Inland Seas Education Association is more than a ship! Expand your group’s Great Lakes knowledge and experience by participating in our land-based watershed programs throughout the entire year. These STEM programs focus on protecting the Great Lakes by understanding watersheds, exposing youth to Great Lakes careers, and gaining experience with technology and skills used in the field. Choose from a half-day, full-day, or overnight experience for your group. After reviewing the information below, contact ISEA School Partnership Coordinator Julie Johnson, jjohnson@schoolship.org, with questions or to schedule your adventure.*
Program Choices
| PROGRAM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Watershed Watchers (Spring Only) | Identify the boundary of and land use in a local watershed and the stream that flows through it, then assess its health by conducting water chemistry and macroinvertebrate investigations. |
| Study the Stream (MS/HS) (Fall Only) | Learn how streams carry runoff from the local watershed into the Great Lakes, then investigate the impact of physical properties of streams and their banks on water quality by measuring riparian zone characteristics and building a stream profile. |
| Dissect the Watershed (HS Only) | Collect and dissect native and invasive plants and animals (e.g. native cattail, native and invasive mussels), and learn about the advantageous adaptations that allow invasives to outcompete native species. |
| Navigate the Great Lakes | Learn how to use tools and charts necessary to navigate on the Great Lakes. Determine latitude with a sextant, use bathymetric maps and charts, chart a path through the Great Lakes, and navigate a course with a compass. |
Click here to see how Girl Scouts are using ISEA’s watershed experiences in their Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey.
| Choose Your Adventure | Number of Programs Included |
|---|---|
| Half-Day | One Program |
| Full-Day | Two Programs |
| Overnight | Three Programs (plus an optional evening program) and an overnight stay in the dormitory |
2024 Fall Watershed Exploration Availability
| Month | Day |
|---|---|
| October | 21st – 31st |
| November | 1st – 22nd |
2025 Spring Watershed Exploration Availability
| Month | Day |
|---|---|
| March | 3rd – 31st |
| April | 1st – 11th |
Evening Program Options
(For those choosing an overnight experience.)
ISEA Facilitated Evening Programs
Watershed Summit (1-1.5 hours) – Take on the role of a farmer, landowner, municipal official, or other neighbor as you work to clean up a watershed and prevent future pollution. Great for any age group.
Invention Convention (1-1.5 hrs) – Participate in a series of team activities to create, communicate, design, and engineer solutions to communication, critical thinking, and engineering challenges provided by facilitators.
Self-Led Experiences
Cycling the Leelanau Trail – Use a fleet of bikes and helmets to experience the area on the paved Leelanau Trail. Bike to a close overlook and watch the sunset, cycle to dinner at a local restaurant, or visit nearby Leo Creek Preserve, accessible only by the Leelanau Trail. The trail is well-maintained into the shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall.
Campfire by the Bay – Spend your evening huddled around our firepit overlooking Suttons Bay drinking hot chocolate, making s’mores, and sharing stories. ISEA will provide tools for roasting marshmallows, mugs for hot chocolate, firewood, and picnic tables. Additional materials may be provided if requested.
