Monitoring the Great Lakes

Stuff We Love

May 4, 2024

Lake lovers, do you want to take your passion one step further? This summer, while you’re out on your beach, boat, board, kayak, or canoe, you can also help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) gather information about water and habitat conditions in our state’s nearly 11,000 inland lakes. MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program is a community science effort that involves sampling lakes for water quality—we’re talking clarity, nutrients, dissolved oxygen and algae—invasive species, native plants, and shoreline conditions. (There are a total of eight different “parameters” you can explore.) Training is required for most volunteers, and there is a fee of $30 to $250 depending on the supplies and kits needed for the elements you’re sampling. To learn more about the program and sign up to volunteer, visit micorps.net.

Photo courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources