An online course offered by the Michigan State University Extension
Michigan is blessed with more than 11,000 inland lakes, each providing 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 Introduction to Lakes online course.
Introduction to Lakes is a six-week online course specially designed for citizens and professionals alike that are 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
- Citizen 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 pre-scheduled live chat sessions with instructors and outside experts.
Course instructors include Bindu Bhakta, Terry Gibb, Jane Herbert, Dr. Jo Latimore, Dr. Lois Wolfson, Beth Clawson, Brad Neumann, and a variety of water resource experts.
2018 Course Enrollment
The 2018 course begins on January 23rd and runs through March 9th. Ask-an-Expert webinars are scheduled from 12-1 pm on February 7, 21, and March 7, 2018.
The cost of the course is $115 per person. Register by December 22, 2017 to receive an early bird discounted price of $95 per person. Registration ends January 16, 2018.
This course has been approved by MDARD (Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) for 14 Pesticide Applicator Recertification credits, MDE (Michigan Department of Education) for 14 State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECH), and 6 Master Citizen Planner Education Credits are also available for this course.
For more information contact:
Bindu Bhakta, Natural Resources Educator, Michigan State University Extension (bhaktabi@anr.msu.edu)
