2025 Lake Huron Fisheries Workshop - Open Water Session
2025-04-08 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
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.

Lake Sturgeon Community Release Celebrations: Saginaw Bay region
2025-08-22 11:00 - 15:00
On August 22, 2025, community members and conservation partners are invited to help release young lake sturgeon into the Saginaw Bay watershed. Attendees at these free riverside release events will reintroduce more than 100 native sturgeon into each tributary of the Saginaw River system (e.g., Cass, Flint, Shiawassee, and Tittabawassee rivers).

The juvenile sturgeon being released in August come from the Black River in Cheboygan County. They hatched in the river as a result of natural reproduction. In late May 2025, researchers from the Michigan State University Department of Fisheries & Wildlife and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources moved the fish to the Black Lake Streamside Rearing Facility for safekeeping. The young fish spent the summer growing to 4-6 inches in length before their release into the Saginaw River system.
Public release celebrations on Aug. 22 across the Saginaw Bay Watershed include:

11 a.m., Tittabawassee River, at the Bob G. Caldwell Municipal Boat Launch in Midland, hosted by the Chippewa Nature Center. For more information, contact Jennifer Kirts at jkirts@chippewanaturecenter.org.

Noon, Shiawassee River, at Cole Park in Chesaning, hosted by the Friends of the Shiawassee River. For more information, contact Liz Roxberry at info@shiawasseeriver.org.

1:30 p.m., Flint River, at Paddlers’ Landings (Mott Park Recreation Area) in Flint, hosted by the Flint River Watershed Coalition. For more information, contact Emily Stetson at estetson@gcparks.org.

2 p.m., Cass River, at the parking lot at the Gunzenhausen Walkway in Frankenmuth, hosted by the City of Frankenmuth. For more information, contact Matt Bierlein at mbierlein@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 – including the Saginaw River System – 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. 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.

Many partners have been working since 2017 to bring sturgeon back to the Saginaw River system. Thus far, community members and partners have released close to 7,000 sturgeon into local waters. Partners that support the August 22, 2025 sturgeon release events, including Bay County, City of Frankenmuth, Chippewa Nature Center, Flint River Watershed Coalition, Friends of the Shiawassee River, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Sea Grant, MSU 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 and get involved here.

If you have general release event questions, please 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, 989-892-9171

Inland Lake Field Day
2025-09-08 14:00 - 17:00
Presentations Include:

HABs Identification for Safe Recreation
Rainfall Simulator Demonstration
EGLE’s Septic Replacement Loan Program
MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program
Smart Lake Erie Watershed Initiative
Lake Erie Volunteer Science Network
Volunteer Science Data Collection Demo

Date: September 8th 2025
Time: 2-5 pm
Location: Little Long Lake, 320 Ln 130 Long Lake, Fremont, IN 46737

Upon registering we will invite you to the event via google calendar which will provide up to date information about the agenda

Inland Lake Field Day RSVP Form

Michigan Birding 101: Fall Refresher
2025-09-09 19:00 - 20:15
Fall Refresher: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, 7-8:15 p.m. ET
Backyard Fall Bird ID and Habitat Tips: Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, 7-8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Anywhere with internet via Zoom Webinar! (link sent after completion of registration)
Join Michigan Sea Grant as we explore the wonderful hobby of birding in 2 FREE and FUN classes. These classes are geared toward beginning birders. 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!
Want to watch the Spring series? The videos are available online so you can watch them anytime.

Registration link

Michigan Birding 101: Backyard Fall Bird ID and Habitat Tips
2025-09-11 19:00 - 20:15

Lake Sturgeon Community Release Celebrations: Saginaw Bay region
2025-09-20 11:00 - 15:00
On September 20, 2025, community members and conservation partners are invited to help release young lake sturgeon into the Saginaw Bay watershed. Attendees at these free riverside release events will reintroduce more than 100 native sturgeon into each tributary of the Saginaw River system (e.g., Cass, Flint, Shiawassee, and Tittabawassee rivers).

Public release celebrations on Sept. 20 across the Saginaw Bay Watershed include:

11 a.m., Tittabawassee River, at the Bob G. Caldwell Municipal Boat Launch in Midland, hosted by the Chippewa Nature Center. For more information, contact Jennifer Kirts at jkirts@chippewanaturecenter.org.

Noon, Shiawassee River, at Cole Park in Chesaning, hosted by the Friends of the Shiawassee River. For more information, contact Liz Roxberry at info@shiawasseeriver.org.

2 p.m., Flint River, at Paddlers’ Landings (Mott Park Recreation Area) in Flint, hosted by the Flint River Watershed Coalition. For more information, contact Emily Stetson at estetson@gcparks.org.

2:30 p.m., Cass River, at the parking lot at the Gunzenhausen Walkway in Frankenmuth, hosted by the City of Frankenmuth. For more information, contact Matt Bierlein at mbierlein@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 – including the Saginaw River System – 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. 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.

Many partners have been working since 2017 to bring sturgeon back to the Saginaw River system. Thus far, community members and partners have released close to 7,000 sturgeon into local waters. Partners that support the September 20, 2025 sturgeon release events, including Bay County, City of Frankenmuth, Chippewa Nature Center, Flint River Watershed Coalition, Friends of the Shiawassee River, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Sea Grant, MSU 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 and get involved here.

If you have general release event questions, please 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, 989-892-9171

Detroit River Community Forum October 2
2025-10-02 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.
Grosse Ile Nature & Land Conservancy
8801 Macomb St., Grosse Ile Tpw., MI 48138

Detroit River Community Forum October 15
2025-10-15 17:30 - 18:30
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.
Ecorse Public Library
4184 West Jefferson Avenue, Ecorse, MI, 48229

2025 National Place-Based Education Conference
2025-11-12 00:00 - 2025-11-14 00:00
The agenda for the 2025 National PBE Conference at Eastern Michigan University is full of incredible stories, insights, research, and resources from across the field of place-based education! With 165+ confirmed presenters, representing 35+ states and 3 countries, there’s a relevant pathway through the conference for all. From workshops, to traditional talks, to outdoor experiential learning sessions, to 10-minute Story Spots, this conference is about sharing from the community dedicated to the power of our connections to place and supporting each attendee in their PBE journey!
Our diverse presenter community includes classroom teachers of all grades and subjects, early childhood educators, city council members, authors, school and district administrators, community/state/national organizations and agencies, scholars and researchers, extension educators, and individuals within a wide range of other positions and areas of expertise!

More info

Detroit River Community Forum
2025-11-13 18:00 - 19:00

Pesticide Safety Webinar Series: The RUP/CCA CEU Credit Clinic
2025-12-03 10:00 - 14:00
December 3, 2025 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Online

Contact: Safa Alzohairy, Heather Borden, or Emma Schlachter
Join the MSU Pesticide Safety Education Program for a comprehensive virtual learning opportunity designed for Pesticide Applicators, Agricultural Professionals, and Crop Advisers. This webinar series is FREE to attend, but participants who wish to earn Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) credits or Certified Crop Adviser Continuing Education Unit (CCA CEU) may do so for a small registration fee. This series offers timely, science-based education on Pesticide Safety, Endangered Species Act Regulations, environmental protection, and best practices in application and equipment use.
All participants must pre-register using this short form:
Webinar Registration
Participants from Michigan who wish to earn RUP credits must fill out this form before the webinar date:
Register for RUP Credits
Participants who wish to earn CCA-CEUs must fill out this form before each webinar from which CCA-CEUs is requested:
Register for CCA-CEUs
Deadline to fill out this form is 11:59PM same date of the webinar sessions.

"Dinosaur Fish" film premiere
2025-12-12 19:00 - 20:00
What: Premiere of Dinosaur Fish film (23 minutes) with a Q/A panel
When: December 12, 2025, 7 – 8pm
Where: Delta College Planetarium | 100 Center Avenue, Bay City, MI, United States, Michigan 48708
How: Event is free and open to the public

The Saginaw Bay Sturgeon Restoration Program and its partners have been working since 2017 on a significant project to restore lake sturgeon in the Saginaw Bay system. This follows major partner investments in restoration projects, research, dam removal and education. It has become one of the greatest restoration success stories in decades on the Great Lakes.

Last year, thanks to major support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the Bay Area Community Foundation, the sturgeon team began the development of a documentary film that focuses on the effort. The documentary is now complete!

On Friday, December 12 at 7pm, we will premiere the documentary at the Delta College Planetarium in Bay City. This is a free, public event. Here is the Facebook Event Page.

Following the 23-minute film, there will be a panel of folks who participated in the film, as well as sturgeon experts, available to discuss the project and answer questions. Panelists include:

Dr. Jeff Jolley, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Jason Whalen, Fauna Creative (the firm that produced the documentary)
Meaghan Gass, Michigan Sea Grant & Michigan State University Extension
Doug Larson, Michigan State University, Black River Sturgeon Facility

Seafood HACCP Training
2025-12-16 - 2025-12-18 | Ojibwa Casino Hotel Baraga, 16449 Michigan Avenue, Baraga, Michigan 49908, 16449 Michigan Avenue, Baraga, Michigan, 49908
December 16-18, 2025
8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Tuesday, Wednesday)
8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Thursday)
Ojibwa Casino Hotel Baraga
16449 Michigan Ave.
Baraga, MI 49908
Commercial fishing operators and fish processors must follow strict guidelines to meet tribal, state, and federal requirements for health and food safety. The Seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification course is a federal regulation for ensuring that businesses handling seafood products stay up-to-date on requirements and best practices. This allows commercial fishers and processors to meet licensing requirements and provide a safe and healthy product for consumers.
The cost of this event is $148.40 which includes certification and training materials.
Snacks will be provided.
Contact:
Lauren Stigers
Michigan Sea Grant
Extension Educator
(570) 687-6818
jescovit@msu.edu
Registration: events.anr.msu.edu/HACCP25

Aquaculture Challenge info sessions and coach Q&A
2025-12-19 12:30 - 13:30, 2026-01-08 16:00 - 17:00
Aquaculture Challenge info sessions and coach Q&A
Michigan Sea Grant will host two upcoming information sessions for new and returning Aquaculture Challenge coaches. Each session will start with a 10-minute presentation followed by 50 minutes of Q&A for coaches to ask questions. Attendance for the full hour is NOT required, and coaches can drop in any time during the session.

December 19, 2025, 12:30pm eastern / 11:30am central, Zoom link
January 8, 2026, 4pm eastern / 3pm central, Zoom link

The Aquaculture Challenge is a collaboration between the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network and Lake Superior State University (LSSU) and is co-chaired by Michigan Sea Grant. This science competition engages students in grades 6-12 from around the Midwest in a four-month venture to:

Build and monitor aquaponics systems
Create business plans
Perform a community outreach project

Registration is now open for the 2026 competition! To register, submit this Google Form by January 14, 2026.

2026 St. Clair Detroit River System – Annual General Meeting
2026-01-21 09:00 - 2026-01-23 12:00
Registration is now open for the 2026 St. Clair Detroit River System – Annual General Meeting series!

MEETING REGISTRATION

We hope you’ll join us to hear from experts, connect with colleagues, and help shape the next phase for the St. Clair Detroit River System Initiative. Learn from regional experts about status updates and priorities on a range of topics related to SCDRS objectives, including:

Fish assessments & habitat
Lake Sturgeon, mudpuppies, and other rare species
Reef restoration monitoring
Nutrient loadings and reduction strategies
Microplastics, PFAS, and pharmaceuticals
St. Clair and Detroit River Areas of Concern

Participants will also have opportunities to provide input on future directions for the SCDRS Initiative.
All three ½-day meeting events will be accessible virtually, but we hope you can make it to one or both in-person (hybrid) sessions as well.

Day 1 (hybrid) – Wednesday January 21, 9:00 am -12:00 pm ET – Dossin Great Lakes Museum – ‘Showcasing Detroit’s role in regional and national maritime history on the shores of Belle Isle’ (it’s a really neat place if you’ve never been!).
Day 2 (hybrid) – Monday January 26, 1:00-4:00 pm ET – Ojibway Nature Centre located within the ‘Ojibway Prairie Complex featuring acres of pin oak forest, savannah and tall grass prairie habitats’. A great place and also the venue for the last SCDRS General Meeting in 2024.
Day 3 – fully virtual – Thursday January 29, 9:00 am -12:00 pm ET

There is no registration fee for this event, but there will be valuable updates, lively discussion, engagement opportunities, friendly faces, and, if you join in person, tasty refreshments!
