With more than 1,400, Oakland County has more inland lakes than any other county in Michigan. Each lake has unique ecological properties which people influence by their activities on the land and in the water. In this hands-on workshop, participants will investigate lakes, common aquatic vegetation and their role in keeping lakes healthy, aquatic invasive species that threaten lakes, the effects of seasonal changes on lakes, as well as the physical, chemical and biological properties of the water. The workshop will be led by experts from a variety of organizations:
- Michigan State University – Dr. Lois Wolfson
- Oakland County Parks – Tyler Mitchell and Kathleen Dougherty
- MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program– Angela De Palma-Dow and Erick Elgin
- Michigan State University Extension – Bindu Bhakta and Matt Mulford
Participants will have the opportunity to explore Independence Oaks County Park’s Crooked Lake via pontoon boat. Activities will also take place inside the Wint Nature Center inside the Park.
Workshop Objectives:
- Investigate components of ecology and seasonal changes that can impact a lake ecosystem
- Explore water chemistry and other physical/biological tests to gauge lake health
- Explore aquatic life in the lake’s transition zone (area between land and water) that helps promote a healthy ecosystem
- Collect and identify native aquatic plant species
- Collect and identify aquatic invasive species, and how to prevent their spread
Pre-registration is required. Registration cost is $35/person on or before July 15, 2016. The cost is $45/person on or after July 16, 2016. Workshop registration fee includes park entry, light morning drinks and snacks, and educational resources.
Deadline to register is July 21, 2016. After this date, please call 248-858-1639 to see if space is still available. No walk-in registrations will be taken on the day of the program.
A $25/person cancellation fee will be assessed for those requesting a refund by July 21, 2016. No refunds will be given after July 21, 2016.
For more information and to register, visit: http://msue.anr.msu.edu/events/investigating_lake_ecology_1
