Michigan is blessed with more than 11,000 inland lakes and each provides unique recreational, scenic and environmental benefits. These inland lakes are complex ecosystems and are often negatively impacted by both the people that live near them as well as the water that drains into them. Frequently, local communities struggle to protect and manage inland lakes in a way that incorporates the best available knowledge and resources. Concerned citizens, decision makers, local leaders, resource professionals and lakefront property owners can learn about inland lake management and protection by enrolling in the MSU Extension Introduction to Lakes online course.
Introduction to Lakes is a six-week online course specially designed for lake users, lakefront property owners, and lake managers interested in learning about inland lakes. From the comfort of home or office, participants have 24/7 access to six online units complete with closed captioned video lectures, interactive activities, additional resources, discussion forums, quizzes and live chat sessions with classmates and Michigan State University Extension experts. Through this convenient format, participants increase their knowledge and understanding of the following topics:
- Lake ecology
- Lakes and their watersheds
- Shorelines
- Michigan water law
- Aquatic plant management
- Community involvement in lake stewardship
The course is taught on a week-by-week basis, allowing for online communication between classmates and instructors through topical discussion forums. The course also includes three Ask-an-Expert webinar sessions with instructors and outside experts. Course instructors include Bindu Bhakta, Erick Elgin, Paige Filice, Dr. Jo Latimore, Brad Neumann, Mary Reilly and Dr. Lois Wolfson.
Introduction to Lakes is typically offered once a year in January. Want to be notified when we offer it next? Sign up for course offering alerts.
2021 Introduction to Lakes Online Course
Registration is now closed.
Course Materials
Course Administrator
Paige Filice
filicepa@msu.edu
Natural Resources Educator
Michigan State University Extension
News
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Give the gift of knowledge this holiday season with MSU Extension’s Introduction to Lakes Online course
Published on December 11, 2020
Treat someone special in your life to an online course dedicated to Michigan inland lakes! -
Appreciate your lake
Published on July 28, 2020
Celebrate lakes appreciation month by expanding your lake knowledge. -
Learn about lakes, streams, and watersheds with MSU Extension
Published on April 24, 2020
Whether you want to dip your toes or take a deep dive, we have an educational experience for you.
