Aquatic Plant Identification
June 17, 2026 - June 18, 2026
Registration Deadline: June 14, 2026 - 11:45PM
W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, 3700 East Gull Lake Drive, Hickory Corners, MI 49060
Contact: Jo Latimore
Explore the rarely seen world of freshwater plants!
Join us for a two-day aquatic plant identification course at the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS). This immersive workshop runs 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and combines fieldwork, lab sessions, and expert instruction.
About the Workshop
Michigan’s inland lakes host a wide variety of native and invasive aquatic plants. Accurate identification is essential for conservation professionals, resource managers, and anyone working with aquatic ecosystems.
Led by Erick Elgin, MSU Extension, Dr. Jo Latimore, and Dr. Jeremy Hartsock, MSU Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife, this advanced workshop focuses on:
- Identification of submerged and emergent plants in the littoral zone (shallow water)
- Hands-on exploration of lake and pond species
- Species-level determination using lab and field specimens
- Field visits to sites in the greater Kalamazoo and Barry County area
- Laboratory examination and guided identification
Participants Will Learn:
- Aquatic plant morphology and terminology
- Michigan aquatic plant identification
- The ecological role of aquatic plants in Michigan waterbodies
Registration Includes:
- Instruction from MSU Extension specialists
- Lab and field identification sessions
- Morning coffee, lunch, and afternoon refreshments
- Aquatic Plants of the Upper Midwest field guide (3rd ed., $45 value)
Costs:
Sanctuary Member - $250
Non-Sanctuary Member - $300
Lodging
Traveling from out of the area? Overnight accommodations are available through the KBS Conference Center. To make a reservation, contact:
- Email: conference@kbs.msu.edu
- Phone: 269-671-2400
Event Location
3700 East Gull Lake Drive
Hickory Corners, MI 49060
269-671-5117
Print
Email