Send to your valentine!
Visit the Watershed Discovery Center to learn more about these cuties: https://watershedcouncil.org/the-ruth-tucker-ayers-harris-watershed-discovery-center/

Send to your valentine!
Visit the Watershed Discovery Center to learn more about these cuties: https://watershedcouncil.org/the-ruth-tucker-ayers-harris-watershed-discovery-center/
…
Calling teachers of 3-12 grade to join us for our Watershed Educator Training on February 27 & 28 at our office in downtown Petoskey! This hands-on workshop is the perfect opportunity to learn how to bring watershed education into your classroom. You’ll dive into topics like stormwater impacts, agricultural practices, and shoreline management—and walk away with valuable resources to help your students better understand their local environment.
Workshop details:
-9 AM – 2 PM February 27 & 28
-426 Bay Street, Downtown Petoskey
-Lunch is provided
-Plus, you’ll receive a $250 stipend to support your participation!
We’ll also be offering grants from $500-$1,000 to help fund materials for teaching watershed concepts in your curriculum. The workshop will guide you through the grant application process, so bring your ideas!
Spaces are limited—don’t miss this opportunity! Sign up today on our website to get involved in shaping the next generation of environmental stewards.
Thanks so much to the Great Lakes Fishery Trust for funding this program.

Calling teachers of 3-12 grade to join us for our Watershed Educator Training on February 27 & 28 at our office in downtown Petoskey! This hands-on workshop is the perfect opportunity to learn how to bring watershed education into your classroom. You’ll dive into topics like stormwater impacts, agricultural practices, and shoreline management—and walk away with valuable resources to help your students better understand their local environment.
Workshop details:
-9 AM – 2 PM February 27 & 28
-426 Bay Street, Downtown Petoskey
-Lunch is provided
-Plus, you’ll receive a $250 stipend to support your participation!
We’ll also be offering grants from $500-$1,000 to help fund materials for teaching watershed concepts in your curriculum. The workshop will guide you through the grant application process, so bring your ideas!
Spaces are limited—don’t miss this opportunity! Sign up today on our website to get involved in shaping the next generation of environmental stewards.
Thanks so much to the Great Lakes Fishery Trust for funding this program.
…
Did you know that 20-30 million tons of road salt are used each winter? That’s the equivalent to the weight of 175,000 blue whales or 62,000 passenger airplanes.
All the salt that we apply to streets and sidewalks ends up in our freshwater. Salt pollution is impacting lakes, streams, and drinking water. Efforts to raise awareness about salt pollution are growing, and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is proud to be a partner with other non-governmental and governmental organizations across the United States and Canada for Winter Salt Awareness Week, held from January 27-31, 2025.
This weeklong event is dedicated to raising awareness on the harmful effects of excessive salt use and providing practical solutions to reduce its impact. Experts in ecology, winter road maintenance, and advocacy will offer insights into how smarter, more sustainable practices can protect our freshwater resources. Join us by registering online at wintersaltweek.org and tuning in to daily live streams to learn how we can make a difference in reducing salt pollution this winter.

Did you know that 20-30 million tons of road salt are used each winter? That’s the equivalent to the weight of 175,000 blue whales or 62,000 passenger airplanes.
All the salt that we apply to streets and sidewalks ends up in our freshwater. Salt pollution is impacting lakes, streams, and drinking water. Efforts to raise awareness about salt pollution are growing, and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is proud to be a partner with other non-governmental and governmental organizations across the United States and Canada for Winter Salt Awareness Week, held from January 27-31, 2025.
This weeklong event is dedicated to raising awareness on the harmful effects of excessive salt use and providing practical solutions to reduce its impact. Experts in ecology, winter road maintenance, and advocacy will offer insights into how smarter, more sustainable practices can protect our freshwater resources. Join us by registering online at wintersaltweek.org and tuning in to daily live streams to learn how we can make a difference in reducing salt pollution this winter.
…
Join us for our first Ice Breaker of the season on Tuesday, January 28th at noon as David Mifsud, certified professional wetland scientist and expert in herpetology, presents on the conservation of herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) in Michigan ecosystems. This free lecture is available to view virtually, or join watershed council staff for a screening of the webinar to watch in-person at the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.
David A. Mifsud is the senior herpetologist and owner of Herpetological Resource and Management, a conservation company dedicated to the protection and stewardship of amphibians and reptiles. He holds multiple certifications including Professional Wetland Scientist by the Society of Wetland Scientists, Professional Ecologist by the Ecological Society of America, and Professional Wildlife Biologist through The Wildlife Society. He has worked for over 20 years in wildlife biology, wetland ecology, and habitat conservation and management, with an emphasis on herpetofauna. He has conducted research, assessments, and habitat restoration targeting amphibians and reptiles across Michigan. He has written or co-authored several publications and technical reports on Michigan herpetofauna. David is Co-chair of the State of Michigan Amphibian and Reptile Technical Advisory board. He also coordinates the Michigan Herpetological Atlas project. He has conducted numerous training workshops focused on the identification, conservation and best management of amphibians and reptiles in Michigan. He serves as an expert on Great Lakes turtles for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group with focus on Great Lakes and African chelonians. Mifsud is the author of the Amphibian & Reptile Best Management Practices for Michigan and co-author of the Amphibians and Reptiles of the Great Lakes Region Revised Edition. He is also the founder and President of the Michigan Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy.
Register today on our website!

Join us for our first Ice Breaker of the season on Tuesday, January 28th at noon as David Mifsud, certified professional wetland scientist and expert in herpetology, presents on the conservation of herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) in Michigan ecosystems. This free lecture is available to view virtually, or join watershed council staff for a screening of the webinar to watch in-person at the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.
David A. Mifsud is the senior herpetologist and owner of Herpetological Resource and Management, a conservation company dedicated to the protection and stewardship of amphibians and reptiles. He holds multiple certifications including Professional Wetland Scientist by the Society of Wetland Scientists, Professional Ecologist by the Ecological Society of America, and Professional Wildlife Biologist through The Wildlife Society. He has worked for over 20 years in wildlife biology, wetland ecology, and habitat conservation and management, with an emphasis on herpetofauna. He has conducted research, assessments, and habitat restoration targeting amphibians and reptiles across Michigan. He has written or co-authored several publications and technical reports on Michigan herpetofauna. David is Co-chair of the State of Michigan Amphibian and Reptile Technical Advisory board. He also coordinates the Michigan Herpetological Atlas project. He has conducted numerous training workshops focused on the identification, conservation and best management of amphibians and reptiles in Michigan. He serves as an expert on Great Lakes turtles for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group with focus on Great Lakes and African chelonians. Mifsud is the author of the Amphibian & Reptile Best Management Practices for Michigan and co-author of the Amphibians and Reptiles of the Great Lakes Region Revised Edition. He is also the founder and President of the Michigan Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy.
Register today on our website!
…
Do you want to inspire others to protect Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands? Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council’s 2025 Education Internship offers you the chance to make a real impact! As an intern, you’ll help lead water-themed lessons for a stewardship summer camp, speak to the public about lake and stream best management practices, and travel Northern Michigan with our Mobile Boat Washing Program to combat invasive species. You’ll also assist in high school stream monitoring, care for live fish at the Watershed Discovery Center, and organize educational events.
If you know a student who would love to enjoy a summer in northern Michigan while working to protect our waters please send this opportunity their way!
Apply now: https://watershedcouncil.org/featured/2025-education-internship-opportunity/

Do you want to inspire others to protect Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands? Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council’s 2025 Education Internship offers you the chance to make a real impact! As an intern, you’ll help lead water-themed lessons for a stewardship summer camp, speak to the public about lake and stream best management practices, and travel Northern Michigan with our Mobile Boat Washing Program to combat invasive species. You’ll also assist in high school stream monitoring, care for live fish at the Watershed Discovery Center, and organize educational events.
If you know a student who would love to enjoy a summer in northern Michigan while working to protect our waters please send this opportunity their way!
Apply now: https://watershedcouncil.org/featured/2025-education-internship-opportunity/
…
Happy New Year from Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council!
As we welcome 2024, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported us throughout our year-end campaign. Thanks to you, we’re ready to continue our vital work protecting Northern Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
Your dedication and passion for clean, healthy waters make all the difference. Here’s to another year of working together to safeguard the waters we all love.
Wishing you a happy, healthy, and water-filled New Year!

Happy New Year from Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council!
As we welcome 2024, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported us throughout our year-end campaign. Thanks to you, we’re ready to continue our vital work protecting Northern Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
Your dedication and passion for clean, healthy waters make all the difference. Here’s to another year of working together to safeguard the waters we all love.
Wishing you a happy, healthy, and water-filled New Year!
…
Calling all future educators and environmental advocates! 🌊
Are you passionate about teaching others to protect Michigan’s lakes, streams, and wetlands? Apply for the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council’s Education Internship! This hands-on summer opportunity will allow you to gain real-world experience by helping with outreach programs, organizing educational events, and working directly with the community to spread awareness about water conservation. All of this, while exploring the beauty of Northern Michigan!
Apply now and make a difference this summer: https://watershedcouncil.org/featured/2025-education-internship-opportunity/

Calling all future educators and environmental advocates! 🌊
Are you passionate about teaching others to protect Michigan’s lakes, streams, and wetlands? Apply for the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council’s Education Internship! This hands-on summer opportunity will allow you to gain real-world experience by helping with outreach programs, organizing educational events, and working directly with the community to spread awareness about water conservation. All of this, while exploring the beauty of Northern Michigan!
Apply now and make a difference this summer: https://watershedcouncil.org/featured/2025-education-internship-opportunity/
…
Calling all future environmental professionals!
Are you passionate about protecting Michigan’s lakes, streams, and wetlands? Looking for a hands-on summer internship that makes a difference? Join Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council as a Watershed Protection Intern! You`ll gain valuable experience in water quality monitoring, field surveys, volunteer programs, and GIS work—all while working in beautiful Northern Michigan!
Learn more and apply: https://watershedcouncil.org/featured/2025-watershed-protection-internship-opportunity/

Calling all future environmental professionals!
Are you passionate about protecting Michigan’s lakes, streams, and wetlands? Looking for a hands-on summer internship that makes a difference? Join Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council as a Watershed Protection Intern! You`ll gain valuable experience in water quality monitoring, field surveys, volunteer programs, and GIS work—all while working in beautiful Northern Michigan!
Learn more and apply: https://watershedcouncil.org/featured/2025-watershed-protection-internship-opportunity/
…
There are only 24 hours left to help us reach our year-end fundraising goal. Your support fuels vital programs that protect the lakes, rivers, and wetlands we all love. From water quality monitoring to conservation efforts, your contribution makes a lasting impact on Northern Michigan’s water resources.
This is your last chance to make a difference before the year ends! Let’s come together to protect our waters for future generations.
Donate today at the link in our bio.

There are only 24 hours left to help us reach our year-end fundraising goal. Your support fuels vital programs that protect the lakes, rivers, and wetlands we all love. From water quality monitoring to conservation efforts, your contribution makes a lasting impact on Northern Michigan’s water resources.
This is your last chance to make a difference before the year ends! Let’s come together to protect our waters for future generations.
Donate today at the link in our bio.
…
We’re in the final stretch of our year-end campaign, and we need your help to reach our goal! Your support powers the critical work we do—from protecting water quality to restoring shorelines and educating future water stewards. Every donation makes a difference in safeguarding the lakes, rivers, and wetlands we all love.
With just 3 days left, now is the time to take action. Let’s finish strong and ensure a healthier future for Northern Michigan’s waters!
Donate today at the link in our bio.

We’re in the final stretch of our year-end campaign, and we need your help to reach our goal! Your support powers the critical work we do—from protecting water quality to restoring shorelines and educating future water stewards. Every donation makes a difference in safeguarding the lakes, rivers, and wetlands we all love.
With just 3 days left, now is the time to take action. Let’s finish strong and ensure a healthier future for Northern Michigan’s waters!
Donate today at the link in our bio.
…
Happy Holidays from Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council!
As the year comes to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible community of supporters, volunteers, and partners. Thanks to you, we’ve made great strides in protecting the lakes, rivers, and wetlands that make Northern Michigan so special.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace, love, and plenty of time spent enjoying the natural beauty around us.
Happy Holidays from all of us at the Watershed Council!

Happy Holidays from Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council!
As the year comes to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible community of supporters, volunteers, and partners. Thanks to you, we’ve made great strides in protecting the lakes, rivers, and wetlands that make Northern Michigan so special.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace, love, and plenty of time spent enjoying the natural beauty around us.
Happy Holidays from all of us at the Watershed Council!
…
Join the Watershed Council for the 2025 Icebreakers, our monthly, virtual winter lecture series! Don`t miss out on this opportunity to engage with experts, explore critical topics, and be part of the conversation on protecting our waters.
Jan 28: Herpetofauna as Bioindicators- David Mifsud
Feb 25: The Impact of Road Salt on Water Quality- Dr. Alan Steinman
March 25: Climate Change & Taking Action- Dr. Peter Schulze
New this year, you can join the lectures virtually or watch a screening of the webinar at the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation with Watershed Council staff. A big thanks to the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation for letting us use their space!
Learn more about the series and register on our events page, link in bio.

Join the Watershed Council for the 2025 Icebreakers, our monthly, virtual winter lecture series! Don`t miss out on this opportunity to engage with experts, explore critical topics, and be part of the conversation on protecting our waters.
Jan 28: Herpetofauna as Bioindicators- David Mifsud
Feb 25: The Impact of Road Salt on Water Quality- Dr. Alan Steinman
March 25: Climate Change & Taking Action- Dr. Peter Schulze
New this year, you can join the lectures virtually or watch a screening of the webinar at the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation with Watershed Council staff. A big thanks to the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation for letting us use their space!
Learn more about the series and register on our events page, link in bio.
…