Sturgeon Fest 2026
2026-06-06 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit)
Saturday, June 6 • 10am-3pm
Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, 2802 Omar St, Port Huron, MI

Learn more about the event!

We have two ways for your to experience the Giant of the Great Lakes – by Ship and by Shore! Each spring, thousands of lake sturgeon gather under the Blue Water Bridges to spawn – ground zero for one of the largest remaining populations of lake sturgeon in the Great Lakes – making these experiences like none other!
Shore Experience – Come face‑to‑fin with the Great Lakes’ biggest underwater celebrity at our live sturgeon touch tank. Enjoy hands‑on activities, tasty treats from local food trucks, lively music, and plenty more festival fun! Sturgeon Fest By Shore is held 10am – 3pm at Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, 2802 Omar Street in Port Huron. Parking, admission, and activities are FREE!

Ship Experience – Cruise under the Blue Water Bridges on the St. Clair River and Lake Huron with a live sturgeon aquarium experience and sturgeon activities from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s research vessel. This narrated cruise offers interaction with wildlife biologists conducting research that is helping to reintroduce sturgeon around the Great Lakes. Sturgeon Fest by Ship begins at the Huron Lady dock on the Black River in Port Huron. River Cruise tickets are available for 11am and 1pm.

All event and ticket proceeds help support the Friends of the St. Clair River’s year‑round conservation and education programs—so you can have fun and do good at the same time!

Belle Isle book launch and roundtable
2026-06-11 14:00 - 17:00 | Belle Isle Nature Center, 176 Lakeside Drive, Detroit, MI, 48207, United States
Belle Isle Roundtable
Come celebrate the launch of the newly revised A Self-Guided Tour of Beautiful Belle Isle: Detroit’s Unique Urban Park guidebook!
2 p.m. on June 11
Michigan Sea Grant and The Belle Isle Conservancy invite you to the Belle Isle Roundtable at 2 p.m. on June 11 for an indoor event at the Belle Isle Nature Center, 176 Lakeside Dr., Detroit, MI 48207.
Optional walking tours will begin at 3 p.m.
There is no cost to attend the event (though a state Recreation Passport is required to drive onto Belle Isle).

Register here!

Partner organizations are also welcome to register for display table space.
For more information, please contact Erica Anculle, Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator, (313) 578-9740, clitese1@msu.edu

Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp: Tawas City
2026-06-17 09:00 - 2026-06-18 16:00
Gateway Park, Tawas City
Save the date for the 2026 camps (registration opens May 1)
When: June 17-18, 2026
Calling all 8–13-year-olds interested in learning how to fish and protect our Great Lakes! Campers learn about knot tying, tackle crafting, casting, stopping aquatic invasive species, and fishing.
MSU Extension, 4-H, Michigan Sea Grant, Project FISH, and many local partners host these camps to recruit the next generation of anglers and Great Lakes stewards.
Open to Michigan 4-H members ages 8-13, as of Jan. 1 2026. Not a current 4-H member but want to attend camp? Enroll in 4-H for FREE.

Community Paddlesport Leader Training, MI Paddle Stewards
2026-07-06 08:30 - 2026-07-07 17:00
July 6-7
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
(includes 30 minute lunch break – please bring your own lunch)
Independence Oaks County Park boat launch
Independence Township, Oakland County MI
9501 Sashabaw Rd, Clarkston, MI 48348
This is two-day course that equips paddlers with the trip planning and leadership skills to provide safe and enjoyable trips with a variety of craft in environments suitable for beginner and novice paddlers (in calm and protected waters with constant access to landing).
In order to be certified you need to demonstrate kayak rescue techniques which will involve getting wet. Please wear quick dry clothing, ideally closed-toe water shoes and bring a change of clothes.
Make sure you have the prerequisites listed below. In addition there will be a required Zoom session before and after the event with a date to be determined.
Find an overview of what the course covers on the ACA website. It is highly recommended to start your learning now by registering for The Connected Paddler online course ($99 lifetime access).
Course prerequisites:

Successful completion of a Level 1 or Level 2 Skills Assessment (see our course offering in June)
Urban first aid and CPR certification
Purchase and read ACA Community Paddlesport Leader workbook before the course.
Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
Be a current ACA Member
Agree to comply with the ACA Code of Conduct

Instructors: Deb and Paul Gelderblom (American Canoe Association certified instructors)
**There is no cost, but limited spots are available, please only register if you intend to participate!
For more information, contact Erica Anculle at clites1@msu.edu.

Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp: Bay City
2026-07-07 09:00 - 2026-07-08 16:00
Bay City State Park, Bay City
Save the date for the 2026 camps (registration opens May 1)
When: July 7-8, 2026
Calling all 8–13-year-olds interested in learning how to fish and protect our Great Lakes! Campers learn about knot tying, tackle crafting, casting, stopping aquatic invasive species, and fishing.
MSU Extension, 4-H, Michigan Sea Grant, Project FISH, and many local partners host these camps to recruit the next generation of anglers and Great Lakes stewards.
Open to Michigan 4-H members ages 8-13, as of Jan. 1 2026. Not a current 4-H member but want to attend camp? Enroll in 4-H for FREE.

Houghton’s Mi Fresh Fish Sail
2026-07-10 08:30 - 12:00 | Chassell, North Entry Road, Chassell, 49916, United States
Come aboard to learn about Mi Fresh Fish!
Start the day with a Mi Fresh Fish sail aboard the Inland Seas Education Association tall ship schooner. Sail the Great Lakes and experience Mi Fresh Fish as you learn about our local watershed, fish identification, benefits of seafood, and seamanship. Registration is $20 per person. Register here by July 8: https://events.anr.msu.edu/MiFreshSailHoughton2026/
Houghton Mi Fresh Fish Sail: Friday, July 10, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. ET
The boat will launch from the Portage River Harbor of Refuge (also known as South Entry) located at N. Entry Road in Chassell.
What is Mi Fresh Fish?
Mi Fresh Fish uplifts all fish produced in Michigan—whether from farmed or wild harvests—and whether destined for food, bait, stocking, fee‑fishing, or ornamental markets. The goal is to educate and bring awareness to Michiganders the many values of our local fisheries: food, fun, finance, function, and fellowship. If you would like to learn more, dive in and visit Mi Fresh Fish online.

Houghton’s Mi Fresh Fish Fry
2026-07-10 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 10, 2025, 4pm-7pm
58 Huron Street, Houghton
What is Mi Fresh Fish?
Mi Fresh Fish uplifts all fish produced in Michigan—whether from farmed or wild harvests—and whether destined for food, bait, stocking, fee‑fishing, or ornamental markets. The goal is to educate and bring awareness to Michiganders the many values of our local fisheries: food, fun, finance, function, and fellowship. If you would like to learn more, dive in and visit Mi Fresh Fish online.

Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp: Saginaw
2026-07-20 09:00 - 2026-07-21 16:00
Haithco Park, Saginaw
Save the date for the 2026 camps (registration opens May 1)
When: July 20-21, 2026
Calling all 8–13-year-olds interested in learning how to fish and protect our Great Lakes! Campers learn about knot tying, tackle crafting, casting, stopping aquatic invasive species, and fishing.
MSU Extension, 4-H, Michigan Sea Grant, Project FISH, and many local partners host these camps to recruit the next generation of anglers and Great Lakes stewards.
Open to Michigan 4-H members ages 8-13, as of Jan. 1 2026. Not a current 4-H member but want to attend camp? Enroll in 4-H for FREE.

Escanaba’s Mi Fresh Fish Sail
2026-07-24 08:30 - 12:00 | Escanaba Yacht Club, 17 Water Plant Road, Escanaba, MI, 49829, United States
Come aboard to learn about Mi Fresh Fish!
Start the day with a Mi Fresh Fish sail aboard the Inland Seas Education Association tall ship schooner. Sail the Great Lakes and experience Mi Fresh Fish as you learn about our local watershed, fish identification, benefits of seafood, and seamanship. Registration is $20 per person. Register here by July 22: https://events.anr.msu.edu/MiFreshSailEscanaba2026/
Escanaba – Friday, July 24, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. ET
The boat will launch from the Escanaba Marina, 17 Water Plant Road.
This Michigan Sea Grant/MSU Extension event was made possible by the Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation.
What is Mi Fresh Fish?
Mi Fresh Fish uplifts all fish produced in Michigan—whether from farmed or wild harvests—and whether destined for food, bait, stocking, fee‑fishing, or ornamental markets. The goal is to educate and bring awareness to Michiganders the many values of our local fisheries: food, fun, finance, function, and fellowship. If you would like to learn more, dive in and visit Mi Fresh Fish online.

Escanaba’s Mi Fresh Fish Fry
2026-07-24 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 Yacht Club at the Escanaba Marina for this community celebration.
Friday, July 24, 2025, 4pm-7pm
17 Water Plant Rd, Escanaba
This Michigan Sea Grant/MSU Extension event was made possible by the Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation.
What is Mi Fresh Fish?
Mi Fresh Fish uplifts all fish produced in Michigan—whether from farmed or wild harvests—and whether destined for food, bait, stocking, fee‑fishing, or ornamental markets. The goal is to educate and bring awareness to Michiganders the many values of our local fisheries: food, fun, finance, function, and fellowship. If you would like to learn more, dive in and visit Mi Fresh Fish online.

Kayaks in Conservation
2026-08-06 13:00 - 16:00
Exploration of the Black River in Port Huron awaits with Friends of the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) biologists.

Learn about our paddling Blueways, the native species that call the river home, and aquatic invasive species that threaten this ecosystem. We’ll also learn how to help protect our beautiful paddling rivers. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or new to kayaking, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the river, learn something new, and connect with nature.

This event is free, but registration is required. Space is limited, so be sure to register early!Register here https://form.jotform.com/261585321817157

Date: Thursday, August 6Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PMLocation: Bakersfield Park; 3800 Strawberry Lane, Port Huron TownshipThis is a “bring your own kayak and PFD” event

Innovations in Nutrient Mitigation webinar
2026-08-11 12:00 - 13:00
Join Silvia Newell and other speakers on Tuesday, August 11 at 12 PM ET for a dynamic panel discussion on Innovations in Nutrient Mitigation.
Managing nutrient pollution has been a global priority for years, with the expansion of intensive agricultural and livestock farming sectors elevating this challenge to one of the most pressing Great Lakes water quality concerns. While in-field best management practices have long served as the standard for managing runoff, the emergence of a new generation of solutions is set to revolutionize the field.
Join Michigan Sea Grant, Cleveland Water Alliance, and the Great Lakes Commission HABs Collaborative for a deep dive into the next generation of nutrient mitigation technology with industry experts and innovators.
🔗 Register here: https://www.clevelandwateralliance.org/event/innovations-in-nutrient-mitigation-2026

State of the Strait 2026: Discover the Power of Rewilding
2026-09-17
For more than two decades, State of the Strait has brought together scientists, conservationists, policymakers and community leaders from both sides of the border to tackle the Detroit River and western Lake Erie corridor’s most pressing environmental challenges.
This year, the conference theme is rewilding — the deliberate, science-driven work of restoring ecosystems so they can function and eventually sustain themselves.
In a region defined by heavy industry, cross-border waterways and decades of environmental compromise, this conference shines a spotlight on the people and projects enabling rewilding in our watersheds.
What to Expect

Keynote speakers and panel discussions tackling the science, policy and community dynamics of rewilding across the Detroit River watershed.
Networking with researchers, municipal leaders, nonprofit practitioners and private landowners who are already doing this work.
Actionable, measurable tools for ecological success.

Location
Detroit Zoo Ford Education Center Theater, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Agenda & Speaker Lineup
The full conference program — including speakers and panelists — will be posted here as details are finalized. Check back soon.

Register Now

Sturgeon Palooza
2026-09-25 15:00 - 17:00
The Black River Lake Sturgeon Hatchery and Research Center is celebrating 25 years of conservation, research, and education dedicated to the recovery of Michigan’s lake sturgeon. Michigan State University has played a key role by training students, supporting hatchery and rearing operations and conducting research. Join us in celebrating this milestone.
When: September 25, 2026, Reception 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Also featuring two free showings of the Dinosaur Fish documentary followed by panel discussions.
Where: Molecular Plant Sciences Building Atrium, 612 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
See the film! The 23-minute documentary Dinosaur Fish tells the story of the ongoing effort to restore the lake sturgeon population in the Saginaw Bay system. Since 2017 more than 7,000 sturgeon have been released into the Shiawassee, Flint, Tittabawassee and Cass rivers.

3 p.m. – First showing followed by a student/alumni panel at 3:30 p.m.
4-5:30 p.m. – Reception with refreshments held in the atrium.
5:30 p.m. – Second showing followed by an expert panel at 6 p.m.

State of the Bay 2026
2026-10-07 08:00 - 16:30
Join the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) on October 7, 2026 (8am-4:30pm) to celebrate Saginaw Bay at the biennial State of the Bay Conference!

www.stateofthebay2026.org

Every two years, the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) and its partners provide a focus on Saginaw Bay and its Watershed through the State of the Bay conference. The purpose of the conference is to highlight educational initiatives, restoration, community development and conservation activities occurring across the watershed and related to our river systems and coastal areas, as well as provide an update on research and emerging topics of interest.

Hear from researchers, educators, nonprofits, and more on three tracks of focus: Environmental Education, Community Development, and Watershed Issues and Management.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bay City – Riverfront1 Wenonah Park PlaceBay City, MI 48708
