understand and solve thorny regional challenges. Several tools exist to help researchers share their data to improve regional collaboration and knowledge. Learn about GLOS, GLAMOR, and other powerful databases and tools in an upcoming webinar, hosted by Michigan Sea Grant and partners. Attendees will also get insights into upcoming changes to the National Science Foundation’s RCR and data management requirements.
What: Great Lakes Data-Sharing Webinar
When: February 13, 2024, at 12-1 pm ET
Register: https://umich.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lzuC3RIzTEC252t7L_nj6A
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. The presentation will be recorded and sent out to registrants soon after the webinar.

34th Annual Great Lakes Day Conference
2024-02-27 09:00 - 15:00
Celebrating Science and Water
Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET
Please join us for the 34th annual Great Lakes Day conference: Celebrating Science and Water. This conference will feature presentations on emerging issues such as PFAS and Coastal Resiliency in the Great Lakes; and share research about the fascinating species we find in our Great Lakes — and the challenges marine debris brings.
This event is free, but registration is required. A link to the event will be sent after registration.

Registration
Great Lakes Day Agenda (PDF)

The Invasive Species Language Workshop
2024-02-27 12:00 - 2024-02-28 16:00
Communicating about invasive species can get complicated! On February 27-28, in partnership with NAISMA for National Invasive Species Awareness Week, Sea Grant is proud to present The Invasive Species Language Workshop, bringing together invasive species researchers and science communication professionals to share best practices for communicating about biological invasions to scientists, stakeholders, and the public.

Invasive Species Language Workshop Agenda (PDF)

Day 1 (February 27) will feature a webinar series on communications issues in invasion biology, including inclusive language, effective use of metaphor, changes to species names, and more. These hybrid presentations will be available to watch online for free, and virtual attendees will be able to send in questions for discussion.

Register at the link here: https://naisma.org/event/nisaw-webinar-the-invasive-species-language-workshop/2024-02-27

Day 2 (February 28), held in-person in Washington, DC, will feature in-depth discussion to develop research topics and interventions to improve communication strategies in invasion biology, including the process for changing species names, harmonizing communications strategies across agencies and research groups, tailoring messaging to different stakeholder groups, and more.

Attendance for this portion is limited: reach out to Tim Campbell (tim.campbell@wisc.edu) if interested in participating in person.

Want to learn more about the importance of language use in invasion biology? Here are some papers, articles, and websites to get you started. This list is a work in progress – please get in touch if you have additional resources to add!

Rhetoric of Invasion Reading List_ A Selected Bibliography (PDF)

Michigan Birding 101 Webinar: Introduction to Birding and Equipment
2024-03-05 19:00 - 20:00
Explore the wonderful hobby of birding in fun online classes!
Topics include everything a new birdwatcher should know. This is a great opportunity for those new to the hobby or looking to get started!
Location: Zoom Webinar (link sent after completion of registration)
Schedule:

March 5 – Introduction to Birding and Equipment
March 7 – Backyard Birding and Feeding
March 12 – Conserve the Birds: Birding Ethics and Backyard Habitats
March 14 – Birding in Michigan: Where to Go and What to See

Cost: FREE

Register

HABs 101 webinar
2024-03-06 18:00 - 19:30
Get the scoop on harmful algal blooms (HABs) in an upcoming “HABs 101” webinar, hosted by Michigan Sea Grant and partners around the state.
Tune in on March 6, 2024, at 6-7:30 pm ET, to bust some myths, get tips for keeping your family and pets safe, and learn how you can take action to support healthy water quality on your property and in your community. The webinar will be recorded and made available to registrants after the event.
Topics include: HABs 101, Algae: It’s not easy being green, HABs Response (Risk Mitigation), HABs Prevention, and a Q&A session.

Registration

Michigan Birding 101 Webinar: Backyard Birding and Feeding
2024-03-07 19:00 - 20:00

Lundington Regional Fisheries Workshop
2024-03-11 18:30 - 21:00
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.
Ludington Regional
March 11, 6:30-9 p.m.
West Shore Community College
Registration

Michigan Birding 101 Webinar: Conserve the Birds, Birding Ethics and Backyard Habitats
2024-03-12 19:00 - 20:00

Michigan Birding 101 Webinar: Birding in Michigan, Where to Go and What to See
2024-03-14 19:00 - 20:00

2024 Water@Michigan Symposium
2024-04-05 08:30 - 17:30
Join us on April 5 at the Michigan League for the 2024 Water@Michigan Symposium, which will center around water justice, access, and affordability across U-M and Michigan.
From ensuring safe drinking water to tackling emerging contaminants and securing equitable access for under-resourced communities, the challenges are significant and the need for change—and action-based research—is urgent. Register today to convene with colleagues and community leaders working to address these challenges.

Registration and agenda

Lake Erie / Lake St. Clair Fisheries Workshop
2024-04-11 18:00 - 20:00
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.
Lake Erie/Lake St. Clair
April 11, 2024
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Registration

Southern Lake Michigan Fisheries Workshop
2024-04-18 19:00 - 21:00
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.
Southern Lake Michigan
April 18, 2024
South Haven
Registration

Lake Huron Open Water Fisheries Workshop
2024-04-23 18:00 - 20:00
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.
Lake Huron: Open Water
April 23, 2024
Registration

Lake Huron Saginaw Bay Fisheries Workshop
2024-04-25 18:00 - 20:00
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.
Lake Huron: Saginaw Bay
April 25, 2024
Registration TBA

Dingell Park Clean-Up for Earth Day
2024-04-27 09:00 - 12:00
Join the Ecorse Creek Clean-up Committee on Earth Day to kick off the clean-up season!
What: EARTH DAY CLEANUP
When: April 27, 2024 at 9AM – 12 PM
Where: John D. Dingell Park
All supplies will be provided. Please dress for the weather. Registration is required: https://forms.gle/eqGFXUarrXxs8v4z7

Lake Huron Les Cheneaux & St Marys River Workshop
2024-04-30 18:00 - 20:00
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.
Lake Huron: Les Cheneaux & St Marys River
April 30, 2024
Registration

Lake Huron and Lake Michigan Fisheries Workshop (Virtual Only)
2024-05-01 18:30 - 20:30
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.
Lake Huron and Lake Michigan (Virtual Only)
May 1, 2024, 6:30 -8:30 p.m.
Registration

Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail Conference, Alpena, Michigan
2024-05-22 08:00 - 2024-05-23 17:00
Learn about the Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Trail Network and discover how our valuable Great Lakes fisheries (past, present, and future) can benefit local museum programs, enhance coastal tourism development opportunities, and support community development efforts.
Please register by May 17. Registration is $60.
Agenda

Wednesday, May 22: Registration opens at 10 a.m., networking coffee, picnic at noon, and local tours at the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan; followed by glass bottom boat cruise aboard the Lady Michigan and dinner on your own.
Thursday, May 23: Educational Great Lakes Heritage Trails Conference begins at 9 a.m. at NOAA Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Visitor Center. (coffee, lunch provided).

Pre-conference field trips (free!) – offering two fantastic opportunities for additional exploring the morning of May 22 for those interested and arriving in town early.

8 a.m. (May 22) – Birding trip (walking tour) with Elliot Nelson – meet in Holiday Inn lobby (bring your binoculars).
8 a.m.- noon (May 22) – USGS Hammond Bay Biological Station Sea Lamprey research and education tour – traveling from Alpena, departing 8 a.m. from Holiday Inn lobby (carpool or drive self) or meet at Hammond Bay Biological Station (if it is on your way) at 9:15. Address: 11188 Ray Dr, Millersburg, MI 49759

Lodging
Don’t forget to make your lodging reservations! We have a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alpena (225 River St., Alpena, MI 49707). Call 989-340-1800 or use this booking link and input the conference dates to populate the discount. Group code: MSG (or Michigan Sea Grant).**Consider also exploring other specialty room rates, such as senior discounted rates, which may offer even better room rates than our group rate.
Registration: bit.ly/GLFHT2024

INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON THE BIOLOGY OF FISH
2024-06-23 08:00 - 2024-06-27 17:00
The Physiology Section of the American Fisheries Society is pleased to announce the opening of the Call for Abstracts and Registration for the 15th International Congress on the Biology of Fish (ICBF) which will be held June 23-27, 2024, on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. Organized by The Physiology Section of the American Fisheries Society and hosted by Michigan Sea Grant, the 15th ICBF meeting will provide an opportunity for researchers and scientists from all over the world to share and collaborate on developments and findings in fish physiology.
Following a plenary session with talks by leading international experts, the 15th ICBF will comprise a full program of concurrent thematic sessions over the span of four days, led by renowned researchers. The range of topics will reflect current research in fish conservation physiology, environmental physiology, evolutionary physiology, use of fishes in biomedical research, and other emerging issues. In addition, session organizers will select oral and poster presentations from submitted abstracts with a special emphasis on contributions by early career researchers.
Find more information at michiganseagrant.org/icbf2024

Lansing/Jackson MI Paddle Stewards train-the-trainer events
2024-06-24 09:30 - 16:30
The 2024 MI Paddle Stewards train-the-trainer events are now open for registration. Please attend a train-the-trainer session if you are interested in training others in these topics and/or hosting a future public event. Hope you can join us! Please register now or share these events with partners who may be interested.
June 24: Jackson event (rain date July 22)
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/LansingJacksonPaddle24/

July 16: Belle Isle (rain date July 24)
Kayak safety/skills only! Two sessions – AM and PM
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/SafetyBelleIsle24/

August 2: mid UP event
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/MPS2024UP/

August 5: western UP event
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/MPSUP24/

August 15: Saginaw Bay event (rain date Aug 29)
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/MPSSaginawBay24/

2024 Summer Discovery Cruises
2024-07-09 - 2024-07-28
Summer Discovery Cruises are back!
Cruises will run from Lake St. Clair Metropark July 9-28, 2024 featuring themes like birds, fisheries, lighthouses, and more. Click here for dates and tickets!
Head out onto the waters of Lake St. Clair for a relaxed two-hour trip facilitated by an interpreter or guest speaker. Our vessel holds a maximum of 28 passengers and is semi-enclosed, to provide shade and a bit of protection from light winds. Each session focuses on a Great Lakes topic from the history of Lake St Clair’s South Island Lights to nesting black terns. Topics are designed for audiences ages 6 and above.
What to Expect:
This program takes place entirely on a 28-passenger, semi-enclosed vessel. Interpretive program will be interspersed with opportunities for participants to enjoy the view, take photos, and move around the vessel. Passengers will enter the vessel using a short ladder and will be seated for a portion of the trip. The tour begins and ends at Lake St. Clair’s North Marina.
Ages: 6 and up
Time: 10 a.m.- noon, 1 p.m.- 3 p.m., 4 p.m.- 6 p.m., and 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: $30/child, $30/adult
Location: Lake St. Clair Metropark, North Marina
Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program. Find the full schedule and register here.

Mi Fresh Fish Fry
2024-07-12 16:00 - 19:00
Learn about and eat Mi Fresh Fish! The Mi Fresh Fish Fry is free and open to the public with food, cooking lessons, fishing activities, and more for the whole family. Join us outside the library at Huron Street Waterfront Park for this community celebration.
Want to explore Mi Fresh Fish from the water? Check out the morning sailing adventure and buy tickets: events.anr.msu.edu/MiFreshFish2024

Ecorse Creek Clean-Up
2024-07-13 09:00 - 12:00
Help clean up the Ecorse Creek! Volunteers are needed for Saturday, July 13 at VFW Park in Lincoln Park. This cleanup will focus on the creek and its shoreline. All cleanup supplies are included. All participants are entered into a raffle which will be drawn at September’s cleanup event. Registration is encouraged but not required. To register, head to www.detroitriver.org/events.

Belle Isle MI Paddle Stewards train-the-trainer events
2024-07-16 09:30 - 16:30

Sailing the Sault: Inland Seas Trips for 4-H Families and Teacher Families
2024-07-22 08:00 - 16:30
Monday, July 22, 2024

Sault Ste Marie, MI
9 a.m. – Noon – 4-H and Community Families Program

This program is open to all community and 4-H families.
First learn about local seafood and boat safety, then board the Inland Seas tall ship vessel for a 2-hour sail. During the sail we will rotate through stations learning about the vessel, the local river ecosystem, and more about fish! Activities on board will be appropriate for families with children and adults. We end shoreside getting to taste some of the local fish that was harvested right out of our local waters!
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Program for K-12 Educators and their Families
This program is open to all K-12 educators, both formal and non-formal.
First learn about boat safety, then board the Inland Seas tall ship vessel for a 2-hour sail. During the sail we will rotate through stations learning about the vessel, the local river ecosystem, and more about fish! Activities on board will be appropriate for families with children and adults. We end shoreside covering a number of teaching resources to help engage your classroom or youth audience in learning about the Great Lakes. Resources will be shared AND we will get to try some local tasty fish samples!
A limited number of $100 stipends are available to educators to purchase supplies to help implement your own Great Lakes themed programing.
Space is limited for each trip.
Please ONLY REGISTER if you are sure you will attend!
This is a free program. There is no payment required.
This program takes place on the Inland Seas tallship vessel and will include a two hour sail on the St Marys river. Docking location to be sent after registration .

Registration

Algae 101 webinar
2024-07-25 18:00 - 19:30
Join Michigan Sea Grant and partners for a webinar all about algae, the tiny living things at the foundation of aquatic food webs.

In March, our “HABs 101” webinar dove deep into harmful algal blooms. Now, we’re zooming out to learn about algae’s vital role in aquatic ecosystems and get to know didymo, cladophora, and other types of algae that cause problems here in Michigan.

Join us on July 25, 2024, at 6-7:30 pm ET on Zoom. Register: https://events.anr.msu.edu/Algae101/

The webinar will be recorded and made available to registrants after the event.

Topics will include:
Algal Ecology: Julianne Heinlein, Great Lakes Environmental Center
Cladophora/Green algae: Marcella Domka, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Didymo: Jordyn Stoll, Trout Unlimited
Golden brown algae: R. Jan Stevenson, MSU (retired)
Audience Q&A

Manistique MI Paddle Stewards train-the-trainer events
2024-08-02 09:30 - 16:30
The 2024 MI Paddle Stewards train-the-trainer events are now open for registration. Please attend a train-the-trainer session if you are interested in training others in these topics and/or hosting a future public event. Hope you can join us! Please register now or share these events with partners who may be interested.
June 24: Jackson event (rain date July 22)
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/LansingJacksonPaddle24/

July 16: Belle Isle (rain date July 24)
Kayak safety/skills only! Two sessions – AM and PM
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/SafetyBelleIsle24/

August 2: Manistique/mid UP event
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/MPS2024UP/

August 5: western UP event
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/MPSUP24/

August 15: Saginaw Bay event (rain date Aug 29)
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/MPSSaginawBay24/

Crystal Falls MI Paddle Stewards train-the-trainer events
2024-08-05 09:30 - 16:30
The 2024 MI Paddle Stewards train-the-trainer events are now open for registration. Please attend a train-the-trainer session if you are interested in training others in these topics and/or hosting a future public event. Hope you can join us! Please register now or share these events with partners who may be interested.
June 24: Jackson event (rain date July 22)
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/LansingJacksonPaddle24/

July 16: Belle Isle (rain date July 24)
Kayak safety/skills only! Two sessions – AM and PM
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/SafetyBelleIsle24/

August 2: Manistique/mid UP event
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/MPS2024UP/

August 5: Crystal Falls/western UP event
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/MPSUP24/

August 15: Saginaw Bay event (rain date Aug 29)
More info and registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/MPSSaginawBay24/

2024 Summer internship symposium
2024-08-13 11:00 - 13:00
Michigan Sea Grant’s internship program sponsors undergraduate students to work on specific research questions or projects with Michigan colleges, universities, state agencies, and community-based environmental organizations. The summer interns have been working around the state on fascinating projects related to Great Lakes stewardship. At the upcoming symposium, they’ll share presentations about their projects, including research takeaways and lessons learned.

Join us in person or virtually on August 13 to meet our five interns, learn about their projects, and help us spread the word to the next round of potential applicants!

Time: August 13, 2024, 11am-1:45pm (11am-1pm for virtual guests)
Location: Samuel T. Dana Building (440 Church St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
Room: 2315 (Dean’s Conference Room on the second floor)

Virtual Zoom Link: https://umich.zoom.us/j/95412688259

If you are attending in person, please fill out this RSVP form to help us accurately order lunch and make preparations.

If you can’t make it, the symposium will be recorded and posted on our website.
