IISG’s Lawn to Lake Program is focused on helping homeowners, landscapers, gardeners, and others adopt landscaping practices that reduce chemical runoff to local waterways, protecting and preserving those sources of water while maintaining thriving lawns and gardens.
There are a number of ways that everyone can keep local waterways clean while keeping their lawns green, and IISG has developed materials for homeowners, landscapers, and others to learn about how they can get involved.
“Don’t ‘P’ on your lawn” is a two-sided card (PDF) with healthy lawn tips and info on safe landscaping practices. The title is aimed at getting homeowners to watch out for phosphorus in their fertilizers, because phosphorus can lead to excessive algal blooms in waterways.
Sea Grant Illinois-Indiana
Recent News
- Freshwater jellyfish may increase in numbers as Illinois and Indiana waters continue to warm
- Tomas Höök signing off as Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant director this summer
- Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant welcomes Stuart Carlton as the program’s new director
- Four Illinois and Indiana educators will set sail on Lake Michigan aboard EPA’s research ship
- Join IISG as a new pollution prevention outreach assistant
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🌊 Making Waves in Education
Calling all K–12 educators — formal and non-formal! Stay connected to the Great Lakes and inspired in your teaching with our educator-focused newsletter.
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✅ Discover teaching resources and professional development opportunities
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🗓️ Published quarterly — with occasional bonus issues when exciting events or new content arise!
💡 Whether you’re in a classroom, nature center, or museum, this newsletter helps you make waves in education.
👉 Sign up now: https://iiseagrant.org/education/subscribe-to-education-newsletter/
#TeachingTuesday
#GreatLakesEducation
Looking for a fun, hands-on way to engage your students this year? Check out our new curriculum about crayfish and freshwater ecosystems! This curriculum teaches students about the importance of native crayfish, the threats posted by invasive species, and the health of Great Lakes ecosystems. It includes 9 ready-to-use lesson plans, with one featuring our participatory science activity! All lessons are aligned with NGSS, CCSS, and CGLL Principles.
Download the curriculum and start exploring at InvasiveCrayfish.org/Crayfish-Curriculum
#CrayWeek #Crayfish #FreshwaterEcosystems #Curriculum #BackToSchool
When participating in a crayfish participatory science activity, be sure to snap plenty of photos of any crayfish you catch or observe. Not only is it a great way to capture the fun and excitement of the day, but it also helps document the species present. To ensure accurate identification by scientists, it’s important to provide clear photos from multiple angles. Dorsal (top), lateral (side), and ventral (underside) views of the crayfish should always be photographed.
To learn more about the specific features to highlight in your photos visit the link in bio or
InvasiveCrayfish.org/Management/#Community
Who says “Back to School” means back indoors? While the weather is still warm, take your students on an outdoor science adventure by exploring crayfish in your local waterways.
The Invasive Crayfish Collaborative invites grades 2-12 educators to take part in a hands-on participatory science activity. By catching, identifying, and reporting crayfish species in your area, students contribute valuable data that helps scientists better understand where native and invasive crayfish live.
Check out what other educators have found and get involved: inaturalist.org/projects/great-lakes-crayfish
