We bring together experts across MSU to find solutions to water-related challenges through research, education, and engagement with communities and industries.
06/17/2026
For this month's Wednesday Water, we're discussing PFAS and related health risks with Michigan State University Extension food safety educator and MSU Water Alliance hub lead Wade Syers.
While you cannot avoid PFAS entirely because of its presence in our environment, there are ways to limit your exposure.
Swipe through to learn more!
06/15/2026
For Pride Month, we're spotlighting "Trees for Queens", an LGBTQ+ environmental liberation group founded in 1969. 🌲🏳️🌈
Swipe through to read the full story.👇
06/10/2026
‘The Time Was Decades Ago’: Sen. Sam Singh, MSU’s Anthony Kendall Push for a Statewide Septic Code
Michigan remains the only state in the country without a statewide septic code. The state currently relies on a patchwork of county and local regulations, but many experts have argued it falls short of protecting public health and water quality.
We spoke with Sen. Sam Singh and MSU assistant professor Anthony Kendall (Michigan State University Earth & Environmental Sciences) who discussed septic system pollution in the state, making the argument for a comprehensive code.
Read More: https://water.msu.edu/feature/time-was-decades-ago-sen-sam-singh-msus-anthony-kendall-push-statewide-septic-code
06/10/2026
The Great Lakes hold more than 20% of the world's surface fresh water, supplying drinking water to over 40 million people.
For Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week, let's celebrate our waterways and commit to protecting Michigan lakes, beaches, and drinking water for future generations.
Happy World Oceans Day!
No matter where we live, we all rely on the ocean to keep our planet healthy.
Beyond its beauty, the ocean serves as our planet's life support system, generating more than 50% of the oxygen we breathe, and absorbing roughly 90% of the excess heat caused by carbon pollution to stabilize our climate.
Remember that the everyday choices we make in our homes and throughout our communities directly impact the health of these global waters.
06/05/2026
Did You Know: Michigan received a record-breaking amount of rainfall this spring? That can lead to more runoff and pollution heading into our waterways.
We spoke to Ruth Kline-Robach, an Outreach Specialist in MSU's Department of Community Sustainability, to learn more about rain gardens, and how they filter runoff and prevent flooding.
Want to see them in action on campus? Check out the rain gardens located near Erickson Hall, the Minskoff Pavilion, or the MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center.
Interested in building your own? Learn more with Michigan State University Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soak-up-the-rain-with-a-rain-garden
06/03/2026
📖 June Book of the Month: Saving Arcadia by Heather Shumaker
This creative nonfiction story details the decades-long battle of a local community to protect sand dunes and farmland in Arcadia, Michigan from corporate development.
Perfect for anyone passionate about protecting our waters and natural landscapes!
06/01/2026
Looking for eco-friendly weekend plans in Michigan? Check out these free, family-friendly upcoming events:
Sturgeon Fest (Port Huron) Come face-to-fin with the Great Lakes’ biggest underwater celebrity! Enjoy a free shore festival with touch tanks, food trucks, and live music or get tickets for a narrated research cruise on the St. Clair River and Lake Huron.
👉 Details: https://scriver.org/sturgeon-festival/
Aquatic Ales Community Event (Allendale) Michigan State University Extension, Clean Boats, Clean Waters, and Trail Point Brewing Co. are teaming up to fight invasive species with a new educational ale. This family-friendly launch event includes live music, games, and local conservation booths.
👉 Details: https://tinyurl.com/7p46h9xd
Moss Around and Find Out (Chelsea) Join MSU's Dr. Jeremy Hartsock for a free, guided 2-mile hike and learn the basics of moss identification. Space is limited and registration is required.
👉 Register: https://tinyurl.com/38ct5cvt
KBS BioBlitz (Augusta) Explore the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary alongside KBS scientists and track local biodiversity. Sanctuary entry fees are waived for everyone who registers.
👉 Register: https://tinyurl.com/52b6b4cs
05/28/2026
Join Michigan State University Extension and Fisheries & Wildlife at Michigan State University for an immersive, two-day Aquatic Plant Identification course at Kellogg Biological Station.
Led by Erick Elgin, Jo Latimore, and Jeremy Hartsock, this workshop combines field visits in the Kalamazoo and Barry County areas with hands-on lab sessions.
Participants will learn:
• Aquatic plant morphology and terminology
• Michigan aquatic plant identification
• The ecological role of aquatic plants in Michigan waterbodies
🗓️ June 17 & 18, 2026 (8:30 AM - 5 PM)
📍W.K. Kellogg Biological Station
Cost: $250 (Sanctuary Members) | $300 (Non-Members)
Lodging: Overnight accommodations are available through the KBS Conference Center
👉 Registration Deadline: June 14, 2026
📸: Jo Latimore
05/26/2026
It’s officially beach season in Michigan! As you enjoy the shoreline, keep in mind that weather conditions and stormwater runoff can cause rapid, unexpected changes in beach water quality.
Check out these guidelines and bookmark the MiEnviro Portal: BeachGuard for live water quality updates this summer: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/maps-data/mienviroportal/beachguard