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Outdoors
CHATHAM — Michigan State University Extension will host its six-week Introduction to Lakes Online course starting Jan. 30 of next year. Registration is now open.
The course is designed for a general audience interested in inland lakes — including residents, decision-makers, local leaders and lakefront property owners. Course instructors include faculty from MSU Extension and state agency personnel.
Course topics include lake ecology, watershed management, shoreline protection, aquatic plants, Michigan water law and community engagement. These six topics are explored online through video lectures, interactive activities and discussion forums. Additional resources are also provided for those looking to dive deeper into a topic.
Participants communicate with each other and instructors through discussion forums and biweekly “Ask-an-Expert” webinars which include guests from organizations such as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
Registration will remain open through Jan. 28. Early registration prior to Jan. 12 is $95 per person. After that, the cost of the course is $115 per person. A limited number of scholarships are available. Current members of the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association are eligible to receive a $95 reimbursement upon successful completion of the course.
A certificate of completion is awarded to those who complete the course. Students also can receive continuing education credits, including 16 Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Pesticide Applicator recertification credits and educational hours in the MSU Extension Master Gardener, Master Citizen Planner and Master Naturalist programs.
More information is available at canr.msu.edu/lakesonline.