Michigan Sea Grant

Telling Your Story: Communicating to Inspire Conservation Action
2023-03-21 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
Conservation Conversation

Dr. Jo Latimore
Presented by the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (CSP)
Boardman River Nature Center Community Room, Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

5:30 p.m.: check-in, refreshments, and educational table displays
6 – 7:15 p.m.: presentation
7:15 p.m.: Q/A & discussion with Dr. Jo Latimore; educational table displays; refreshments
Registration fee: $10/person ($15/person at the door)
Refunds will be given if requested on or before March 17, 2023. No refunds will be given on or after March 18, 2023.
To cancel your registration and/or to request a refund by the deadline, please send an email to bhaktabi@msu.edu.
Who should attend this “Conservation Conversation” event?

Anyone interested in nature who want to learn more about natural communities and conservation efforts in Michigan
Individuals who have previously completed the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program interested in continuing their learning and networking/connecting with other alumni.
Registration for Conservation Stewards participants is free.
Natural resource professionals who want to build their knowledge on ecosystem-based management principles
Individuals who want to learn more about the Michigan Conservation Steward Program as well as other MSU/MSU Extension programs and events being offered in 2023
Those who want to learn about area conservation organizations and their local conservation efforts, including upcoming programs and events

To see the complete 2023 schedule for the other 2023 “Conservation Conversations” in-person talks, https://www.canr.msu.edu/conservation_stewards_program/
To learn more about the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/conservation_stewards_program/
If you would like to receive information about future CSP offerings, sign up here.

Download event flyer

Participant Registration
Registration for Conservation Conversations is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on March 20, 2023.
Participant Registration

Michigan Conservation Stewards
Registration for Conservation Conversations is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on March 20, 2023.
Michigan Conservation Stewards Register Here

Educational Table Display Exhibitors
Registration for Conservation Conversations is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on March 20, 2023.
Educational Table Display Exhibitors Register here

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 questions about this event, contact Bindu Bhakta at bhaktabi@msu.edu.
For questions about registering for this event, contact Cathy Morris at morri735@msu.edu.

Michigan Birding 101 - Spring 2023
2023-03-14 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-03-07 19:00 - 20:00
March 7 – March 28, 2023
Tuesdays, 7–8:15 p.m. ET, FREE
Location: Zoom Webinar (link sent after completion of registration)
Explore the wonderful hobby of birding in four fun online classes! Topics include everything a new birdwatcher should know.
Schedule:

March 7 – Birding 101: Equipment and how to ID Birds
March 14 – Backyard Birding: Backyard feeding and backyard bird ID
March 21 – Conserve the Birds: Birding ethics and backyard habitats/native planting
March 28 – Birding in Michigan: Where to go and what to see

This a great opportunity for those new to the hobby or looking to get started!

Registration

Remote Great Lakes Islands Surveys: Notable Discoveries and Prioritization Framework for Biodiversity Stewardship
2023-03-14 18:00 - 20:00
Conservation Conversations
Josh Cohen, Senior Conservation Scientist – Lead Ecologist, Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) Presented by the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (CSP)

University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens Auditorium, 1800 N Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105

5:30 p.m.: check-in, refreshments, and educational table displays
6 – 7:15 p.m.: presentation
7:15 p.m.: Q/A & discussion with Josh Cohen; educational table displays; refreshmentsRegistration fee: $10/person ($15/person at the door)
Refunds will be given if requested on or before March 12, 2023. No refunds will be given on or after March 13, 2023.
To cancel your registration and/or to request a refund by the deadline, please send an email to bhaktabi@msu.edu.

Join the MSU Extension Conservation Stewards Program on March 14th for the “Conservation Conversations” in-person talk series. Featured topics focus on current research and management approaches, unique natural communities, and the diverse conservation partnerships involved in supporting Michigan ecosystems.
During this event, there will be time for light refreshments as well as Q and A and discussion with Josh Cohen. Participants will also have an opportunity to visit with invited local conservation organizations to find out about the work they are doing including upcoming events, and how they can get involved in local conservation efforts. MSU Extension staff will also have information about the 2023 Michigan Conservation Stewards Program as well as a variety of other natural resource-oriented programs and upcoming events.
March 14th Talk & Description:
Surveying Michigan’s Great Lakes Islands to Prioritize Biodiversity Stewardship Survey – Josh Cohen, Senior Conservation Scientist – Lead Ecologist, Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI)
Great Lakes islands provide critical habitat for native biodiversity and support rare and endemic natural communities. Many of these islands are remote, difficult to access, and challenging to survey. Despite limited access, these islands face a variety of threats to native biodiversity and rare taxa including establishment and spread of invasive species and the impacts of climate change. Unfortunately, within these unique geographies biodiversity data is limited or outdated, which hinders effective management and decision-making. Over the past several years, Michigan Natural Features Inventory has collaborated with the United State Fish and Wildlife Service, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and tribal natural resource departments to collect baseline information on the current status of ecosystems on these islands to help guide biodiversity stewardship and conservation planning efforts. In this presentation, we will present highlights from this ongoing research and provide a framework for prioritizing biodiversity stewardship.
BIO: Joshua Cohen has worked for the past 23 years as an ecologist with Michigan Natural Features Inventory. His primary duties involve refining and revising the natural community classification through ecological inventory and sampling, literature research, and data analysis. He is responsible for classifying conservation targets and prioritizing areas for conservation and restoration; creating and delivering biodiversity and ecosystem management trainings; and designing and conducting vegetative sampling, ecological mapping and modeling, monitoring, and surveys for natural communities and rare species. Cohen is the lead author of A Field Guide to the Natural Communities of Michigan and a recent article in Diversity entitled “Assessing the Ecological Need for Prescribed Fire in Michigan Using GIS-Based Multicriteria Decision Analysis: Igniting Fire Gaps”. His presentation focuses on Great Lakes islands surveys, which have been some of the most amazing and challenging of his career.
Who should attend this “Conservation Conversation” event?

Anyone interested in nature who want to learn more about natural communities and conservation efforts in Michigan
Individuals who have previously completed the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program interested in continuing their learning and networking/connecting with other alumni.
Registration for Conservation Stewards participants is free.
Natural resource professionals who want to build their knowledge on ecosystem-based management principles
Individuals who want to learn more about the Michigan Conservation Steward Program as well as other MSU/MSU Extension programs and events being offered in 2023
Those who want to learn about area conservation organizations and their local conservation efforts, including upcoming programs and events

To see the complete 2023 schedule for the other 2023 “Conservation Conversations” in-person talks, https://www.canr.msu.edu/conservation_stewards_program/
To learn more about the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/conservation_stewards_program/
If you would like to receive information about future CSP offerings, sign up here.

Download event flyer

Participant Registration
Registration for Conservation Conversations is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on March 13, 2023.
Participant Registration

Michigan Conservation Stewards
Registration for Conservation Conversations is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on March 13, 2023.
Michigan Conservation Stewards Register Here

Educational Table Display Exhibitors

This registration is only available to organizations that have been invited to bring an educational display to this event. If you are interested in exhibiting at this event, and to find out if space might be available, please contact Bindu Bhakta (bhaktabi@msu.edu or 248-396-9777) PRIOR to registering.

Registration for Conservation Conversations is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on March 13, 2023.
There are 9 openings available.
Educational Table Display Exhibitors Register here

2023 “Conservation Conversations” Events: Meet Scientists & Stewards
2023-03-08 18:00 - 20:00
The Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (CSP) is hosting a series of in-person events held in various locations on current research and management approaches, unique natural communities, and diverse partnerships involved in supporting Michigan ecosystems.
Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments, ask questions and engage in discussion with the featured speaker, and mingle with Conservation Stewards and invited local organizations who will share information about the work they do and how to get involved in local conservation efforts. MSU Extension staff will also provide information about the 2023 Fall Michigan Conservation Stewards Programs and other MSU Extension programs being offered in 2023. Each “Conservation Conversation” event will take place from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served. Registration fee is $10/person. Individuals who have previously taken the Conservation Stewards Program attend for free. Pre-registration is required.
The kick-off for the “Conservation Conversations” series will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at MSU Kellogg Biological Station Conference Center Auditorium, 3700 E Gull Lake Dr. in Hickory Corners, MI 49060. The featured scientist is Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) ecologist, Jesse Lincoln. Jesse will present on “Fire-adapted natural communities in the Huron-Manistee National Forest.” This event is supported by the Michigan Master Naturalist Program.
There are 5 other events scheduled March 14 in Ann Arbor, March 21 in Traverse City, April 6th in Trenton, April 11th in Bloomfield Hills, and April 18th in the Lansing area.
Learn more about this and other scheduled Conservation Conversations and how to get registered at www.canr.msu.edu/conservation_stewards_program
March 8 Talk:
Fire-adapted natural communities in the Huron-Manistee National Forest
While we were growing up, many of us were told that Michigan was just an extensive forest and that a squirrel could run from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron without touching the ground. But Michigan was historically home to a myriad of fire-adapted natural communities and many were open grasslands and featured species more typically found in the prairies of the great planes. Our prairie and savanna systems that once covered over 1 million acres in southern Michigan have declined by over 99%. As a consequence, many plants and animals that relied on these habitats are also in serious decline. To help expand conservation efforts aimed at recovering these fire-adapted community types, MNFI partnered with the United States Forest Service and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to identify the best remaining examples in the Cadillac District of the Huron-Manistee National Forest. This talk with cover the methodology for identifying important conservation targets, show some of the surprising highlights, and discuss potential management approaches and prioritization of the identified areas.
About the Speaker: Jesse Lincoln has spent 13 seasons as an ecologist at MNFI. The work takes him all over the state to some of our most unique and intact natural places. It is a perspective not always available to most people and he enjoys sharing images and lessons learned from our wild places.
Who should attend Conservation Conversations events?

Anyone interested in nature who wants to learn more about natural communities and conservation efforts in Michigan
Individuals who have previously completed the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program interested in continuing their learning and networking/connecting with other alumni. Registration for Conservation Stewards participants is free.
Natural resource professionals who want to build their knowledge on ecosystem-based management principles
Individuals who want to learn more about the Michigan Conservation Steward Program as well as other MSU/MSU Extension programs and events being offered in 2023
Those who want to learn about area conservation organizations and their local conservation efforts, including upcoming programs and events

Contact: Bindu Bhakta, bhaktabi@msu.edu or (248) 396-9777

2023 Great Lakes Conference
2023-03-07 09:30 - 15:45
The Great Lakes: Managing Fisheries and Exploring Islands
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
9:30 AM – 3:45 PM EST
A Virtual Conference on Zoom
Registration is open for the 33rd annual Great Lakes conference at Michigan State University. The conference will feature two themes with three presentations per theme as well as a panel discussion with Q/A from participants. The themes are Fisheries Management in the Great Lakes and Great Lakes Island. A full agenda can be viewed on the conference website. The day will also feature a presentation on PFAS in Great Lakes Fish.
The conference is sponsored by Michigan State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Institute of Water Research, Michigan Sea Grant Extension, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and MSU Extension. Support is provided by US Geological Survey Water Resources Research Program.
Registration Information
This virtual conference is free to attend. A reminder will be sent a day before the conference.
Registration | Conference Website

2023 Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative Meeting
2023-02-21 09:00 - 14:00
NEMIGLSI Network Partners, Your school, your community organization and YOU are cordially invited to join and participate in our (your!) annual place based education-focused Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative (NEMIGLSI) Regional Networking Meeting on Tuesday, February 21 hosted in Alpena, Michigan.

Please RSVP and register online by Thursday, February 16th.

In great tradition, we are planning for a wonderful day of networking, sharing, and new ideas among schools, educators and community partners engaged in youth development and environmental stewardship across northeast Michigan. We look forward to your involvement!
Expect to:

Learn about the NEMIGLSI network through educational updates, information and resources in support of your current or future stewardship education efforts.
Gain place-based stewardship education insights and ideas from a panel of education and community partners.
Network, share, and trade lessons learned with participating NEMIGLSI partners – a chance to connect with educators from other schools and community partners from across our regional network.
Contribute in planning the future direction for our regional NEMIGLSI network – your opportunity to provide input and guidance about how the GLSI can better support place-based stewardship education in northeast Michigan!

No cost to participate and lunch is provided. We only request you please register, as this helps us plan for meals and educational materials provided.
We hope you will plan to join to celebrate successes and plan together toward an even brighter future for our collective NEMIGLSI network and partnership!
Sincerely,
The NEMIGLSI Administrative Team
Meag Schwartz, Tracy D’Augustino, Brandon Schroeder, Patrick Heraghty and Daniel Moffatt
Register Here!

Ludington Regional Fishery Workshop
2023-02-18 09:00 - 14:15
The 2023 Ludington Regional Fishery Workshop will include presentations from scientists, educators, and fishery managers with Michigan DNR, NOAA/GLERL, USGS, US Fish & Wildlife Service, MSU and Michigan Sea Grant. Topics will include mass marking results, alewife survey methods, and water level expectations in addition to updates on stocking levels and other fishery management issues.
The 2023 workshop will now be fully virtual for the morning and afternoon sessions. Presenters will be able to answer questions that come in via Zoom after their presentations. Pre-registration is free and required for participation via Zoom.

Agenda (PDF)
Online Registration

Contact: Dan O’Keefe, okeefed@msu.edu

Aquaculture Teacher Workshop
2023-02-03 12:00 - 2023-02-04 17:00
Get $500 for attending a 1.5 day Aquaculture Teacher Workshop!
Michigan Sea Grant and LSSU, with support from the Center for Great Lakes Literacy, is hosting a two day teacher workshop. $500 stipends are available to help with travel/cost of attendance and/or for teachers to use in their classroom.

What: Aquaponics Teacher Workshop
Where: Lake Superior State University, Crawford Hall, Sault Ste Marie, MI
When: February 3, 12pm – February 4th, 5pm, 2023
Why: Aquaponics and aquaculture can be incredibly powerful teaching tools! We will cover many of the basis for how these systems run, will tour a number of operational larger scale facilities, have several hands on trainings, and build your own systems to take home
Take Home: $500 stipends, SCECHs, Lesson plans and curriculum resources, and a small scale aquaponics kit to take home!
Registration: https://events.anr.msu.edu/AQUAWORK2023/

Aquaculture Challenge
2023-01-26 08:00 - 17:00
Do you work with 8-12th grade students? Are you looking for a fun and exciting STEM learning opportunity? Do you want to engage ALL of your students in real world science?
Then look no further then the aquaculture challenge! This fun event challenges teams to design and build a mini aquaponics system, monitor it over time, and complete a business or seafood outreach project with the system! The competition is hosted by Lake Superior State University and Michigan Sea Grant. Funding is provided by the Center for Great Lakes Literacy and the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center.
The competition runs from late January through Mid April, with the main build time being February and March.
Teams are supported with:

Training for coaches
A liaison who will be your one-on-one contact for questions
Up to $150 stipend for teams to use for supplies
Copious online resources

Registering a team is free and easy. Simply click here and fill out the required information. The challenge concludes in April with a virtual awards ceremony.

Additional information
2023 team manual

Questions? Contact Elliot Nelson at elliotne@msu.edu

Critical Conversations in Michigan Tourism: Sustainability and Climate Change
2022-12-14 12:00 - 13:30, 2022-12-07 12:00 - 13:30, 2022-11-30 12:00 - 13:30, 2022-11-16 12:00 - 13:30
The MSU Extension Tourism Team is excited to offer the upcoming free online seminar series: “Critical Conversations in Michigan Tourism: Sustainability and Climate Change.” This series will focus on how issues related to changing climate and sustainability practices impact tourism in Michigan, and will suggest some steps your community can take to address these issues in your tourism and community development efforts.
Sessions will include:

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 12:00-1:30pm EST: Overview of climate change and the Great Lakes (presented by Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator Elliot Nelson)
Wednesday, Nov. 30, 12:00-1:30pm EST: Impact of climate change on winter outdoor recreation
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 12:00-1:30pm EST: Climate adaptation planning for local units of government
Wednesday, Dec. 14, 12:00-1:30pm EST: Possible funding sources for climate adaptation projects

All sessions are free and will be recorded for later viewing, but you must register to receive the link. Register here.
For more information, please visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/tourism or contact Will Cronin, MSU Extension Tourism and Community Development Educator, at croninwi@msu.edu.

AFDO / SEAFOOD ALLIANCE HACCP TRAINING COURSE
2022-12-13 08:00 - 2022-12-15 17:00
Brimley, Michigan: December 13-15, 2022
LOCATION: Bay Mills Resort & Casino, 11386 West Lakeshore Drive, Brimley, MI 49715
To register contact:
Lauren N. Jescovitch
Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator
(570) 687-6818, jescovit@msu.edu
Laurie White
(715) 292-8726, lwhite@glifwc.org
GLIFWC will cover expenses for GLIFWC Tribal members and employees

Communicating About Climate Change in Our Classrooms and Communities
2022-12-06 16:00 - 18:00
This four-part virtual series, designed and hosted by the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative Network, will help teachers—and their students—communicate effectively about the climate crisis. It features specific strategies and tools to help people navigate climate conversations in classrooms and communities. It also provides support for the planning and fielding of climate actions at a scale that feels right for each attendee. The first session kicks off on October 11 from 4:00-6:00 P.M. For more information and to register open the attached flyer or visit greatlakesstewardship.org/climate22.

WHEN
Tuesday – December 6, 2022: 4:00 to 6:00 PM EST
Tuesday – May 9, 2023: 4:00 to 6:00 PM EDT

WHERE
Zoom: Links will be shared upon completion of registration and/or receipt of payment.

CONTACT
Jan Sneddon, Event Organizer
317-616-8721
conference@greatlakesstewardship.org

Flyer (PDF)

Communicating About Climate Change in Our Classrooms and Communities
2022-11-01 16:00 - 18:00
This four-part virtual series, designed and hosted by the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative Network, will help teachers—and their students—communicate effectively about the climate crisis. It features specific strategies and tools to help people navigate climate conversations in classrooms and communities. It also provides support for the planning and fielding of climate actions at a scale that feels right for each attendee. The first session kicks off on October 11 from 4:00-6:00 P.M. For more information and to register open the attached flyer or visit greatlakesstewardship.org/climate22.

WHEN
Tuesday – November 1, 2022: 4:00 to 6:00 PM EDT
Tuesday – December 6, 2022: 4:00 to 6:00 PM EST
Tuesday – May 9, 2023: 4:00 to 6:00 PM EDT

WHERE
Zoom: Links will be shared upon completion of registration and/or receipt of payment.

CONTACT
Jan Sneddon, Event Organizer
317-616-8721
conference@greatlakesstewardship.org

Flyer (PDF)

AFDO / SEAFOOD ALLIANCE HACCP TRAINING COURSE
2022-11-01 08:00 - 2022-11-03 17:00
Bayfield, Wisconsin: November 1-3, 2022
LOCATION: Bay Mills Resort & Casino, 11386 West Lakeshore Drive, Brimley, MI 49715
To register contact:
Lauren N. Jescovitch
Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator
(570) 687-6818, jescovit@msu.edu
Laurie White
(715) 292-8726, lwhite@glifwc.org
GLIFWC will cover expenses for GLIFWC Tribal members and employees

Freshwater Summit
2022-10-28 09:00 - 15:00
Friday, October 28, 2022, 9am-3pm
Hagerty Center
Join us for the 15th Annual Freshwater Summit. Each year the Freshwater Summit brings together agency representatives, resource professionals, lake associations, and engaged citizens to discuss topics and issues related to freshwater locally and throughout the Great Lakes. Cost is $35/person or $15/student and includes lunch.

Registration

AGENDA
8:30-9:00am
Registration
9:00-9:10am
Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:10-9:55am
Rising Salinity in the Great Lakes: Ecological & Regulatory Perspectives
Bill Hintz, Assistant Professor, University of Toledo
9:55-10:25am
Status and Management Efforts of the New Zealand Mud Snail in the Great Lakes Region
Jeremy Geist, Great Lakes Stream Restoration Manager, Trout Unlimited
10:25-10:40am
BREAK
10:40-11:10am
Working with Tribal Governments
Allison Smart, Environmental Division Manager, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
11:10-11:40am
Microplastics and Microbiomes: How Ingestion of Weathered Microplastics Impact Freshwater Fathead Minnows
Maggie Petersen, Researcher, Great Lakes Environmental Center
11:40am-12:00pm
LIGHTNING TALKS
Finding New Zealand Mud Snails in the Elk River Chain of Lakes
Emily Burke, Conservation and Education Specialist, Grass River Natural Area
Mitchell Creek E. coli Source Tracking
Sarah U’Ren, Program Director, The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay
12:00-1:00pm
LUNCH
1:00-1:30pm
Michigan’s Arctic Grayling Initiative – A Progress Update
Ed Eisch, Fish Production Program Manager, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
1:30-2:00pm
Didymo
Ashley Moerke, Executive Director of Center for Freshwater Research and Education, Lake Superior State University
2:00-2:10pm
BREAK
2:10-2:40pm
Monitoring & Modeling Water Quality in a Pristine Northern Michigan Lake
Doug Endicott, Environmental Engineer, Great Lakes Environmental Center
2:40-3:00pm
LIGHTNING TALKS
Progress on the Apple Creek Dams
Nate Winkler, Biologist, Conservation Resource Alliance
Great Lakes Water Literacy: Bridging the Connection Between Land and Water
Trisha Smrecak, Education Coordinator, Inland Seas Education Association
3:00pm
Evaluations & Adjourn

Great Lakes Aquaculture Days 2022
2022-10-26 08:00 - 2022-10-27 17:00
Oct. 26 – 27, 2022
Great Lakes Aquaculture Days is a chance for those interested in aquaculture, and its products, to learn more. This year we will be hosting an interactive fish health workshop. This two-day workshop will feature discussions, activities, and Q&A sessions to help get your fish health needs addressed.
Day 1 will be a virtual event half day with presentations and discussions from Great Lakes area fish health experts on how you can take preventative measures to keep your fish healthy.
Day 2 will be an in-person event with a number of talks, a fish dissection, panel discussions and networking time. This day will focus on reactive measures you can take when a fish is sick. The day will conclude with time for attendees to create their own health management plans for their farms or facilities where they work.
Schedule and location overview below. Full detailed agenda coming soon.

October 26th, 1 – 4 p.m. ET / 12 – 3 p.m. CT VIRTUAL

VIRTUAL presentations you can watch anywhere! (zoom link will be emailed to registrants)
Preventative measures including

bio-security
daily record keeping
fish physiology overview
etc.

October 27th, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. CT, IN PERSON

In person location options include

WI = University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI
NY = Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
MI = Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
MN = University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
IN =Putnam Co. Fairgrounds, Greencastle, IN
IL = Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
OH = TBD, Columbus, OH

Topics covered include

fish therapeutics
fish dissection and slide preparation
state specific regulations discussions
Time to create your own farm specific best management plan
lunch will be provided

Hosted by the Great Lakes Aquaculture Collaborative (GLAC)
Free admission!
Free dissection kits!
Travel reimbursements available!*
*Preference will be given to private aquaculture producers and their employers on a first come first served basis. NGOs, Government employees, students, academics and teachers may be eligible if funds allow. Completion of the full Day 2 activities will be required for travel reimbursements. Forms must be completed onsite after the days activities are completed. Travel reimbursements will include up to 500 miles for personal vehicles driven, hotel reimbursements (limited to 150% of federal rates) and meal per diems when applicable.

Register

** zoom link for Day 1 will be sent prior to event**

Indigenous Knowledges Symposium
2022-10-24 08:00 - 2022-10-25 17:00
Join the KBIC Cultural Committee for the Indigenous Knowledges Symposium October 24-25, 2022 at Michigan Tech!

Event registration is available here. Capacity is limited, so register soon to reserve your seat.

More details: https://www.mtu.edu/greatlakes/research-highlights/university-indigenous-community-partnerships

Aquaculture Education: Swimming From Great Lakes To Great Seas
2022-10-17 12:00 - 13:00
A Global Scholar Presentation
MSU Extension Sea Grant Educators Dr. Lauren Jescovitch and Elliot Nelson offer a free presentation on Indonesian aquaculture practices and culture they recently experienced as part of the MSU Global Scholars program.

More details and registration

Communicating About Climate Change in Our Classrooms and Communities
2022-10-11 16:00 - 18:00
This four-part virtual series, designed and hosted by the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative Network, will help teachers—and their students—communicate effectively about the climate crisis. It features specific strategies and tools to help people navigate climate conversations in classrooms and communities. It also provides support for the planning and fielding of climate actions at a scale that feels right for each attendee. The first session kicks off on October 11 from 4:00-6:00 P.M. For more information and to register open the attached flyer or visit greatlakesstewardship.org/climate22.

WHEN
Tuesday – October 11, 2022: 4:00 to 6:00 PM EDT
Tuesday – November 1, 2022: 4:00 to 6:00 PM EDT
Tuesday – December 6, 2022: 4:00 to 6:00 PM EST
Tuesday – May 9, 2023: 4:00 to 6:00 PM EDT

WHERE
Zoom: Links will be shared upon completion of registration and/or receipt of payment.

CONTACT
Jan Sneddon, Event Organizer
317-616-8721
conference@greatlakesstewardship.org

Flyer (PDF)

LAKE STURGEON RELEASE EVENT: SAGINAW BAY WATERSHED
2022-09-24 11:00 - 15:00
Local, state, and federal partners invite the public to a lake sturgeon release celebration on September 24, 2022, in the Saginaw Bay Watershed. Releases will reintroduce +100 hatchery-raised sturgeon into each tributary of the Saginaw Bay Watershed (Cass, Flint, Shiawassee, and Tittabawassee rivers). Short presentations may be made at three of the events by local partners.
Public release events on September 24 include:

11 a.m., Tittabawassee River. It will be held at the Bob G. Caldwell Municipal Boat in Midland, MI. For more information, contact Jennifer Kirts at jkirts@chippewanaturecenter.org.
Noon, Shiawassee River. The release will take place at Cole Park in Chesaning, MI, and will be hosted by the Friends of the Shiawassee River. For more information, contact Sarah Baker at sbaker@shiawasseeriver.org.
2 p.m., Cass River. The release is at the parking lot at the Gunzenhausen Walkway in Frankenmuth, MI, and will be hosted by the City of Frankenmuth. For more information, contact Dan Hopp at dhopp@frankenmuthcity.com.

Lake sturgeon are a unique Great Lakes species. They can grow up to 7 feet long and can weigh up to 300 pounds. The slow-maturing fish do not begin reproducing until they are 15-20 years old. Once abundant in many Michigan lakes and rivers, lake sturgeon were nearly eradicated due to overfishing and habitat loss, particularly the destruction of rocky reefs in rivers that sturgeon and other native fish species use for spawning. In recent years, many partnerships and projects are working to restore sturgeon to a self-sustaining level in Michigan. This work includes restoring sturgeon habitat, reintroducing sturgeon into their native ranges, and raising awareness and appreciation for this unique species.
The August 2022 sturgeon release events are supported by a variety of partners including City of Frankenmuth, Chippewa Nature Center, Flint River Watershed Coalition, Friends of the Shiawassee River, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Sea Grant, Michigan State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, MSU Extension, Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network, Sturgeon for Tomorrow – Black Lake Chapter, The Conservation Fund, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and more.
Learn more about the lake sturgeon restoration efforts on the Saginaw Bay Sturgeon website (www.saginawbaysturgeon.org).
GENERAL RELEASE EVENT QUESTIONS, CONTACT

Meaghan Gass, Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator, gassmeag@msu.edu, (989) 895-4026 ext. 5
Mike Kelly, The Conservation Fund, Great Lakes Office, Director, kellym@conservationfund.org, (989) 892-9172

Why we Exercise, and What Happens After: Hazardous Material Transport Outreach Network
2022-09-21 10:00 - 11:00
Join the Hazardous Material Transport Outreach Network for the third installment in our 2022 summer webinar series. This webinar will demystify hazardous material spill preparedness and response exercises and networks. United States Coast Guard Emergency Manager Brian Strichert will answer the questions:

– Who does what on a tribal, federal, state, and local level?
– What takes place before a response?
– What would happen if a spill were to occur within the upper Great Lakes?

Streichert will also take us behind the scenes of the recent U.S. Venture, U.S. Oil, and U.S. Coast Guard Equipment Drill that took place on July 19, 2022 at the U.S. Oil Terminal in Rogers City, Michigan. A live question and answer session will follow the presentation.

Sep 21, 2022 10:00 AM in Central Time (US and Canada)

Ecorse Creek Committee Cleanup Events
2022-09-10 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-08-13 09:00 - 12:00
Join the Ecorse Creek Committee at:

Pepper Park (Ecorse)
Council Point Park (Lincoln Park)
Beaver Park (Wyandotte)

Cleanups will take place in July 9, August 13, and September 10, from 9 am-noon. A lunch will be provided in September to celebrate the cleanup season!
REGISTER FOR CLEANUP EVENTS: https://forms.gle/HkieyufjSk1KJ9Bo8

Love Fishing? Become a volunteer instructor for kids!
2022-09-09 08:00 - 2022-09-10 17:00
Project F.I.S.H is looking for one or more volunteers to teach youth about fishing. Anyone with an interest in fishing is welcome to join the two-day, hands-on training course September 9 and 10, at the Lost Lake Woods Club Pavilion, in Lincoln, MI Program will start Friday afternoon and pick back up on Saturday. Participants will learn: angling skills, people and fish management, aquatic ecology, and tackle crafting.
Attendees receive curriculum activities, equipment, and access to supplies and resources. With these tools participants will be ready to begin their own successful fishing program or club with youth in the classroom, or in an after-school setting. With contributions from Lost Lake Woods Club and the Alcona 4-H Advisory Council to offset costs, this two-day session is reduced to $50 per person and includes lunch. Overnight lodging for Friday night is available at additional cost.
Register online: www.bit.ly/ProjectFishSept22 by September 2.
If you have any questions about the training contact Mark Stephens, MSU and Project FISH staff, at 517-432-2700 steph143@msu.edu or Les Thomas, Alcona 4-H Program Coordinator at 989-724-6478 thoma322@msu.edu
This opportunity is supported by MSU Extension, Alcona 4-H, Michigan Sea Grant, Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative network as well as the NOAA B-WET supported “Our Fisheries, Our Future” project.
Accommodations for persons with disabilities may also be requested by contacting Les Thomas MSU Extension Alcona County 989-724-6478 by Sept 2. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Birding 101 Fall 2022
2022-09-07 18:30 - 19:45
Join Michigan Sea Grant as we explore the wonderful hobby of birding in 2 FREE and FUN virtual classes!
Zoom webinar
We will have instructional time at the start of each class followed by a Q&A session. This a great opportunity for those new to the hobby or looking to get started!

Class will be held 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. ET Wednesdays, September 7 & 14
September 7 – Fall Refresher – Join us as we talk some fall Bird ID basics, how to handle confusing fall plumage, and how to create a happy and healthy backyard habitat in the fall for your bird visitors.
September 14 – Raptor ID – Raptors are one of the most beloved groups of birds by people across the world. In this class we will cover some of the amazing adaptations that make raptors so effective, as well as Raptor ID tips and tricks.

Registration gives you access to both classes!

Register

Contact: Elliot Nelson

Sturgeon Release into Saginaw Bay Watershed Rivers
2022-08-19 11:00 - 15:00
More sturgeon to be released into Saginaw Bay Watershed during public events on Aug. 19
Local, state, and federal partners invite the public to a lake sturgeon release celebration on Aug. 19, 2022, in the Saginaw Bay Watershed. Releases will reintroduce +100 hatchery-raised sturgeon into each tributary of the Saginaw Bay Watershed (Cass, Flint, Shiawassee, and Tittabawassee rivers). Short presentations may be made at three of the events by local partners.
Public release events on Aug. 19 include:

11 a.m., Tittabawassee River. It will be held at the Bob G. Caldwell Municipal Boat in Midland, MI. For more information, contact Jennifer Kirts at jkirts@chippewanaturecenter.org.
Noon, Shiawassee River. The release will take place at Cole Park in Chesaning, MI, and will be hosted by the Friends of the Shiawassee River. For more information, contact Sarah Baker at sbaker@shiawasseeriver.org.
2 p.m., Cass River. The release is at the parking lot at the Gunzenhausen Walkway in Frankenmuth, MI, and will be hosted by the City of Frankenmuth. For more information, contact Dan Hopp at dhopp@frankenmuthcity.com.

Lake sturgeon are a unique Great Lakes species. They can grow up to 7 feet long and can weigh up to 300 pounds. The slow-maturing fish do not begin reproducing until they are 15-20 years old. Once abundant in many Michigan lakes and rivers, lake sturgeon were nearly eradicated due to overfishing and habitat loss, particularly the destruction of rocky reefs in rivers that sturgeon and other native fish species use for spawning. In recent years, many partnerships and projects are working to restore sturgeon to a self-sustaining level in Michigan. This work includes restoring sturgeon habitat, reintroducing sturgeon into their native ranges, and raising awareness and appreciation for this unique species.
The August 2022 sturgeon release events are supported by a variety of partners including City of Frankenmuth, Chippewa Nature Center, Flint River Watershed Coalition, Friends of the Shiawassee River, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Sea Grant, Michigan State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, MSU Extension, Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network, Sturgeon for Tomorrow – Black Lake Chapter, The Conservation Fund, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and more.
Learn more about the lake sturgeon restoration efforts on the Saginaw Bay Sturgeon website (www.saginawbaysturgeon.org).
GENERAL RELEASE EVENT QUESTIONS, CONTACT

Meaghan Gass, Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator, gassmeag@msu.edu, (989) 895-4026 ext. 5
Mike Kelly, The Conservation Fund, Great Lakes Office, Director, kellym@conservationfund.org, (989) 892-9172
