Great Lakes Watershed

Teachers Learn about Invasive Species

A sea lamprey fastens its mouth to the hand of Lynn Kaneski, Fish Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, during the 8th Annual Invasive Species Field Course for teachers hosted by the Inland Seas Education Association. The sea lamprey feeds on fish, but the live lamprey interaction gave teachers "first-hand" experience with the sucking action of the mouth. The course provided a comprehensive overview of the latest Great Lakes Invasive Species science with experts discussing Ballast Water, Food Web changes, Invasive Plants, Zebra & Quagga Mussels, and Water Quality Monitoring.

ARC Rain Barrel Sale a Success!

Over 350 people purchased discounted Rain Barrels at the Alliance of Rouge Communities Enviro Rain Barrel Truckload Sale in Redford, MI on July 10th. For more information about the event and future sales, please visit the ARC Website.

Pictured are Lisa Appel, CIS Watershed Coordinator, and Jen Lawson, Environmental and Consulting & Technology, Inc., volunteering at the sale.

Educator Research on Quagga Mussels in Lake Michigan

Lisa Appel, Watershed Coordinator at CIS, participated in a week-long scientific investigation of the quagga mussel invasion in Lake Michigan. In partnership with the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Great Lakes WATER Institute, COSEE Great Lakes and the National Science Foundation Divsion of Ocean Sciences, the course offered real-world research experience to educators from around the Great Lakes basin on the R/V Neeksay. Participants gathered and analyzed data on mussel size, bottom substrate, water chemistry, transparency, temperature and conductivity. Click for more information on the Aquanauts Workshop and principal investigators: Dr. Russel Cuhel and Dr. Carmen Aguilar.