Michigan Sea Grant

Ecorse Creek community clean-up
2023-08-12 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Detroit) | Michigan
Spend a morning tidying up Ecorse Creek in Southeast Michigan. Join on at 9-noon on Saturday, August 12, or Saturday, September 9 (or both!) to help from shore or on the water.
The event will take place from 9am-noon at three different sites:
Ecorse (Pepper Park)
Lincoln Park (Council Point Park)
Wyandotte (Beaver Park)
All three sites have creek access and will need help in the water, along the shoreline, and at the registration tables.
Register here

Summer Discovery Cruises
2023-08-04 - 2023-08-09 | Michigan
Michigan Sea Grant is excited to announce that Summer Discovery Cruises will be returning this summer, August 4-9, 2023!
Summer Discovery Cruises are an educational on-boat experience that connects participants to the Great Lakes and professionals that work to conserve them. This program previously ran for more than 25 years before coming to a halt in 2020 due to the pandemic. Michigan Sea Grant and partners are now excited to bring the program back for a limited 18-cruise season this August.
For 2023, this program will run out of Lake St. Clair Metropark in partnership with Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, Michigan State University Extension, and Michigan Sea Grant.
During each two-hour boat experience, participants will have the opportunity to meet Great Lakes professionals and learn about their work, all while cruising along beautiful Lake St. Clair. Cruises will feature many engaging topics, including:

Great Lakes Science
Great Lakes Author Cruise with Dr. John Hartig
Past, Present, and Future of the Lighthouses of Lake St. Clair with Save Our South Channel Lights
Birds of the Great Lakes with Detroit Audubon
Fisheries of Lake St. Clair

Cruises will leave and return from Lake St. Clair Metropark on August 4-9, with cruises departing daily at 10 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm. Register by 4 pm on the day before your desired program. Buy tickets here — we look forward to cruising with you this summer!

4-H Great Lakes Natural Resources Camp
2023-07-23 10:00 - 2023-07-29 13:00 | Michigan
Registration will open in March!
The 2023 camper fee is $500.00. The fee includes 6 nights in a cabin setting, all meals and snacks and a full day of experiential learning with Michigan State University Extension staff. Water activities, camp crafts, night hikes and charter fishing are included, plus a t-shirt!
Check out the camp brochure here!
About 4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resource Camp
Young teens have fun and amazing outdoor hands-on learning experiences as they go charter fishing, snorkeling, sailing, hike through forests, wade through wetlands, explore dunes and more! This really fun MSU pre-college program could be the highlight of your summer – it could even change your life!
Learning sessions and recreation are designed to:

Increase teens’ appreciation and enjoyment of the outdoors, natural resources, and science.
Increase teens’ knowledge about the Great Lakes, natural resources ecology and management issues.
Develop strong attitudinal attachment to Michigan’s unique natural resources and bioregional features.
Foster scientifically rooted environmental stewardship.
Develop and expand career and personal interests.
Develop leadership skills and self-confidence.
Increase social and academic skills needed for a successful transition to college and life as an adult.

Learn more by reviewing the one-page 2018 impact summary.
Who should attend?
The camp is for teens aged 13 to 15, or going into 8th-10th grades in the fall. You do not need to be a member of 4-H in order to attend the event, but all participants will be asked to enroll in 4-H Online upon completing their event registration.
So each camper can have the best experience possible, each camper must be able to fully participate in grade-level appropriate small group science learning sessions as well as very active large group recreation. It’s an action-packed week of fun and learning! (Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested.)
Maximum camper capacity is 70 campers, so apply early to increase your chances of getting a spot.
Camp Chickagami
The camp is held at Camp Chickagami in Presque Isle, near the shores of Lake Huron between Alpena and Rogers City. The state-licensed camp has dormitory-style cabins, a dining hall and toilet and shower facilities. Meals are all prepared by a qualified cook and served right in the dining hall.

Counselors needed!
4-H Camp is always looking for counselors! If you are between the ages of 16 and 21, and love leadership, making new friends, and being outdoors, this may be a great opportunity for you. Contact Laura at potterla@msu.edu for an application.

Related Programs

4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp is just one of many 4-H environmental and outdoor education program offerings. For more information, please visit the Environmental and Outdoor Education section of this site.

For information about the pre-college programs offered at MSU, please visit Spartan Youth Programs at http://www.spartanyouth.msu.edu. You’ll find a multitude of programs that can help you develop valuable skills, make new friends and taste college life.
Contact
Laura Potter-Niesen, Educational Programs Event Coordinator
Email: potterla@msu.edu

Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp: Saginaw
2023-07-19 09:00 - 2023-07-20 15:00 | Michigan
Haithco Park, Saginaw, MI

This two-day camp will teach youth to fish and protect our Great Lakes. All campers will receive a fishing rod with reel, tackle box, t-shirt and snacks! Open statewide to Michigan 4-H members ages 8-12. Registration is $25, and scholarships are available. Please note refunds will not be given after registration. Registration for these camps will open on May 15, 2023.
Questions? Contact Stacie Gath, gathstac@msu.edu or 989-907-6500

Registration

Ecorse Creek Cleanup Event
2023-07-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Michigan
Invasive species identification and mapping education will take place at the August and September events.
Join the Ecorse Creek Committee at Pepper Park (Ecorse), Council Point Park (Lincoln Park) or Beaver Park (Wyandotte) . Cleanups will take place on the creek in July 8, August 12 & September 9, from 9 am–noon. Supplies will be provided. A celebratory lunch will take place in September to wrap up the season!

Registration form, https://forms.gle/kR3rLAqAJmiHC2SV9

Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp: Au Gres
2023-06-26 09:00 - 2023-06-27 15:00 | Michigan
River Side Park, Au Gres, MI

This two-day camp will teach youth to fish and protect our Great Lakes. All campers will receive a fishing rod with reel, tackle box, t-shirt and snacks! Open statewide to Michigan 4-H members ages 8-12. Registration is $25, and scholarships are available. Please note refunds will not be given after registration. Registration for these camps will open on May 15, 2023.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Colvin (colvinj5@msu.edu or 989-984-1057)

Registration

Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp: Bay City
2023-06-14 09:00 - 2023-06-15 15:00 | Michigan
Bay City State Park, Bay City, MI
This two-day camp will teach youth to fish and protect our Great Lakes. All campers will receive a fishing rod with reel, tackle box, t-shirt and snacks! Open statewide to Michigan 4-H members ages 8-12. Registration is $25, and scholarships are available. Please note refunds will not be given after registration. Registration for these camps will open on May 15, 2023.
Questions? Contact Holly Mueller, julianho@msu.edu or 989-895-4026, ext. 6

Registration

Mi Fresh Fish Expo
2023-06-13 10:00 - 15:00 | Michigan State Capitol Building, 100 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, 48933, United States
All are invited to the Mi Fresh Fish Expo, taking place at 10am – 3pm on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, on the Michigan State Capitol lawn in Lansing (100 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI 48933). The event will celebrate Michigan’s commercial fishers and aquaculture farmers and the local fish they harvest and raise.
Event attendees can meet commercial fishermen and aquaculture farmers to discover where Michigan fish come from, how they are cared for and harvested, and why they’re an important part of the local economy.
Come learn how aquaculture farmers raise fish for food, bait, stocking, recreation, and education. Explore the tools and techniques they use to keep their waters pristine and fish healthy. Watch commercial net-mending demonstrations and learn about the ins and outs of life on the water.
Mi Fresh Fish Expo visitors can sample tasty fresh fish dishes prepared by the Michigan Fish Producers Association and Michigan Aquaculture Association. Come swap recipes, get easy cooking tips, and find out why Michigan fish can be a healthy addition to the dinner table.
The Mi Fresh Fish Expo is part of a marketing campaign to highlight the small and mighty industries bringing fish to the people of Michigan. The campaign is focused on consumer education surrounding the benefits of eating Michigan fish, the importance of buying local products to support local economies, and the qualities of Michigan fish farmers and commercial fishermen. To learn more about the campaign, visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what-is-mi-fresh-fish-msg23-jescovitch23.

Communicating About Climate Change in Our Classrooms and Communities
2023-05-09 16:00 - 18:00 | Michigan
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 – 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 Huron: Les Cheneaux and St Marys River
2023-05-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Michigan
Lake Huron: Les Cheneaux and St Marys River
May 4, 2023
Details and Registration
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.

Southern Lake Michigan Fisheries Workshop
2023-04-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Michigan
Southern Lake Michigan
April 20, 2023
Details and Registration
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.

Lake Huron: Saginaw Bay Fisheries Workshop
2023-04-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Michigan
Lake Huron: Saginaw Bay
April 13, 2023
Details and Registration
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.

Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie Fisheries Workshop
2023-04-12 18:00 - 20:00 | 21885 Dunham Road Verkuilen Building #12 Clinton Township, MI 48036
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.

Details and Registration

Lake Huron: Open Water Fisheries Workshop
2023-04-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Michigan
Lake Huron: Open Water
April 11, 2023
Details and Registration
Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery.
Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local fishery organizations annually offer evening regional workshops to provide valuable information for anglers, charter captains, resource professionals, and interested community members.
Workshops include information and status updates on topics such as fish populations and angler catch data, forage or prey fish surveys, offshore fisheries and open water fisheries, as well as updates on fisheries management activities, citizen science opportunities for anglers, and a variety of other topics of interest based on specific regions.

Native and Invasive Mussels in the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers
2023-04-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Michigan
April 6th Talk & Description: Native mussels, or unionids, were thought to be extirpated from the Detroit and St. Clair rivers following the invasion of Zebra and Quagga mussels (dreissenids). However, these rivers were recently surveyed for unionid and dreissenid mussels and live unionids were found, though they were sparsely distributed. Data collected from both rivers and MaxEnt, an ecological modeling program, were then used to create distribution models for the mussels which will hopefully contribute towards unionid conservation and management in the future.

Speaker Biography:
Shay S. Keretz is an Arizona native working towards a degree in aquatic ecology in the Earth and Ecosystem Sciences PhD program at Central Michigan University. Her dissertation project focuses on creating species distribution models for both native and invasive mussels. Over the years, her academic journey has taken her across the United States, from an undergraduate degree at Northern Arizona University to her master’s degree at Mississippi State University. She moved to Ohio in 2018 and started her degree at Central Michigan University 2019. Some of her research interests include spatial distribution modeling, aquatic species and habitat conservation, invasive species, pathology, physiology, and environmental policy. Her favorite fish is the Brook Trout and my favorite mussel is the Mapleleaf.

Full details and registration

Michigan Birding 101 - Spring 2023
2023-03-28 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-03-21 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-03-14 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-03-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Michigan
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

Telling Your Story: Communicating to Inspire Conservation Action
2023-03-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Michigan
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.

Remote Great Lakes Islands Surveys: Notable Discoveries and Prioritization Framework for Biodiversity Stewardship
2023-03-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Michigan
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 | Michigan
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 | Michigan
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 | Michigan
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 | Michigan
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 | Michigan
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 | Michigan
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 | Michigan
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 | Michigan
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
