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Join us for this Icebreaker exploring Nimiigwechewendam Nibiish Summer Camp, a collaborative youth program between the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council that integrates Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western science to strengthen water stewardship, cultural connection, and community leadership. Learn how culturally grounded, place-based education is shaping the next generation of water protectors.
About our speaker: Amanda Weinert grew up in Garden, MI, and lives in Carp Lake, MI. She’s a citizen of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa and descendant of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa (LTBB). Amanda serves the LTBB Niigaandiwin Education Department as the PK-12th Grade Academic Services Student Advocate (formally the the Ishkaakimikwe Kinoomaagewinan (Teachings of the Earth) Coordinator, and Curriculum Specialist). They have worked for Niigaandiwin since 2016. Her involvement in Indigenous Education began while student-working at the Center for Native American Studies at Northern Michigan University about 15 years ago. Amanda studied Art and Design (jewelry/metalsmithing emphasis) and Native Studies (Bachelor of Science, 2014).
Download the presentation slides: Icebreaker Slides Nibiish Camp
Dr. Peter Schulze, Professor of Biology and Environmental Science at Austin College, will review the basics of climate change, consider actions we can take to minimize and prepare for climate change, and discuss some reasons why the necessary adjustments challenge society. Some challenges he will discuss are more extensively considered in his open access (free) book, Obstacles to Environmental Progress.
Resource Links:
University of Michigan Great Lakes regional climate change maps https://glisa.umich.edu/great-lakes-r…
NOAA State Summary: https://statesummaries.ncics.org/chap…
US Dept of Agriculture “Northern Forest” Climate “Hub” https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs…
NOAA Great Lakes water level “dashboard” https://www.glerl.noaa.gov/data/wleve…
Dr. Schulze’s book, “Obstacles to Environmental Progress”, University College London Press https://uclpress.co.uk/book/obstacles…
Various carbon footprint estimators: https://www.lifestylecalculator.com/u… https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/carb… https://coolclimate.berkeley.edu/calc…
Carbon offsets: https://tradewater.us/ https://native.eco/
Renewable Electricity: https://www.gtlakes.com/renewable-ene… https://www.spartansolar.com/
City of Petoskey Volunteer Renewable Energy: https://www.petoskey.us/services/publ…
RECs: https://www.green-e.org/
No one likes to drive on icy roads, so road salt provides an important service during winter months in northern climes. However, excessive road salt application can have negative impacts on our aquatic resources. Dr. Alan Steinman, a leading researcher from the Annis Water Resources Institute at Grand Valley State University, will provide a brief overview of the road salt dilemma and focus on a number of studies from his lab examining the ecological effects of road salt in a chain of lakes in Grand Rapids. Dr. Steinman will also discuss a salt issue of a totally different kind, currently plaguing Ottawa County.
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.
Herpetological Resource & Management website: https://www.herprman.com/
The Michigan Herp Atlas: https://miherpatlas.org/
DNR Wildlife Biologist Jeremy Wood discusses the impacts beavers and beaver dams have on our ecosystems.
Links mentioned in the presentation:
MIDNR Nuisance Wildlife page: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/wildlife/nuisance-wildlife
Nuisance animal control directory: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/wildlife/nuisance-wildlife/nuisance-animal-control-directory
Michigan Trappers and Predator Callers Association Landowner Assistance Program: https://www.mtpca.com/assistance.html
Register for future events and webinars on our website: https://watershedcouncil.org/events/
Watch other past webinar recordings: https://watershedcouncil.org/resources/reference-library/ice-breakers/
Bryan Burroughs, Executive Director at Michigan Trout Unlimited, discusses the local impacts of climate change on Michigan fisheries and communities.
Bryan Burroughs is Executive Director of Michigan Trout Unlimited. He received his Ph.D. in Fisheries Science from Michigan State University, focusing on stream fisheries and their habitats. In his position, he engages with research, stream enhancement efforts, public engagement, and natural resources policy. Michigan Trout Unlimited’s mission is to conserve, protect and restore Michigan’s cold-water fisheries and their watersheds; the organization has 20 local chapters throughout the state, and approximately 7,500 individual members.
Register for future events and webinars on our website: https://watershedcouncil.org/events/
Watch other past webinar recordings: https://watershedcouncil.org/resources/reference-library/ice-breakers/
President of Niswander Environmental LLC and professional wetland scientist Todd Losee discusses the Clean Water Act and how it impacts Michigan’s wetlands.
Todd Losee is a Certified Professional Wetland Scientist (#1733), Instructor, Natural Resource Consultant, Niswander Environmental President, and the Michigan Wetlands Association President. Todd has worked as a private wetland consultant and ecologist for Niswander Environmental since 2013. Prior to joining Niswander Environmental, Todd worked as a wetland, lakes, and stream specialist for fifteen years with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Todd served as the state’s expert in wetland identification and managed EGLE’s Wetland Identification Program (WIP) and the development of the Michigan Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands (MiRAM).
Links mentioned in this presentation:
Watershed Council Wetland Information: https://watershedcouncil.org/our-waters/wetlands/
Instructions to report wetlands violations to EGLE: Please enter a complaint through the online MiEnviro database so that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) can properly prioritize the situation and have all of the pertinent information to investigate the matter accordingly.
1.To file a complaint, please go to General Complaint Form: https://mienviro.michigan.gov/nform/app/?allowAnonymous=true#/formversion/6e682f08-b449-4a3b-b70c-97e1c10ff87e
2.After reading the Instructions, click on the “Begin Form Entry” button.
3.Enter as much known/accurate information as possible.
4.Upload any documentation, photos, etc., relative to your complaint. EGLE staff will review the details of the complaint and supporting documentation, and conduct further investigation if necessary, to determine compliance with the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended.
Register for future events and webinars on our website: https://watershedcouncil.org/events/
Watch other past webinar recordings: https://watershedcouncil.org/resources/reference-library/ice-breakers/
Senior Geologist at EGLE Christiaan Bon discusses the impacts of PFAS in the northern Michigan region.
Christiaan Bon is a Senior Geologist in the Remediation and Redevelopment Division of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). He serves the public as a geologic expert on sites of environmental contamination. His experience includes assessing PFAS contamination sites, leaking underground storage tank site closure, brownfield redevelopment sites, Part 201 compliance, Part 213 compliance, CERCLA process, and vapor intrusion assessment. He is currently the Regional PFAS Lead for the Gaylord District and previously served as District Volatilization to Indoor Air Pathway Point of Contact.
Links mentioned in this presentation:
EGLE’s PFAS Sites: https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/investigations/sites-aoi
Michigan Eat Safe Fish Program: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/environmental-health/Topics/eatsafefish
Pellston Airport EGLE PFAS Investigation: https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/investigations/sites-aoi/Emmet-County/pellston-regional-airport
Charlevoix Municipal Well Field Site: https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/investigations/sites-aoi/charlevoix-county/charlevoix-municipal-well-field
Elk Rapids Key II Industrial Building Site: https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/investigations/sites-aoi/Antrim-County/Key-ii-Industrial-Building
In-home water filtration systems are recommended by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to lower the levels of PFAS in drinking water. Both granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis (RO) filters can reduce PFAS substances. An NSF P473 approved filter should be used. Filters must be selected, operated, and maintained to manufacturer’s specifications.
Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians will be sampling 3 fish species for PFAS in fish fillets this summer in Burt Lake, as part of a larger project.
Register for future events and webinars on our website: https://watershedcouncil.org/events/
Watch other past webinar recordings: https://watershedcouncil.org/resources/reference-library/ice-breakers/
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council’s Water Resources Manager Marcella Domka discusses the impacts of natural and man-made waterbodies on waterfowl.
Marcella joined the Watershed Council in May of 2023 as the Water Resources Manager. She received her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology from the University of Dayton, as well as her Master of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife with a specialization in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from Michigan State University. She worked as an intern studying nutrient pollution, microplastics, and North American wildlife during her undergraduate career.
Register for future events and webinars on our website: https://watershedcouncil.org/events/
Published April 5, 2023
Rivers and streams crisscross the landscape, providing thousands of miles of essential habitat for fish and other aquatic life, until dams, roads, and other obstacles impede access to critical habitat for refuge, spawning, and forage. Join Dr. Daniel Zielinski, Principle Engineer/Scientist with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, to discuss ongoing efforts to restore connectivity for stream health, biodiversity, and water quality protection, including FishPass on the Boardman River.
Dr. Daniel Zielinski is a Principal Engineer / Scientist with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. Dan received his B.S. in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota with emphasis in water resources. He has authored numerous publications examining behavioral responses of fish to acoustic and hydrodynamic stimuli and the integration of this data into numerical models. He is broadly interested in integrating engineering and biological principles to better understand how the aquatic environment influences physical and behavioral responses in fish, and has built a research approach focused on exploiting computational resources and experimental technology to enhance fish passage and invasive species control. He is currently stationed in Traverse City, MI, where he works closely with FishPass project partners to oversee construction of FishPass, develop research and assessment plans supporting FishPass objectives, and communicating with stakeholders.
Register for future events and webinars on our website:
Check out our upcoming events on our website at https://watershedcouncil.org/events/
Additional resources:
Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) website: http://www.glfc.int/
Published March 22, 2023
Due to climate change, the water levels, ice conditions, and storms experienced in the Great Lakes are all changing. David Bucaro, Chief of Planning at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District will provide an overview of the newly initiated Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study that seeks to maintain strong coastal economies, protect and restore coastal ecosystems, and develop more sustainable, resilient coastal communities prepared to adapt to future climate change.
Mr. Bucaro is responsible for coordinating and executing implementation of the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study, Framework for Resilient GLRI Investments and other efforts aimed at improving the resilience of the Great Lakes coast to future climate change. He develops and monitors project schedules, budgets and milestones throughout their life cycle in coordination with functional elements of the District, stakeholders and partners. He coordinates project activities with customers and other outside interests, including project sponsors, state, local, community officials, elected officials, other Federal agencies, news media, and members of the public. Mr. Bucaro received a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the Indiana Institute of Technology and a M.S. degree in Environmental Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Prior to joining the Chicago District in 2000, he worked as a research assistant for USACE’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory in Champaign, Illinois. He is a registered Professional Engineer, certified Project Management Professional and a USACE Water Resources Certified Planner.
Check out our upcoming events on our website at https://watershedcouncil.org/events/
Additional resources:
Engineering with Nature Program: https://ewn.erdc.dren.mil/?p+10807
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Water Resource Policies and Authorities: https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Users/182/86/2486/ER%201105-2-102a.pdf
Published Feb 22, 2023
Bioengineering brings together biological, ecological, and engineering concepts to produce a living, functioning system to prevent or repair erosion along lakeshores and streambanks. Noah Jansen, Restoration Coordinator for Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council will discuss the basic principles and design techniques for bioengineering projects.
Noah Jansen completed a master’s degree in forest ecology at the University of Florida. He worked as a lead research technician of forest ecology research at the J.W. Jones Ecological Research Center in Georgia before moving to Northern Michigan, where he served as the Conservationist for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Natural Resource Department for nearly eight years. In his current role as the Restoration Coordinator at Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, he promotes green stormwater infrastructure and rain gardens, designs nature-based shoreline protection, enhances stream habitat through improvements to road/stream crossings and dam removals, and provides support on managing invasive species.
Check out our upcoming events on our website at https://watershedcouncil.org/events/
Additional resources:
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council’s Shoreline Restoration page( includes link to guidebook): https://www.watershedcouncil.org/shoreline-restoration.html
Ask Simon YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMyh1MASjV4&t=38s
EGLE joint permit information: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/water-resources/joint-permit-application
Apply for joint permit: https://mienviro.michigan.gov/ncore/external/home
EGLE Shoreline Protection: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/Water-Resources/inland-lakes-and-streams/shoreline-protection
Tip of the Mitt Green Infrastructure Tools: https://www.watershedcouncil.org/stormwater-management-and-green-infrastructure-tools.html
Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership: https://www.shorelinepartnership.org/
Published April 19, 2023
With no statewide sanitary code and more than 10,000 inland lakes, how do we protect local waterways from leaking or failing septic systems? Lauren Dey, Watershed Programs Director, and Jennifer McKay, Policy Director, will share the results of a 2022 septic study conducted on Lake Charlevoix, provide a policy update on the Watershed Council’s work at the state and local level, and share lessons learned about monitoring surface water and groundwater for septic pollution.
Lauren Dey joined the Watershed Council in May of 2021 and is responsible for developing Watershed Management Plans (WMPs), running watershed advisory committees, and ensuring that all education, restoration, and monitoring efforts align with WMPs. She grew up in Harbor Springs and developed a deep appreciation of everything Northern Michigan has to offer. She attended Lake Superior State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology. Lauren spent six years before joining the Watershed Council working for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians in the water quality program.
Jennifer McKay joined the Watershed Council in 2005 and is responsible for state and federal policy and advocacy to improve protection of our water resources. She serves on the Great Lakes Commission and the Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority. She also serves on many local boards and committees including the Emmet County Local Emergency Planning Committee and as Vice Chair for the Michigan Environmental Council Board of Directors. She graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Studies and Political Science.
Check out our upcoming events on our website at https://watershedcouncil.org/events/
Additional resources:
https://www.watershedcouncil.org/septic-systems.html
Published Feb 8, 2023
Observed and projected increases in temperatures, changes in precipitation, and more intense extreme weather events are impacting the Great Lakes. Knute Nadelhoffer, Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan, will discuss the implications, strategies for mitigating future climate changes, as well as possibilities for adaptation to current and future changes.
Knute Nadelhoffer is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the Ecological Society of America (ESA). He served as Director of the University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) on Douglas Lake in Northern Michigan from 2003 through his retirement in December 2020. He is an ecologist with expertise on forest and arctic tundra ecosystems and their interactions with the global climate system. He serves on the Board of Directors and the Science Advisory Council of the Environmental Law and Policy Center (www.elpc.org), a non-profit organization that advocates for scientifically based environmental and energy policies in the Great Lakes region and Midwestern states.
Check out our upcoming events on our website at https://watershedcouncil.org/events/
Additional resources:
Tip of the Mitt’s Climate Change Resources: https://www.watershedcouncil.org/climate-change.html
Drought Monitor: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap.aspx
NASA Global heat maps: https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/world-of-change/global-temperatures
Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/
Published Jan 25, 2023
More than 22 million pounds of plastic pollution end up in the Great Lakes every year. Carolyn Foley, Research Coordinator for Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant at Purdue University, will share information about microplastics in the Great Lakes. She has been involved in a collaborative effort to study impacts of plastic litter distribution through the Great Lakes watershed, the integration of plastics into Great Lakes food webs, and innovations to prevent plastic litter from entering freshwater systems.
She manages competitive research programs, communicates research outcomes, co-hosts the Teach Me About the Great Lakes podcast, and conducts original research. She has collaborated with Great Lakes scientists from USGS, US EPA, NOAA, the Illinois Natural History Survey, both Illinois and Indiana DNR Lake Michigan Coastal Programs, consulting companies, and many other academic institutions.
Carolyn received a BSc in biology from the University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and an MS in entomology from Purdue University, Indiana, USA. She maintains an active research program with the Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Fish Ecology Lab (Tomas Hook, PI), with more than 20 peer-reviewed publications in journals such as Science of the Total Environment, Climatic Change, Ecological Indicators, and the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences.
Check out our upcoming events on our website at https://watershedcouncil.org/events/
Additional microplastics resources:
Microplastics may increase the risk of PFAS entering the Lake Michigan food web: https://iiseagrant.org/microplastics-may-increase-the-risk-of-pfas-entering-the-lake-michigan-food-web/
Great Lakes Fish Contain Record Levels of Microplastics:
https://www.labroots.com/trending/earth-and-the-environment/20899/lakes-fish-contain-record-levels-microplastics
Microplastic pollution more complex than we think, says new research:
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/chemical-impact-microplastic-pollution/
A meta-analysis of the effects of exposure to microplastics on fish and aquatic invertebrates https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29529442/
Great Lakes Plastic Clean Up:
https://www.greatlakesplasticcleanup.org/about-the-project#:~:text=The%20%EE%80%80Great%20Lakes%20Plastic%20Cleanup%EE%80%81%20is%20a%20first-of-its-kind,into%20the%20recycling%20system%20and%20creating%20reuse%20opportunities.
University of Michigan “The Plastic Bag Store”: https://arts.umich.edu/news-features/harvesting-trash-to-create-an-entirely-nutritionless-grocery-store-of-single-use-plastic/
Published Jan 12, 2023
Once salt goes down, it doesn’t go away. Salt levels are rising up in lakes, streams, and drinking water across the country. Allison Madison, Sustainability and Development Coordinator for Wisconsin Salt Wise will break down the science of freshwater salinization and why we need smarter salting in our communities.
Check out our upcoming events on our website at https://watershedcouncil.org/events/
Find out more about WI Salt Wise:
Facebook: WI Salt Wise
Twitter: @WISaltWise
YouTube: @wisaltwise1739
Web: www.wisaltwise.com
Links mentioned in this presentation:
Salt Wise Wednesday Webinars
https://www.wisaltwise.com/Wednesday-Webinars
Salt Water Awareness Week
https://www.wisaltwise.com/Take-Action/Salt-Awareness-Week
Izaak Walton League Salt Watch: