Resources

Aquatic Invasive Plants: A Field Guide for Michigan Lakes, Streams, and Ponds

Published on April 17, 2025
This guide is designed to help you identify aquatic invasive plants that you might encounter in or near Michigan’s lakes, streams, and ponds. Each entry includes an illustration or photograph highlighting key characteristics to aid in identification.
Agricultural Drainage

Published on September 19, 2024
This bulletin briefly describes the history, need, types and extent of Michigan drainage as well as the pros and cons, and environmental impact related to drainage.
Conservation Stewards Program Flyer

Published on June 20, 2024
Participate in the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (CSP) and explore the foundations of conservation in Michigan and its diverse terrestrial, wetland and aquatic ecosystems.
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) 101 Resources

Published on March 4, 2024
Compiled by: Michigan Sea Grant, MSU Extension, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and other partners around the state
Smart Shorelands: Soak Up the Rain with a Smart Rain Garden

Published on January 4, 2024
Beautify your yard and neighborhood while helping the environment with a rain garden.
Smart Shorelands: Stormwater Solutions for Protecting Your Waterfront

Published on January 4, 2024
Not only can smart stormwater practices improve water quality, they can also enhance the natural beauty of your landscape, improve wildlife habitat, and conserve water.
Smart Shorelands: Planning Your Nearshore Garden

Published on January 4, 2024
Extending your lakefront garden into the water opens an exciting new opportunity to enhance your property’s beauty and function.
Smart Shorelands: Keep it Clean to Protect Frogs and Toads

Published on January 4, 2024
Frogs and toads are great companions for your yard and garden. They eat pests like beetles, cutworms and slugs and are an important food source for a variety of other animals including herons, mink, foxes and fish.
Smart Shorelands: Waterfront Plants to Enhance Your Shoreline

Published on January 3, 2024
Plants that grow in, along, and just outside water play an important role in protecting water quality and providing habitat for many water loving critters.
Online Program Increases Stewardship of Inland Lakes

Published on October 27, 2023
The Introduction to Lakes Online course equips residents, decision-makers and local leaders to address management concerns by increasing lake literacy and creating peer and resource connections.