We are proud to partner with Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Extended Education to bring you two immersive, hands-on learning experiences this season. Join us in Suttons Bay to dive deeper into the science, history, and health of our local waters.
Sea Lamprey Exploration
March 18th, 2026
Get up close and personal with the “vampire of the Great Lakes.” In this unique workshop, you’ll participate in a guided dissection of a sea lamprey to understand exactly what makes this species such a prolific invader.
-
What you’ll learn: Identify the biological adaptations that allow invasives to outcompete native fish.
-
The Big Picture: Explore the methods used by scientists to control their spread and protect our ecosystem.
Register via NMC
Watershed Watchers
April 9th, 2026
Become a scientist for a day and help evaluate the health of the Leo Creek watershed. This class takes you directly into the field as Leo Creek flows into Suttons Bay. You won’t just learn about the water; you’ll analyze it yourself.
-
What you’ll do: Collect macroinvertebrates (water bugs!) and gather water chemistry data to make a formal “diagnosis” of the creek’s health.
-
The Impact: Assess how human behaviors on land—both positive and negative—directly impact our shared watershed.
Register via NMC
Note: These classes are offered in partnership with Inland Seas Education Association and are held at our campus in Suttons Bay, MI. Registration is managed through the NMC Extended Education portal.