Enrollment now open: Popular MSU Extension Introduction to Lakes Online course returns in January 2027
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EmailThe course equips participants with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions and become effective stewards of Michigan's inland lakes.
Michigan residents are fortunate to live in a state rich with over 11,000 inland lakes, offering clean water, scenic views, and diverse wildlife. As summer winds down, now is a great time for those who enjoy our lakes to learn more about them and how to keep them healthy.
One popular learning opportunity is the Introduction to Lakes Online course available through the Michigan State University Extension Center for Lakes and Streams. This award-winning six-week course is offered just once a year and consistently draws strong interest.
Since its launch in 2014, more than 2,800 people have participated, with 98% saying they would recommend it to a friend or colleague. It is designed for anyone interested in inland lakes including lakefront property owners, local government officials, lake managers, and educators. The course is taught by MSU Extension educators, MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife faculty, and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy staff.
Participants gain practical, science-based knowledge to help them protect water quality, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, identify pollution concerns, understand Michigan water regulations, and work effectively with neighbors, lake associations, and local governments to make informed lake management decisions.
Through a convenient online format participants increase their knowledge and understanding of six topics that are divided into course units. These topics include lake ecology, watersheds, shorelines, aquatic plants, water law, and community involvement. Each unit features closed captioned video lectures, interactive activities, quizzes, and additional resources for those who want to dive deeper into a topic. Each unit takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Every week a new unit is released on the website and is accessible 24/7 to participants.
The course schedule allows participants to learn at their own pace when it’s most convenient for them. There are also opportunities for engagement with classmates and instructors through lively discussion forums and three Ask-an-Expert webinars. The webinars include the instructional team and a panel of outside experts from state agencies including the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
For many, Introduction to Lakes Online is their first experience with an online course and it’s designed to be user-friendly. The course features a simple, easy-to-navigate website, clear instructional videos, and weekly reminder emails, all of which contribute to high participant satisfaction.
Participants who complete the course are also eligible for the following:
- 16 MSU Extension Michigan Naturalist education hours
- 16 MSU Extension Master Gardener Program education hours
- 6 MSU Extension Master Citizen Planner education hours
- 16 Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development pesticide recertification credits (8 Commercial Core and 8 Category 5 [aquatic])
2027 Course Details
- Course Dates: January 26 – March 19, 2027
- Early Bird Rate: $95 if registered by January 8
- Regular Rate: $115 after January 8
- Registration Deadline: January 29
- Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available upon request. Contact Paige Filice (filicepa@msu.edu) for more information.
Current individual members of the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association (MLSA) are eligible for a $95 reimbursement upon successful course completion. Not a member? Join MLSA to take advantage of this benefit. Learn more at mymlsa.org.
Hear from past participants
“I really loved the whole experience. I was looking to better educate myself to speak knowingly about watershed conservation at township meetings and thanks to this class I will be able to do just that. I now know how to be a better steward of the lakes and feel the support of so many organizations that you have made me aware of!”
“As a board member of a lake association and a county planning commissioner, I will be able to use the knowledge gained and additional references provided, to bring better understanding to and encourage wider engagement in the decisions those roles require.”
Course Schedule
Open Date |
Unit Topic |
Description |
| 1/26 | Getting Started | Explore the Introduction to Lakes course website and introduce yourself to the class and instructors via discussion forums |
| 2/2 |
Unit 1 |
An introduction to lake ecosystems and the exploration of basic lake functions |
| 2/9 |
Unit 2 |
Primer on the water cycle, hydrologic features of a watershed, and land use impacts to lake water quality |
| 2/16 |
Unit 3 |
Review of shoreline features and functions in inland lake ecosystems and best practices to protect water quality and lake habitat |
| 2/23 |
Unit 4 |
Introduction to plant identification, short and long-term management techniques, and regulations regarding aquatic vegetation in Michigan lakes |
| 3/2 |
Unit 5 |
Summary of federal, state, and local laws regarding riparian rights, navigability, and permitting on inland lakes in Michigan |
| 3/9 |
Unit 6 |
Review of institutions involved in lake management, coordinating with other lake groups, and components of a lake management plan |
| 3/26 |
Certificate/CEU deadline |
To receive a Certificate of Completion or Continuing Education Credits all course requirements must be met by this date |
Ask-an-Expert Webinar Schedule
Date |
Time |
Description |
| 2/17 | Noon to 1 p.m. EST | Unit 1: Lake Ecology and Unit 2: Watersheds |
| 3/3 | Noon to 1 p.m. EST | Unit 3: Shorelines and Unit 4: Aquatic Plants |
| 3/17 | Noon to 1 p.m. EST | Unit 5: Law and Unit 6: Community Involvement |
