Parks in Partnership: Michigan Sea Grant

July 31, 2024

By: Erin Parker, Interpretive Supervisors Supervisor

Did you know that Michigan is home to more than 10,000 lakes? While Alaska, Minnesota, and Wisconsin all beat us in total lake numbers- we’re a pretty watery state! In fact, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, you’re never more than six miles from an inland lake or 85 miles from a Great Lake.

While your Metroparks have water access, for year-round recreation and programming, we team up with many local and regional organizations to meet the needs of the public One of those regular partners in supporting clean water for wildlife and people is Michigan Sea Grant.

Michigan Sea Grant

Michigan Sea Grant is a cooperative program between Michigan State University (MSU), University of Michigan, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that funds outreach, education, and research surrounding the Great Lakes and its natural resources. Partnered with MSU Extension, Michigan Sea Grant has educators positioned around the state that offer programs specific to their local area and topic of expertise. Much of this programming would not be possible without their partnerships with local organizations.

Michigan Sea Grant has long partnered with the Huron-Clinton Metroparks including over 30 years of shipboard-based youth and family programs to foster a connection with The Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair. They continue this partnership to this day partnering on programs like Michigan Conservation Stewards with MSU Extension, and Summer Discovery Cruises out of Lake St. Clair Metropark.

Education and outreach

Sea Grant doesn’t just cover water-based learning, though. Sea Grant educators and researchers support a variety of opportunities with the community and in partnership with Metroparks staff.

The Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (CSP) is an educational program for adult learners offered by Michigan State University Extension and collaboratively planned with many diverse partner organizations. CSP covers the foundations of conservation and terrestrial/wetland/aquatic ecosystems and is geared toward those who are enthusiastic about learning science-based ecosystem management principles and sharing this knowledge with others to help improve their local communities. Through the Conservation Stewards Program, participants learn essential strategies to understand and help restore and conserve ecosystems in Michigan communities.

Michigan State University Extension’s Conservation Stewards Program is now enrolling participants for its Fall 2024 programs, which will span 8 weeks beginning the week of September 9 and running through the week of November 11. These programs include both lecture-style and field-trip, hands-on learning and take place throughout the Metroparks in Macomb County in 2024. Check back in 2025 for Wayne and Oakland County cohorts!

Opportunities for Michigan teachers

Sea Grant also supports education through resources, support, and professional development for Michigan teachers. In a collaborative effort that supports educators throughout the Great Lakes region, the Center for Great Lakes Literacy resources connect math, science, and other educators with scientists to create and pilot lessons centered around Great Lakes-focused topics and issues. A variety of trainings exist throughout the region, including an upcoming cohort that will begin in the fall. Teaching Great Lakes Literacy, one of the many professional development opportunities, is now accepting applications from grade 6-12 math, science, and other educators to be part of this year’s cohort focused on research in and connected to the Lake Huron watershed. Applications are now open and will be accepted through September 16, 2024

Great Lakes Literacy education explorations (GLlee) is an introductory collection of resources and partners assembled to better equip educators to explore Great Lakes Literacy with youth through place-based education and stewardship opportunities in your school and community! They are completely free to anyone interested in taking them. Aimed at supporting classroom teachers and their students, these lessons tackle some of the complex challenges that face our Great Lakes from climate change to marine debris.

On the water

Finally, the MI Paddle Stewards program helps to train volunteer paddlers to keep an eye on the spread of nonindigenous aquatic plants. The training consists of a three-hour, self-paced online training followed by optional in-person workshops. Participants get tips for properly cleaning their boats and paddling equipment to avoid transferring aquatic invasive species and diseases between water bodies. Paddle Stewards can be a resource to all of us in southeast Michigan as our many lakes and many recreational activities can mean the rapid spread of nonnative plants and animals.

Partnerships between the Metroparks and other agencies mean we can all expand our reach, provide more opportunities for the public, and collaboratively keep our green (and blue!) spaces cleaner for everyone.