Live on a Lake? Find Out What You Need to Know

Learn about Michigan’s lakes online from MSU Extension

Registration for the award-winning Introduction to Lakes online course is now open!  The six-week self-paced online course runs January 19 - March 26, 2021 and is designed for anyone interested in inland lakes, including lakefront property owners and lake managers.

Newaygo County MSU Extension Water Resource Educator Erick Elgin:
“The stewardship and management of lakes in Michigan is ultimately our responsibility. Introduction to Lakes Online will build your lake knowledge to help ensure lake management balances our needs with a lake’s needs." 

Course topics include lake ecology, watershed management, shoreline protection, Michigan water law, aquatic plants and community engagement. The course consists of video lectures, interactive activities, discussion forums, resources and live Ask-an-Expert webinars featuring Michigan State University Extension educators and experts from outside organizations.

Here are comments from past participants.
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"I am a lake property owner and never thought about the plants, erosion, habitat, etc…because of this class I will definitely take a different approach down at the lake. I intend to leave most of my shoreline intact and will try to disrupt the lake as little as possible now.” 

"This course taught me ways average people like myself can get involved in lake management. It's empowering to know that my lack of background in limnology doesn't have to hold me back as an advocate for conservation efforts." 

"This online course is a very real service to individuals in our state (and beyond) who want a broad understanding of why lakes and wetlands are important, and how to best protect these natural resources!" 

Registration is open now through January 14, 2021. The cost of the course is $115 per person. Register by December 28, 2020 for an early bird price of $95 per person. To learn more and to register, visit the Introduction to Lakes website at www.canr.msu.edu/lakesonline.
 

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