At the recent University of Illinois Public Engagement Symposium, IISG featured its unwanted medicine collection program and a University course, Community Stewardship through Environmental Education, in which students bring the issue of aquatic invasive species to elementary and middle school classrooms in Champaign and Urbana. Under the guidance of their student leaders, the local school children formed community partnerships with local organizations to create community stewardship projects, to be used by the partners to inform the public. In this photo, Robin Goettel, IISG associate director for education, is sharing the course description with two U of I students who were interested in learning more about the course.

IISG Instagram

Summer on Lake Michigan is the best, and a little prep makes it even better. 🌊☀️Dangerous currents near piers and breakwalls surprise even strong swimmers. Here's what to know:✅ Swim in designated areas↔️ Caught in a current? Swim to the side — not against it — then to shore🆘 In danger? Call for a life ringSave this post and share it with your swim crew. 👇More Lake Michigan safety resources: link in bio 🔗
Got a research idea worth a bigger room? The 2026 State of Lake Michigan Meeting is accepting proposals for symposia and workshops, and we want to hear yours!📅 Nov. 4–6 | Michigan City, IN⏰ Proposals due June 1 at 1 PM ETHelp shape what the Great Lakes research community discusses this year.🔗 Submit at the link in bio.
To every educator who has brought the Great Lakes into their classroom, thank you. 🍎Your curiosity is contagious. Your lessons last. And the students who learn to love these waters? They’ll protect them.Happy Teacher Appreciation Week from all of us at IISG.