Sea Grant Illinois-Indiana
The Helm
The Helm 2025 Issue
Educators engage with Great Lakes scientists aboard the Lake Guardian
Scientists and educators investigate Lake Michigan biological hotspots
IISG looks back on 30 years of AIS outreach
Coastal communities face challenges in managing beach sand and structures
Stuart Carlton is the new IISG director
Tomas Höök reflects on his Sea Grant legacy
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Get the digital version of The Helm, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s annual publication, delivered straight to your inbox! The Helm features stories, research highlights, and Great Lakes insights from around the region.
Recent News
- Coastal communities can tap into IISG resources as they manage beach sand and structures
- It’s time to apply for the 2026 IISG Graduate Scholars Program
- IISG’s Eliana Brown wins 2025 Illinois Extension Excellence Award
- We’re hiring eight interns for summer 2026
- In 2026, IISG intends to fund 10 research projects focused on coastal concerns
IISG Instagram
Graduate students: don’t miss your chance to advance your research and expand your professional network! The 2026 Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Graduate Scholars Program is now open for applications. Whether your work focuses on coastal resiliency, Great Lakes science, water resources, or community engagement, this opportunity offers funding and professional development to support your graduate research. Learn more and apply today — opportunities like this don’t come every year!
👉 Read the full details at the link in bio.
Join us next month at the Friends of the Chicago River’s Friends of the Chicago River’s annual Student Congress. We’re excited to attend this free, student-driven environmental conference where we will be leading the Great Plankton Race.
Learn about river issues, connect with peers and professionals, enjoy snacks & giveaways, and even see live animals.
Who: Open to all students, families welcome too!
Where: On the campus of Northeastern Illinois University
When: Saturday, February 28, 2026
8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Learn more and register at the link in bio.
#TeachingTuesday #ChicagoRiver
✨ Start Your New Year with Great Lakes Learning! ✨
Kick off 2026 by exploring the Center for Great Lakes Literacy Resource Library. It’s your one-stop hub for lesson plans, activities, and tools to bring Great Lakes science into your teaching setting.
Visit the link in bio to dive in today!
#TeachingTuesday
#GreatLakes #NewYearNewResources
Join us for a hands-on Project WET Make-and-Take Workshop in Chicago!
📅 When: March 12, 2026 from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM CT
📍 Where: 200 S Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL
💲 Cost: $25 (includes classroom-ready activity kits, lunch & refreshments)
🗓️ Registration closes February 26.
✅ Open to 3rd–8th grade formal & informal educators
✅ Earn 6 PD hours
✅ Leave with ready-to-use water education kits aligned to Common Core & NGSS
👉 Don’t miss out—space is limited!
Learn more and register at the link in bio.
@thengrrec
