On September 7, 2007, Margaret Custer, Todd Jones and Shelly Major took advantage of a DEQ offer of a learning opportunity.  We went to School Ship in Suttons Bay. 

The first speaker was John Nelson, the bay keeper for Grand Traverse Bay.  He explained the Protection Plan for the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed.

The next speaker was Patty O'Donnell.  She explained ways to work with local governments to help protect clean water.

Then Erin Early from Antrim County gave a presentation on rain gardens.

Chris Grobbel took us outside to show how Inland Seas handles the runoff water from the streets.  The water flows into a reconstructed wetland that is quite unique and innovative.

Lastly, Mark Breederland, presented ways to reduce the spread of invasive species.

They served a wonderful lunch and we started the afternoon with a trip out to the ship.  There, we basically got wet.  The skies opened up and it downpoured.  Imagine our disappointment when the cruise had to be cancelled.

Back inside we were split into 4 groups that rotated to different areas to learn about:

1. benthos (critters that live in the mud)

2. fish and how they respond to changes in habitat, water quality and invasive species

3. plankton (microscopic plants and animals)

4. and water chemistry

To wrap things up, Tom Kelly, the director, spoke on the Great Lakes Issues.

Many thanks to Tom Kelly, Kim Biocchi, Christine Diana, Peg Comfort and Tom Skinner for an interesting day.

We learned that the nutrients and sedimentation starting with the small streams in Garfield Township eventually end up in the Great Lakes.  We need to prevent as much as possible.

What you can do to help?

Visit their website at www.schoolship.org to learn more.

231-271-3077