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.
2021 Introduction to Lakes Course Information
The 2021 Introduction to Lakes course will begin on January 19, 2021. Registration is currently closed. Sign up to be notified when registration opens.
Course Details
Previous offerings of the course have included the following benefits and Continuing Education Credits. Pending approval for 2021.
- 16 Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Pesticide Applicator Re-certification credits (8 Commercial Core & 8 Aquatic [category 5])
- 6 Master Citizen Planner Education Credits
- 16 Master Gardener Credits
- 15 credits in The Wildlife Society Category I of the Certified Wildlife Biologist® Renewal/Professional Development Certificate Program
- A free one-year membership to Michigan Lakes and Streams Association, including 4 issues of The Michigan Riparian magazine
Contact
Paige Filice
filicepa@msu.edu
Natural Resources Educator
Michigan State University Extension
News
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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. -
Michigan’s 2020 Citizen Science Lake Monitoring Program
Published on April 15, 2020
The Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program is on hiatus until 2021, but there are lake monitoring options for 2020. -
Lakes in the offseason: A look under the ice
Published on January 2, 2020
Learn about lakes this winter with Introduction to Lakes Online. -
Grow your appreciation for lakes with the online Introduction to Lakes course
Published on November 6, 2019
The popular Introduction to Lakes course will be back in session in January 2020.
