Enrollment now open: Popular MSU Extension course Introduction to Lakes Online offered January 2026
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Michigan residents are fortunate to live in a state rich with over 11,000 inland lakes, offering clean water, scenic views, and diverse wildlife. As summer winds down, now is a great time for those who enjoy our lakes to learn more about them and how to keep them healthy. One popular learning opportunity is the Introduction to Lakes Online course available through the Michigan State University Extension Center for Lakes and Streams. The course is designed for anyone interested in inland lakes including lakefront property owners, local government officials, lake managers, and educators.
The course is taught by MSU Extension educators, MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife faculty, and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) staff. It equips residents, decision-makers and local leaders with the knowledge they need to address management concerns by increasing lake literacy and creating peer and resource connections.
This award-winning six-week course is offered just once a year and consistently draws strong interest. Since its launch in 2014, more than 2,500 people have participated, with 98% saying they would recommend it to a friend or colleague. For many, Introduction to Lakes Online is their first experience with an online course—and it’s designed to be user-friendly. The course features a simple, easy-to-navigate website, clear instructional videos, and weekly reminder emails, all of which contribute to high participant satisfaction.
Through this convenient format participants increase their knowledge and understanding of six topics that are divided into course units. These topics include lake ecology, watersheds, shorelines, aquatic plants, water law, and community involvement. Each unit features closed captioned video lectures, interactive activities, discussion forums, quizzes, and additional resources for those who want to dive deeper into a topic. Each unit takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Every week a new unit is released on the website and is accessible 24/7 to participants.
The course schedule also allows participants to learn at their own pace when it’s most convenient for them. There are also opportunities for communication with classmates and instructors through lively discussion forums and three “Ask-an-Expert” webinars. The Ask-an-Expert webinars include the instructional team and a panel of outside experts from state agencies including the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and EGLE.
Participants who complete the course are also eligible for the following:
- 16 Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development Pesticide Recertification Credits (8 Commercial Core & 8 Category 5 [aquatic])
- 16 MSU Extension Michigan Naturalist education hours
- 16 MSU Extension Master Gardener Program education hours
- 6 MSU Extension Master Citizen Planner education hours
2026 Course Details
- Course Dates: January 20 – March 11, 2026
- Access: Course website is available 24/7 through May 30, 2026
- Early Bird Rate: $95 if registered by January 5
- Regular Rate: $115 after January 5
- Registration Deadline: January 27
- Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available upon request.
Current individual members of the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association (MLSA) are eligible for a $95 reimbursement upon successful course completion. Not a member? Join MLSA to take advantage of this benefit. Learn more at mymlsa.org.
Course Schedule
Open Date |
Unit Topic |
Description |
| 1/20 | Getting Started | Explore the Introduction to Lakes course website and introduce yourself to the class and instructors via discussion forums |
| 1/27 |
Unit 1 |
An introduction to lake ecosystems and the exploration of basic lake functions |
| 2/3 |
Unit 2 |
Primer on the water cycle, hydrologic features of a watershed, and land use impacts to lake water quality |
| 2/10 |
Unit 3 |
Review of shoreline features and functions in inland lake ecosystems and best practices to protect water quality and lake habitat |
| 2/17 |
Unit 4 |
Introduction to plant identification, short and long-term management techniques, and regulations regarding aquatic vegetation in Michigan lakes |
| 2/24 |
Unit 5 |
Summary of federal, state, and local laws regarding riparian rights, navigability, and permitting on inland lakes in Michigan |
| 3/3 |
Unit 6 |
Review of institutions involved in lake management, coordinating with other lake groups, and components of a lake management plan |
| 3/27 |
Certificate/CEU deadline |
To receive a Certificate of Completion or Continuing Education Credits all course requirements must be met by this date |
Ask-an-Expert webinar schedule
Date |
Time |
Description |
| 2/11 | Noon to 1 p.m. EST | Unit 1: Lake Ecology and Unit 2: Watersheds |
| 2/25 | Noon to 1 p.m. EST | Unit 3: Shorelines and Unit 4: Aquatic Plants |
| 3/11 | Noon to 1 p.m. EST | Unit 5: Law and Unit 6: Community Involvement |
