Explore Michigan’s inland lakes during Lake Appreciation Month
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EmailInvestigate components of lake ecology and common aquatic plants that are part of a lake ecosystem in upcoming educational workshop
The North American Lake Management Society has designated July as Lakes Appreciation Month. This is a great time for those who enjoy Michigan’s inland lakes to take the opportunity to learn more about them. Consider learning more about inland lake ecology, the study of the interrelationship between living organisms and the chemical and physical components of the environment, within a non-flowing body of fresh water. There are more than 11,000 inland lakes in Michigan alone. Each lake has unique ecological properties which people influence by their activities on the land and in the water.
The “Investigating Lake Ecology” workshop is specifically designed to help increase lake appreciation through hands-on educational activities. This workshop, sponsored by Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) and Oakland County Parks, will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Independence Oaks County Park in the Wint Nature Center, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston, Michigan 48348 from 9 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Participants will engage in various activities including investigating common aquatic vegetation and their role in keeping lakes healthy, aquatic invasive species that threaten lakes, the effects of seasonal changes on lakes, the physical, chemical and biological properties of the water, and other biota along the shoreline and adjacent wetland area. The workshop will be led by Michigan State University’s Lois Wolfson and graduate student Emi Fergus, Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Angela De Palma-Dow, and Kathleen Dougherty and Tyler Mitchell from Oakland County Parks. Participants will have the opportunity to explore Independence Oaks County Park’s Crooked Lake via rowboats and a pontoon boat. Opportunities for further exploration will also take place inside the Wint Nature Center.
Pre-registration is required. Registration cost is $25/person on or before July 10, 2015. The cost is $35/person on or after July 11, 2015. Workshop registration fee includes park entry, light morning refreshments, and educational resources. For more information on inland lakes, visit the MSU Extension Natural Resources page.
