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January 22, 2019 March 15, 2019

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 MSU Introduction to Lakes online course.

Introduction to Lakes is a six-week online course specially designed for lake users, lakefront property owners, and lake managers 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:

  1. Lake ecology
  2. Lakes and their watersheds
  3. Shorelines
  4. Michigan water law
  5. Aquatic plant management
  6. 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 ask-an-expert webinar sessions with instructors and outside experts.

MSU course instructors include Bindu Bhakta, Erick Elgin, Dr. Jo Latimore, Dr. Lois Wolfson, and Brad Neumann.

Introduction to Lakes Online banner

2019 Course Information

The 2019 course begins on January 22nd and runs through March 15th. Ask-an-Expert webinars are scheduled from 12-1 pm on February 6, 20, and March 6, 2019.

Register for the 2019 Course

The cost of the course is $115 per person. Register by December 12, 2018 to receive an early bird discounted price of $95 per person. Registration ends January 8, 2019.

Available Continuing Education Credits:

  • 16 Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Pesticide Applicator Re-certification credits,
  • 6 Master Citizen Planner Education Credits, and
  • 27 credits in The Wildlife Society Category I of the Certified Wildlife Biologist Renewal/Professional Development Certificate Program are available for this course.

For more information contact:

Bindu Bhakta, Natural Resources Educator, Michigan State University Extension (bhaktabi@msu.edu)