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 citizens and professionals alike that are 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:

1. Lake ecology
2. Lakes and their watersheds
3. Shorelines
4. Michigan water law
5. Aquatic plant management
6. Citizen 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 pre-scheduled ask-an-expert webinar sessions with instructors and outside experts. MSU Extension course instructors include Bindu Bhakta, Erick Elgin, Dr. Jo Latimore, Dr. Lois Wolfson and Brad Neumann. Sign-up for the electronic MSU Extension newsletter and select “lakes, streams, and watersheds” to stay informed about future offerings.

Course Offering Information

Registration is now closed. Introduction to Lakes is typically offered once a year. Our most recent offering was January 2018. 

Sign-up to receive an email when registration for Introduction to Lakes is offered again

Sixteen Michigan Department of Rural Development Pesticide Applicator Re-certification credits, 14 Michigan Department of Education State Continuing Education Clock Hours, and 6 Master Citizen Planner Education Credits are available for this course.

Course Resources

• Course Syllabus
• Course Objectives

Contact

Bindu Bhakta
bhaktabi@anr.msu.edu
Natural Resources Educator
Michigan State University Extension