We recently shared results from an Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)-funded research project that involved extensive data collection and analysis of Chicago beach sand—this project will provide key information to resource managers as they take on the challenges of shifting lake levels.

Robin Mattheus led a team of Illinois State Geological Survey scientists that found that when it comes to rising lake levels, solutions need to be site-specific. Any given beach may have its own dynamic, influenced by the direction it is facing, the design of the surrounding infrastructure, and other factors.

The research also revealed that knowing what’s happening with the sand that sits at the bottom of nearby waters is very important in understanding what changes take place on the beach.

The team’s report, which will provide beach-by-beach information for local managers to address sand issues at their particular site, is a great example of how we fund projects that can have on-the-ground impact.

If you have a project in mind, we will soon announce our latest request for preproposals for two-year research projects focused on southern Lake Michigan and surrounding Illinois and Indiana communities. We plan to fund multiple applied projects that will take place in 2026–27 at up to $200,000 each.

In addition to research that is in line with our strategic plan goals, we are interested in funding projects that tackle some specific issues, for example, helping communities adapt to changing lake levels, analyzing contaminant levels in fish or shellfish, or addressing socio-economic concerns in efforts to restore degraded coastal sites.

A second RFP, which was announced recently, will target the 2025 Lake Michigan Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI) priorities. CSMI is a program in which every year, scientists converge on one of the five Great Lakes to collaborate in an intensive research effort—2025 is Lake Michigan’s field year.

The research priorities, which were developed by a team of resource managers called the Lake Michigan Partnership, include learning more about the food web, nearshore dynamics, and winter processes. Funded projects will take place in 2025–27 with support of up to $150,000.

In other news, in January, we will make available a new high school curriculum called Aquaponics: Farming Fish, Growing Greens. Aquaponics, a method for raising fish and plants together, can provide a hands-on way for students to learn scientific concepts while they are introduced to sustainable agriculture. This new curriculum can help educators make these connections.

The IISG aquaculture team has been working with high schools in the two states to provide donated equipment and help set up aquaponics systems for some time now. One especially exciting example is the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences. With help from IISG’s Andrew Coursey (now in Missouri) and some additional funding, the school upgraded and grew its aquaponics system to be a key component of its Urban Agriculture Laboratory.

Schools that already have aquaponics systems and those that are considering developing aquaponics can benefit from this new curriculum, which systematically provides STEM lessons and activities. To learn more, contact Amy Shambach.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year.

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Big news from Illinois‑Indiana Sea Grant! We’re thrilled to announce Dr. Stuart Carlton, our Assistant Director since 2018, will step into the Director role on July 14, 2025. Join us in congratulating Stuart, and read on at the link in bio to find out more about the transition!
🌊 Boost Your Great Lakes Literacy in 3 Easy Ways!1️⃣ Read the Great Lakes Literacy Principles2️⃣ Join a Sea Grant professional learning event3️⃣ Explore Great Lakes educational resources📬 The summer edition of the Center for Great Lakes Literacy newsletter supports all three—and more!Perfect for educators, environmental leaders, and curious minds.👉 Subscribe today and dive into a world of Great Lakes learning: https://conta.cc/3ZtrIKc or the link in bio.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your teaching skills and connect with fellow educators! Join us for a two-day, water-themed workshop on August 8-9, 2025, at the Dunes Learning Center located in Indiana Dunes National Park. Open to all 5-12th grade formal and non-formal educators, this event offers a chance to explore the natural world, network, and receive exclusive access to the newest Project WET Educator’s Guidebook: Water in Earth Systems.The registration deadline is July 18th.Learn more at the link in bio.
📣 Aquaculture Teacher Workshop – June 2025🗓️ June 26–27, 2025📍 Purdue University – John S. Wright Forestry Center🕐 Starts June 26 at 1 PM | Ends June 27 at 4:30 PM🌿 Optional Pre-Tour: June 26, 10:30–11:30 AMExplore Aquaculture & Aquaponics in Action!Perfect for science teachers looking to bring hands-on, real-world STEM into the classroom.What’s Included:✔️ Facility tours at Purdue & nearby✔️ Build-your-own aquaponics system (FREE to take home!)✔️ Hands-on labs & classroom integration ideas✔️ $250 stipend for travel or classroom supplies✔️ Open to formal and non-formal educatorsLearn how aquaculture is a powerful tool for engaging students in science, sustainability, and food systems!Spots are limited – register early!Learn more at the link in bio.
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