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:
- 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 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.
2020 Course Information
The 2020 course begins on January 14th and runs through March 13th.
Register for the 2020 Course (and also view the syllabus, course objectives, and schedule)
The cost of the course is $115 per person. Register by December 20, 2019 to receive an early bird discounted price of $95 per person. Registration ends January 8, 2020.
Available Benefits and Continuing Education Credits: Those completing the 2020 course will be eligible for the following:
- 16 Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Pesticide Applicator Re-certification credits,
- 6 Master Citizen Planner Education Credits,
- 16 Master Gardener Credits,
- 15 credits in The Wildlife Society Category I of the Certified Wildlife Biologist Renewal/Professional Development Certificate Program
- A free one-year membership to Michigan Lake Stewardship Associations, including 4 issues of The Michigan Riparian magazine
For more information contact:
Paige Filice, Natural Resources Educator, Michigan State University Extension (filicepa@msu.edu)
