Great Lakes Watershed

Great Lakes Maritime Teacher Institute

What: Explore the historical, economical and environmental aspects of Great Lakes shipping in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan! Participants will tour Cleveland Cliff’s Tilden Iron Ore Mine in Ishpeming, visit the Marquette Harbor, enjoy the Pictured Rocks National Park Boat Tour in Munising, visit the Whitefish Point Shipwreck Museum in Paradise, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Coast Guard’s Vessel Traffic Service, the Soo Locks & Valley Freighter Museum in Sault Ste Marie, Port Inland limestone quarry on L. Michigan, Seul Choix lighthouse and Fayette State Park’s historic iron smelting site. Participants will gain new knowledge and skills, classroom activities and resources that can be integrated into social studies, science, language arts, and math classes. The institute will explore the many facets of the shipping industry within the context of intermodal transportation, port safety, Great Lake shipping routes and global destinations. The institute will provide teachers with a foundation in maritime transportation history, current operations, and future career opportunities.

When:  July 16-20, 2012

Where:  Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan (traveling)

Fee:  $495, includes 2 graduate credits, most meals and 4 nights lodging.

Registration:  Application forms at http://wupcenter.mtu.edu/#institutes

Application deadline:  May 1, 2012

Submit applications to:

Joan Chadde, Institute Coordinator

Center for Science & Environmental Outreach

105 Dillman Hall—Michigan Tech University

1400 Townsend Dr., Houghton, MI  49931

Phone:  906-487-3341   FAX:  906-487-1620

Shipboard & Shoreline Science Workshop aboard the R/V Lake Guardian!

What:  Michigan Sea Grant Extension invites teachers in grades 4 – 10 to participate in a week-long professional development workshop aboard the U.S. EPA’s 180-foot research vessel (R/V) Lake Guardian on Lake Huron.  Learn about Great Lakes and marine sciences and forge lasting relationships with other educators and leading research scientists.  Educators work beside scientists, conducting research and stopping in ports for additional science experiences.  Participants also examine curricula and resources, and explore classroom activities related to the Great Lakes and our world ocean.  Stipends and graduate credit are available.

When:  July 8 – 14, 2012

Where:  The workshop, which will be conducted on Lake Huron, will begin and end in Port Huron, MI.

How:  To learn more about this incredible opportunity and to apply online, go to the COSEE Great Lakes website at http://coseegreatlakes.net/events/shipboard12 

Applications are due on/before April 30, 2012.

Be on the Cutting Edge with a Green, Earth-friendly Lawn

Healthy Lawn Care Workshop

Monday, March 19, 2012; 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Bloomfield Township Public Library

1099 Lone Pine Rd. @ Telegraph in Bloomfield Hills, MI

The featured speaker, Gary Eichen, Bioturf Manager at Mike's Tree Surgeon's Inc., has 20 years of lawn management experience.  He is the award-winner of the Michigan Green Industry Association's leadership award (2011),  member of the Healthy Lawns and Gardens Technical Advisory Committee, and a frequent speaker at professional events.  He will review soil health, mowing, fertility, watering, weed management and more.  Trouble-shooting tips will be provided.

A healthy lawn is thick and green....and works to hold soil in place, recycle clippings nutrients, and hold water.  Fast runoff and soil erosion are major sources of pollution to the Rouge River.  A healthy lawn helps minimize runoff while providing outdoor space for kids, pets, and more.

Table displays on easy composting, natural mulching, the Rouge Green Corridor, and frogs and toads of the Rouge River will be open at 6:00 pm.

The free program is sponsored by the Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority, in cooperation with the Bloomfield Township Public Library and area municipalities.  Advance registration is requested:  248-288-5150 (weekdays), on-line at www.btpl.org or via e-mail: LFDean@aol.com.

Cranbrook Offers Free Lecture on Aquatic Invasive Species

Life Will Never Be the Same: Aquatic Invasive Species in the Great Lakes

Jim Robinett, Senior Vice President, Conservation and Regulations, John G. Shedd Aquarium

Thursday, March 15, 2012

7:00-9:00 pm

Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bloomfield Hills, MI

Free Lecture!

The arrival of over 180 aquatic non-native species in the Great Lakes has been largely facilitated by the actions of humans. It has been suggested, for instance that as many as 80% of invasives have come into the Great Lakes through ocean-going vessels alone. Jim Robinett of the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL will discuss the breadth of invasive species diversity and the impact of some of those that have already become established. Robinett will also examine why the reality of invasive species is sobering, and the efforts to prevent further destruction by other species such as the Asian Carp.

 No registration required. Seating is available in the auditorium on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here for directions to the Institute.