Ottawa Sands County Park grand reopening
2024-10-17 16:00 - 18:30 (America/Detroit)
Ottawa Sands County Park’s grand reopening celebration is scheduled for October 17, 2024, at 4-6:30pm and will be free and open to the public. The park is located at 18280 North Shore Drive, Ferrysburg, MI.
Ottawa County is a beloved recreation hub along Lake Michigan. In recent years, a 345-acre former sand mine was converted into Ottawa Sands County Park. The park includes forested dunes, an 80-acre inland lake, and riverfront wetlands. The park remained closed through much of 2024 while extensive construction projects expanded and improved parking, restroom, and camping facilities at the site. Ecological restoration projects also created and improved habitats on land and in the water.
Read more about MISG’s involvement in pre-restoration fishery monitoring and participatory science at the park.

State of the Strait
2024-10-22 09:00 - 16:00
Cross-Border Trail Tourism
Engaging Keynote Speakers, Outdoor Experiences, Lively Panel Discussions & More
The State of the Strait is a binational (Canada-United States) collaboration that hosts a meeting every two years to bring together government managers, researchers, students, environmental and conservation organizations, and concerned citizens. Participants work to understand historical ecosystem conditions and assess current ecosystem status to achieve a better future for the Detroit River and western Lake Erie.
Attend in Person in Windsor, Ontario!
University of Windsor, CAW Student Centre Alumni Auditorium 401 Sunset Ave, Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Please Register at www.uwindsor.ca/glier/state-of-the-strait

View Live from Southwest Detroit!
Mexicantown CDC 2835 Bagley, Main floor suite 500 Detroit, Michigan 48216

Please Register via email by October 14, 2024, dhart@cfsem.org

Detroit River Area of Concern (AOC) Community Forum
2024-10-24 18:30 - 19:30
The Detroit River Public Advisory Council is hosting Community Forums for the public to learn more about the Detroit River Area of Concern (AOC), past AOC projects, and gather input on what future habitat restoration projects should look like. The forums will allow the community to ask questions and discuss future visioning for the Detroit River. The goals of the Community Forums are to provide opportunities to openly share community needs, visions, and help collaborate with the public in future restoration efforts.

More details

Fall 2024 Citizen Planner (register by Oct. 25)
2024-10-25 18:00
Thursdays, November 7 – December 19, 2024
6-9 p.m. ET
Register by October 25
About Citizen Planner
The Michigan State University (MSU) Extension Citizen Planner Program offers land use education for locally appointed and elected planning officials, zoning administrators and interested residents throughout Michigan.
Citizen Planner is a time-tested educational program proven to be comprehensive without being overwhelming. The program is delivered virtually through Zoom meetings to provide a convenient way for busy community leaders to obtain the latest technical knowledge and the proficiency they need to perform their duties more effectively and responsibly.
Why Citizen Planner?

Local officials have a responsibility to help their communities manage the impacts of economic change and be part of the solutions to challenges their communities face. Local communities that proactively plan to succeed in the New Economy can improve their quality of life and overall sustainability. The Citizen Planner Program empowers local officials to shape the future of their communities by providing them with the tools and education they need to lead.
Citizen Planner Classroom Curriculum
Citizen Planner instructors include MSU Faculty, MSU Extension educators, planners and attorneys. The classroom program consists of six sessions:

Understanding the Planning and Zoning Context – Learn the legal sources and limitations of planning and zoning authority, and explore your understanding of ethical decision-making.
Planning for the Future of Your Community – Recognize the function and importance of a master plan, know the process for developing one and its relationship to zoning.
Implementing the Plan with Zoning – Discover the importance of zoning, learn how zoning is administered and gain confidence in your zoning reviews, including site plans.
Making Zoning Decisions – Learn how to adopt and amend a zoning ordinance, understand the role of the zoning board of appeals and obtain skills in basic property development methods.
Using Innovative Planning and Zoning – Strategize with placemaking and design-based solutions for local and regional success in the New Economy.
Successfully Fulfilling Your Role – Strengthen your ethical decision-making skills, apply standards to your decision-making and know when to ask for help.

MSU Extension awards Citizen Planner Program participants a certificate of completion.
Participants who complete the Citizen Planner Classroom Program are eligible to earn the Master Citizen Planner (MCP) credential. In addition to completing the course, the MCP credential requires passing an online exam and capstone presentation, and meeting annual continuing education requirements. Master Citizen Planners may receive incentives, such as future course discounts, exclusive training opportunities, and scholarships for annual conferences and regional training offered by partnering organizations. The MCP designation is an achievement recognized as the standard of excellence among planning officials and community leaders in Michigan.
The Fall 2024 Citizen Planner via Zoom will be held on Thursday evenings from 6 until 9 p.m. ET on the following dates: November 7, 14, 21, December 5, 12, and 19. Classes will be delivered remotely via Zoom video conference. This is the Citizen Planner classroom program simply offered in a video conference (i.e. live webinar) format. Participants will need an internet connection, computer or mobile device, and speakers/headset or phone for audio. Participant materials will be mailed. This limited time offer is available at a reduced price of $250 per person (group rate of $225 per person for 4 or more from the same municipality). For more information, including a detailed class schedule and fees, please view the Event Flyer below.
*The program will NOT meet on Thursday, November 28*
Grants/Scholarships
Scholarships may be available from your community’s liability insurance provider. Michigan Township Participating Plan offers to its municipal members one per community, which covers the complete registration cost for participation in the Citizen Planner Program. For more information, please visit us on the web at www.theparplan.com. For member governments of the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA), contact Cara Ceci at 800-243-1324 for more information regarding grants for education and training through the Risk Avoidance Program (RAP). For municipalities obtaining insurance through Nickel & Saph, Inc. Insurance Agency, contact Stephen R. Saph, Jr. at 586-463-4573 or stephenjr@nickelsaph.com. Contact your community’s liability insurance provider to see if similar grants or scholarships are available.
Cancellations
Registrations cancelled on or after Oct. 25, 2024, will be assessed a $45 cancellation fee.
Registration
https://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?eventID=E7157D019367AA105CA06E663E6EEF27F625DCD8F840BD127FBABE9A458E3EF9

17th Annual Freshwater Summit
2024-10-30 08:30 - 15:00 | Hagerty Center, 715 E. Front St, Traverse City
The Freshwater Summit is an annual conference aimed at discussing the latest research, projects, and initiatives that impact the Great Lakes and Grand Traverse Bay regions. The Summit engages environmental professionals, citizens, and businesses in topics of interest that help further understanding of and appreciation for our invaluable freshwater resources.

REGISTER

8:30-9:00am: Registration
9:00-9:10am: Welcome & opening remarks
9:10-10:00am: Adikameg: Aging lake whitefish populations and creative new restoration strategies
Kris Dey, Hatchery Manager, Little Traverse Bay band of Odawa Indians
10:00-10:30am: Protecting and preserving freshwater ecosystems by employing effective swimmer’s itch prevention strategies
Ron Reimink, Biologist, Lake Leelanau Lake Association
Dr. Patrick Hanington, Professor, School of Public Health at University of Alberta
Kelsey Froelich, Biology Teacher at St. Joseph High School, Biologist at Lime Lake
10:30-10:50am: BREAK
10:50am-12:00pm: LIGHTNING TALKS
Applications for environmental DNA in sediment and surface water in northern lower Michigan
Maggie Petersen, Senior Researcher, Great Lakes Environmental Center
The Baldwin River: removing dams, restoring a river, and protecting it from sea lamprey
Kimberly Balke, Program Director, Conservation Resource Alliance
Identifying and managing bacterial contamination in Mitchell Creek
Sarah U’Ren, Program Director, The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay
FishPass: the capstone restoration project on the Boardman-Ottaway River
Leah McCallum, Community Engagement Officer, FishPass/Great Lakes Fishery Commission
How the Boardman-Ottaway River Network works to protect, preserve, and restore the river and its watershed.
Christine Crissman, Executive Director, The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay
Life of the Great Lakes update 2024
Mark Breederland, Extension Educator, Michigan Sea Grant
12:00-1:00pm: LUNCH
1:00-1:30pm: Microplastics and you – what WE can do about it
Tami Renkoski, Co-founder, Michigan Microplastics Coalition
1:30-2:00pm: Microplastics in the Boardman-Ottaway River – a preliminary survey
Nick Roster, Biology Instructor, Northwestern Michigan College
2:00-3:00pm: Using doom as fuel for the future: tips for talking with youth experiencing climate anxiety
Rachel Ratliff, Volunteer Coordinator, Inland Seas Education Association
3:00pm: Evaluation & adjourn
REGISTER

Fall 2024 Citizen Planner (First class in session)
2024-11-07 18:00 - 21:00
Thursdays, November 7 – December 19, 2024
6-9 p.m. ET
About Citizen Planner
The Michigan State University (MSU) Extension Citizen Planner Program offers land use education for locally appointed and elected planning officials, zoning administrators and interested residents throughout Michigan.
Citizen Planner is a time-tested educational program proven to be comprehensive without being overwhelming. The program is delivered virtually through Zoom meetings to provide a convenient way for busy community leaders to obtain the latest technical knowledge and the proficiency they need to perform their duties more effectively and responsibly.
Why Citizen Planner?

Local officials have a responsibility to help their communities manage the impacts of economic change and be part of the solutions to challenges their communities face. Local communities that proactively plan to succeed in the New Economy can improve their quality of life and overall sustainability. The Citizen Planner Program empowers local officials to shape the future of their communities by providing them with the tools and education they need to lead.
Citizen Planner Classroom Curriculum
Citizen Planner instructors include MSU Faculty, MSU Extension educators, planners and attorneys. The classroom program consists of six sessions:

Understanding the Planning and Zoning Context – Learn the legal sources and limitations of planning and zoning authority, and explore your understanding of ethical decision-making.
Planning for the Future of Your Community – Recognize the function and importance of a master plan, know the process for developing one and its relationship to zoning.
Implementing the Plan with Zoning – Discover the importance of zoning, learn how zoning is administered and gain confidence in your zoning reviews, including site plans.
Making Zoning Decisions – Learn how to adopt and amend a zoning ordinance, understand the role of the zoning board of appeals and obtain skills in basic property development methods.
Using Innovative Planning and Zoning – Strategize with placemaking and design-based solutions for local and regional success in the New Economy.
Successfully Fulfilling Your Role – Strengthen your ethical decision-making skills, apply standards to your decision-making and know when to ask for help.

MSU Extension awards Citizen Planner Program participants a certificate of completion.
Participants who complete the Citizen Planner Classroom Program are eligible to earn the Master Citizen Planner (MCP) credential. In addition to completing the course, the MCP credential requires passing an online exam and capstone presentation, and meeting annual continuing education requirements. Master Citizen Planners may receive incentives, such as future course discounts, exclusive training opportunities, and scholarships for annual conferences and regional training offered by partnering organizations. The MCP designation is an achievement recognized as the standard of excellence among planning officials and community leaders in Michigan.
The Fall 2024 Citizen Planner via Zoom will be held on Thursday evenings from 6 until 9 p.m. ET on the following dates: November 7, 14, 21, December 5, 12, and 19. Classes will be delivered remotely via Zoom video conference. This is the Citizen Planner classroom program simply offered in a video conference (i.e. live webinar) format. Participants will need an internet connection, computer or mobile device, and speakers/headset or phone for audio. Participant materials will be mailed. This limited time offer is available at a reduced price of $250 per person (group rate of $225 per person for 4 or more from the same municipality). For more information, including a detailed class schedule and fees, please view the Event Flyer below.
*The program will NOT meet on Thursday, November 28*
Grants/Scholarships
Scholarships may be available from your community’s liability insurance provider. Michigan Township Participating Plan offers to its municipal members one per community, which covers the complete registration cost for participation in the Citizen Planner Program. For more information, please visit us on the web at www.theparplan.com. For member governments of the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA), contact Cara Ceci at 800-243-1324 for more information regarding grants for education and training through the Risk Avoidance Program (RAP). For municipalities obtaining insurance through Nickel & Saph, Inc. Insurance Agency, contact Stephen R. Saph, Jr. at 586-463-4573 or stephenjr@nickelsaph.com. Contact your community’s liability insurance provider to see if similar grants or scholarships are available.
Cancellations
Registrations cancelled on or after Oct. 25, 2024, will be assessed a $45 cancellation fee.
Registration
https://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?eventID=E7157D019367AA105CA06E663E6EEF27F625DCD8F840BD127FBABE9A458E3EF9

Seafood HACCP Training Course
2024-12-10 09:00 - 2024-12-12 17:00 | Bay Mills Resort & Casino, 11386 W Lakeshore Dr, Brimley, MI 49715
Join us for the HACCP 3-day in-person course. The Basic HACCP course teaches the principles of HACCP and empowers processors to develop HACCP plans specific for each seafood product they handle or produce.

Registration

MI Sea Grant, MSU Extension, and GLIFWC will be offering Seafood HACCP Training this December 10-12, 2024, in Brimley, Michigan!
What is Seafood HACCP?
The Association of Food and Drug Officials and the Seafood HACCP Alliance have developed a uniform and cost-effective AFDO/Alliance hazard analysis & critical control point (HACCP) training program for fish and fishery products. The primary purpose of the AFDO/Alliance HACCP Training Protocol is to assist the implementation of HACCP programs in commercial and regulatory settings. The primary audience is the seafood processing and importing industry, and regulatory officials based in the United States. The Basic HACCP course teaches the principles of HACCP and empowers processors to develop HACCP plans specific for each seafood product they handle or produce.
Registration is required and participants must attend the entire course to receive their certificate.
Location: Bay Mills Resort & Casino, Brimley, MI
Course Registration Cost: $160
Registration link: http://tinyurl.com/39wx8zmh
For Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) members:
GLIFWC will pay the $160 HACCP Registration fee (which includes the course book), provide hotel rooms, and food and mileage reimbursements* for the following qualified participants:

Any Lake Superior commercial fisherman licensed by Red Cliff, Bad River, Keweenaw Bay or Bay Mills.
Adult family members of any Red Cliff, Bad River, Keweenaw Bay or Bay Mills licensed fisherman currently working at a family’s fish shop.
Any enrolled member from any GLIFWC member tribe (i.e. enrolled members of Fond du Lac, Mille Lacs, Red Cliff, Bad River, St. Croix, Lac Courte Oreilles, Lac du Flambeau, Sokaogon, Lac Vieux Desert, Keweenaw Bay, and Bay Mills). This includes subsistence fishermen and those active in harvesting and processing fish
The costs for Tribal fisheries and conservation staff of GLIFWC member tribes will also be covered.

Participants must attend all three days to obtain the HACCP certificate and to have their travel costs reimbursed by GLIFWC. *After participants complete the three-day class, they will sign a GLIFWC travel form for mileage and per diem (meals) reimbursement based on Federal GSA rates.
For Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority (CORA) members:
CORA will pay the $160 HACCP Registration fee (which includes the course book), and will reimburse mileage and bridge fair for 2024 Licensed Commercial Captains within the following Tribes:

Grand Travers Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

Participants MUST send a copy of their registration application to Bev Carrick (bevcarrick@chippewaottawa.org) or Deanna Bowen (djbowen@chippewaottawa.org) prior to November, 25, 2024 at noon so registration fee can be processed.
Participants must attend all three days to obtain the HACCP certificate and to have their travel costs reimbursed by CORA.

Michigan Birding 101
2025-02-18 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-02-20 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-02-25 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-02-27 19:00 - 20:00
Join Michigan Sea Grant as we dive into the wonderful hobby of birding! Birding 101 is a fun, FREE virtual class that’s perfect for beginners or anyone who needs a refresher. The four-part winter series will be presented at 7-8pm on February 18, 20, 25, and 27, 2025; recordings will be sent out to all registrants after each session.
Register here!

Webinar: Will the beaches come back? Coastal change and recovery along Michigan’s shores following high lake level
2025-02-19 18:00 - 19:30
Mark your calendars and join us on Zoom for Will the beaches come back? Coastal change and recovery along Michigan’s shores following high lake level.
Our presenter, Ethan Theuerkauf, PhD, Coastal Geomorphologist and Assistant Professor in MSU’s Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences will share his research findings related to coastal change from fluctuations in the Great Lakes water levels. More specifically, we will learn about how our Great Lakes coasts respond to storms, changing lake levels, ice, and human disturbance and how science is used to both predict future coastal behavior as well as inform decision making.
Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 6:00 – 7:30 PM via Zoom
Registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/GreatLakeShorelines
Support for the free webinar comes from Michigan Sea Grant, MSU Center for Lakes and Streams, and MSU Extension’s Woods and Wildlife Work Team.
Please share widely with colleagues and friends!

Great Lakes Day: A celebration of progress and promise (in-person)
2025-03-03 09:30 - 15:30
Event page

You are invited to the 35th annual Great Lakes Day conference: A Celebration of Progress and Promise! This in-person conference will feature presentations on key Great Lakes issues.
We have an exciting lineup of speakers, including:

Mike Siefkes (Great Lakes Fishery Commission Director of Sea Lamprey control)
Kris Dey, fisheries (Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians hatchery manager)
Matt Cooper (Grand Valley, Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program leadership team)
Jane Elder, policy (author of Wilderness, Water & Rust: A Journey Toward Great Lakes Resilience)
Meag Schwartz, education (Great Lakes Great Responsibility founder and Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative network coordinator)

This event is free, but online registration is required. Seating is limited to 175!
When: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET, Monday, March 3, 2025
Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for registration, networking and coffee.
Where: Brody Hall Auditorium, Room 112 (MSU campus)
(across from Kellogg Center, 219 S. Harrison Road)
Parking: At Kellogg Center (free).
Great Lakes Day is sponsored by Michigan Sea Grant, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Michigan State University Institute of Water Research, and MSU Extension.

GLANSIS virtual review
2025-03-06 09:30 - 15:30
GLANSIS 2025 Grand Review
Date: March 6, 2025
Zoom: https://umich.zoom.us/j/93780907672?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 937 8090 7672
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Find your local number: https://umich.zoom.us/u/avB65alsd

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Who:
Anyone with knowledge relating to the distribution, ecology and/or management of the species listed for the current review cycle (see agenda below).
What:
The GLANSIS database provides information on exclusively aquatic nonindigenous species in the entire Laurentian Great Lakes region regardless of national or state-level boundaries. GLANSIS does not provide data on reptiles, amphibians, or waterfowl, since they spend substantial portions of their lives outside the water. The database also includes facultative wetland plants in its target species. This virtual review is a new part of our external review process intended to ensure the best quality science-based information is provided to our audiences. This current cycle includes updates to species already listed in GLANSIS, candidates for delisting, and new species proposed to be added to the system. This open comment period will include a very brief overview of each species and discussion by assigned expert reviewers. Opportunity will be provided for participants to provide comments/feedback. The meeting will be recorded and the chat log will also be used to take notes.
How:
Just join the zoom meeting during the appropriate time-block for your species of interest. Species within each block are listed alphabetically – NOT necessarily the order in which they will individually be discussed.
Those wishing to receive advance copies of the draft assessments and profiles please contact rochelle.sturtevant@noaa.gov. Time during the meeting is somewhat limited – if you have extensive comments or data sets for particular species, please provide those via email (rochelle.sturtevant@noaa.gov). Likewise, comments are welcome from those unable to attend the meeting.

AGENDA

HABs 101 PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR A HEALTHY POND OR LAKE
2025-04-02 18:00 - 20:00
Webinar: April 2, 2025, 6-8pm ET
Get top tips for preventing and managing harmful algal blooms in inland waters! Join a free “HABs 101: Prevention and Management” webinar for insights into what to do when your pond or lake turns green (hint: it’s not always a problem!). Get concrete tips for reducing the risk and impact of harmful algal blooms in your water and preventing them from happening again in the future. Hosted by Michigan Sea Grant and partners around the state, the webinar will cover topics including septic systems, nutrient budgets, direct management options, and more.

Full agenda and speaker line-up

Register to receive Zoom link

2025 Lake Huron Fisheries Workshop - Open Water Session
2025-04-08 18:00 - 20:00
Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 6 – 8 p.m. ET (Zoom only)
NOAA Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
500 W Fletcher Street
Alpena, MI 49707
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, and local fishery organizations is holding the Lake Huron – Offshore Session Fisheries Workshop. Participants can attend online via Zoom only.
This workshop offers current research and information related to the status of the Lake Huron fisheries. We look forward to hosting your questions!
Registration for this event is free, but you must register by Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
In addition to receiving a confirmation email directly following this registration process, a link to the Zoom meeting will be e-mailed to all virtual registrants on the morning of April 8.
Registration for Lake Huron – Open Water Fishery Workshop 2025 is open. Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 7, 2025.
Register Online

Accommodations
Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact Brandon Schroeder at schroe45@msu.edu.

Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair Fishery Workshop
2025-04-09 18:00 - 20:00
April 9, 2025, 6-8 p.m. ET (In person or Zoom)
Detroit International Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center
5437 W Jefferson Ave., Trenton, MI 48183
Sea Grant hosts fishery workshops to provide recreational anglers, commercial fishers, charter operators, agency staff, and researchers with a forum to share and discuss Great Lakes fishery management. While each workshop is different, agendas often cover fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore and open water fisheries, fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and more.
This event is free, but registration is required.
Agenda:
6 p.m. Welcome – Erica Clites and Angela Scapini, Michigan Sea Grant
6:05 p.m. Lake Erie Water Levels update – Mark Breederland, Michigan Sea Grant (virtual)
6:15 p.m. Status of Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair fishery – Todd Wills, MDNR
6:35 p.m. Seasonal walleye migration – Mark Faust, Ohio DNR
6:50 p.m. Yellow perch diet and growth – Andrew Briggs, Michigan DNR
7:05 p.m. Ontario fisheries management in the Lake Erie to St. Clair River corridor – Mike Thorn, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
7:25 p.m. Recent NOAA habitat restoration projects in Lake Erie western basin – Ryan Darnton, NOAA
7:45 p.m. Q&A and Wrap-up

Registration for Lake Erie Lake St. Clair Fishery Workshop is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 8, 2025.

Register Online

Accommodations
Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Contact Information
For information, contact Erica Clites at clitese1@msu.edu or 313-578-9740.

South Haven Regional Fishery Workshop
2025-04-17 19:00 - 21:00
April 17, 2025
American Legion, 129 Michigan Ave, South Haven, MI 49094
Agenda
7:00 Chapter Business
7:10 Welcome and Sea Grant Update: Dan O’Keefe – Southwest District Extension Educator, Michigan Sea Grant
7:20 Huron-Michigan Diet Study: Brian Roth – Professor, Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University
8:00 Coded Wire Tag Returns: Michael Guthard – Fisheries Technician, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
8:20 DNR Management Updates: Jay Wesley – Lake Michigan Basin Coordinator, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
9:00 Adjourn

2025 Lake Huron Fisheries Workshop - Saginaw Bay
2025-04-22 18:00 - 20:00
Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 6 – 8 p.m. ET
Saganing Tribal Center
5447 Sturman Rd
Standish, MI 48658
or Zoom
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, and local fishery organizations is holding a Saginaw Bay Fisheries Workshop. Participants can attend either in person or online via Zoom.
This workshop offers current research and information related to the status of the Saginaw Bay fisheries. We look forward to hosting your questions!
Registration for this event is free, but you must register by Monday, April 21, 2025.
In addition to receiving a confirmation email directly following this registration process, a link to the Zoom meeting will be e-mailed to all virtual registrants on the morning of April 21, 2025.

Registration for 2025 Lake Huron Fisheries Workshop – Saginaw Bay Session is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 22, 2025.

Register Online

Accommodations
Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Contact Information
For more information, or if you need additional accessibility, contact Meaghan Gass at gassmeag@msu.edu.

2025 Lake Huron Fisheries Workshop - Les Cheneaux Islands & St. Marys River
2025-04-29 18:00 - 20:00
Tuesday, April 29, 2024, 6 – 8 p.m. ET
Clark Township Community Center
133 M-134, Cedarville, MI 49719
or Zoom
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, and local fishery organizations is holding a Les Cheneaux /St. Marys/Lake Huron Fisheries Workshop and you can attend in person OR you can attend online.
This workshop offers current research and information related to the status of the Lake Huron and St. Marys River fisheries. We look forward to hosting your questions!
Registration for this event is free, but you must register by April 28, 2025.

Registration for Lake Huron – Les Cheneaux Islands Fishery Workshop 2025 is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 28, 2025.

Register Online

Accommodations
Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Contact Information
For more information, please contact Elliot Nelson at elliotne@msu.edu.

MI Paddle Stewards Training: Detroit/Belle Isle
2025-06-12 09:30 - 16:00
The MI Paddle Stewards program consists of a three-hour, self-paced online training followed by optional in-person workshops. The program teaches paddlers to identify, report, and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Participants get tips for properly cleaning their boats and paddling equipment to avoid transferring aquatic invasive species and diseases between water bodies.
After taking the MI Paddle Stewards self-paced online course, participants are invited to join an optional in-person workshop in their community. These workshops are hosted by local groups, such as watershed councils, paddling clubs, and invasive species management organizations. Participants can meet local paddlers, put course principles into practice, and take home a MI Paddle Stewards goodie bag.
2025 workshops include:
Detroit: 6/12/25 (Belle Isle)
Register

MI Paddle Stewards Training
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
MI Paddle Stewards Training
1-4 p.m.

Alpena: 07/19/2025
Register

MI Paddle Stewards Training
9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET
Kayak Skills Safety Training
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. ET

Traverse City: 7/22/2025 (Ellsworth)
Register

MI Paddle Stewards Training
9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET
Kayak Skills Safety Training
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. ET

Aquaculture Teacher Workshop
2025-06-26 13:00 - 2025-06-27 18:00
Teachers: Are you interested in the exciting use of fish, plants, water chemistry and more in your classroom? Then consider attending an upcoming Aquaculture Teacher workshop at Purdue University! This two day course is FREE and includes a $250 stipend, as well as a take home mini-aquaponics kit and a virtual folder of curriculum and resources. Space is still available! This training is available to anyone, and educators from any Great Lakes state can access the stipends.
When: June 26, 1pm – June 27, 6pm.
Where: Wright Forestry Center, Purdue University, Lafeyette, IN
What: Two days of aquaculture learning through tours, hands on activities, and group discussions. Learn the basics of aquaponics and aquaculture and how to utilize it in the classroom.
How: Register today! Registration is free, space is limited. events.anr.msu.edu/AQTEACHJUNE25
For more event Information: greatlakesaquaculture.org/aquaculture-teacher-workshop
Thanks for considering! Any questions can be directed to Maggie Lawrence at 734-626-5837, or lawrenmj@purdue.edu

Summer Discovery Cruises: Lake St Clair
2025-07-11 - 2025-08-09
Join a Summer Discovery Cruise to set sail on Lake St. Clair and learn about the world around you! Perfect for all ages, these shipboard events feature local experts speaking about themes like birds, lighthouses, harmful algal blooms, secret histories, and more. This popular program is hosted by Michigan Sea Grant and the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

The 2025 cruise season will run July 11-August 9, 2025, launching from Lake St. Clair Metropark. Tickets are available through the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

Mi Fresh Fish Sail on Friday, July 18!
2025-07-18
Sail at 8:30am-1pm – Come aboard the Inland Seas tall ship schooner! Sail Lake Superior and experience Mi Fresh Fish through traditional stories and fish identification activities. Registration is $20 per person. The boat will launch from 58 Huron Street in Houghton. Remember your water bottle, hat, and sunscreen to make sure everyone has a safe and comfortable sailing experience.
Fry at 4-7pm: After you learn about the health benefits of local fish, join the Mi Fresh Fish Fry on the pier! The fun happens port-side at Huron Street Waterfront Park at 4-7pm. The Mi Fresh Fish Fry is free and open to the public with food, cooking lessons, fishing activities, and more for the whole family.
What is Mi Fresh Fish?
Mi Fresh Fish uplifts all fish produced in Michigan. This includes fish produced from farmed and wild harvests for food, bait, stocking, fee-fishing, or ornamental products. The goal is to educate and bring awareness to Michiganders that there are many values to our local fisheries; and that aquaculture, commercial fishing, and seafood processing industries exist in Michigan and that they are not just businesses, but also our neighbors. If you would like to learn more, dive in and visit Mi Fresh Fish online.

Mi Fresh Fish Fry on Friday, July 18!
2025-07-18 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.
Friday, July 18, 2025
4pm-7pm
58 Huron Street, Houghton
Want to explore Mi Fresh Fish from the water? Check out the morning sailing adventure. Get tickets for the sail: bit.ly/misail2025
What is Mi Fresh Fish?
Mi Fresh Fish uplifts all fish produced in Michigan. This includes fish produced from farmed and wild harvests for food, bait, stocking, fee-fishing, or ornamental products. The goal is to educate and bring awareness to Michiganders that there are many values to our local fisheries; and that aquaculture, commercial fishing, and seafood processing industries exist in Michigan and that they are not just businesses, but also our neighbors. If you would like to learn more, dive in and visit Mi Fresh Fish online.

MI Paddle Stewards Training/Kayak Safety Skills: Alpena
2025-07-19 09:30 - 16:30
The MI Paddle Stewards program consists of a three-hour, self-paced online training followed by optional in-person workshops. The program teaches paddlers to identify, report, and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Participants get tips for properly cleaning their boats and paddling equipment to avoid transferring aquatic invasive species and diseases between water bodies.
After taking the MI Paddle Stewards self-paced online course, participants are invited to join an optional in-person workshop in their community. These workshops are hosted by local groups, such as watershed councils, paddling clubs, and invasive species management organizations. Participants can meet local paddlers, put course principles into practice, and take home a MI Paddle Stewards goodie bag.
In some locations, Michigan Sea Grant and partners are also offering a kayak skills safety training course.
Detroit: 6/12/25 (Belle Isle)
Register

MI Paddle Stewards Training
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
MI Paddle Stewards Training
1-4 p.m.

Alpena: 07/19/2025
Register

MI Paddle Stewards Training
9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET
Kayak Skills Safety Training
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. ET

Traverse City: 7/22/2025 (Ellsworth)
Register

MI Paddle Stewards Training
9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET
Kayak Skills Safety Training
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. ET

MI Paddle Stewards Training/Kayak Safety Skills: Traverse City
2025-07-22 09:30 - 16:30

Webinar: Through the Eyes of a Stormwater Specialist: Managing Stormwater at a Marina
2025-07-23 13:00 - 13:30
As part of theGreat Lakes Clean Marinas Network 2025 Webinar Series, Stormwater Specialist, Megan Bolyard, will share the prospective of a trained eye and will delve into ways to manage stormwater at a marina in our summer webinar: “Through the Eyes of a Stormwater Specialist: Managing Stormwater at a Marina”.
Register by clicking this link: go.osu.edu/2025stormwaterwebinar

HABS 101: Lake Stories
2025-08-06 18:00 - 19:30
Join Michigan Sea Grant and state partners for this free webinar on August 6, 2025, at 6-7:30pm.
Hear firsthand from Michiganders who are tackling harmful algal blooms (HABs) in their inland lakes. See how they’re bringing neighborhoods and communities together to identify challenges and explore solutions. Michigan Sea Grant Director Silvia Newell will also share her perspective as a researcher putting potential HABs solutions to the test.
Register here to receive the zoom link.

MI Paddle Stewards Kayak Safety Training: Southeast MI
2025-08-21 10:00 - 16:30
Kayak Skills Safety Training Lake St. Clair Metropark
2 sessions offered (choose one – maximum of 10 for each session)
Aug. 21, 2025
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET
OR
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. ET
Learn about Kayak Safety — how to avoid potential dangers, practice self-rescue skills and develop the skills you need to manage minor in-water incidents.
Note: please wear quick-dry clothes for water immersion – no cotton. Bring dry clothes to change into after the course is complete (water immersion will be the last course element).
Participants MUST either bring their own kayak or RENT one from Simple Adventures ($40 cost). Please book your own kayak reservation.
Participants must be 18 or older and will need to meet the 11 ACA Eligibility Criteria for the training.
This is a free event. (kayak rental is NOT included). Parking fee is included in your reservation.
Please bring a water bottle, sack lunch, sun block, and weather appropriate clothing to the event.
Back up date for inclement weather: same times Aug. 28.

Register Online

Accommodations
Michigan State University Extension programs, services events, and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Contact Information
If you have questions, please contact Erica Clites at 313-494-4678 or clitese1@msu.edu.
