River Talk explores the impact of water levels on the St. Louis River Estuary

The new season of River Talks began in October with two speakers who discussed the impacts of water level changes in the St. Louis River Estuary via Zoom. Brandon Krumwiede, Great Lakes geospatial coordinator with NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, presented, “Water Level Change Impacts in the St. Louis River Estuary.” And Hannah Burgstaler, freshwater fellow at the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, presented, “St. Louis River Estuary Water Level and Canada Geese Population Effect on Manoomin Survival Rate.”

That Time I Organized a Sea Lamprey Taste Test

Science Communicator Marie Zhuikov reminisces about a demonstration project she publicized in 1996 that involved studying the overseas market potential for Great Lakes sea lamprey. It also involved eating them.

Pair Wisconsin fish with Wisconsin cheese curds on Oct. 15, national day to celebrate the squeaky delicacy

One of my favorite food experiences is taking a bite from a cheese curd. Sure, they’re small. I, however, stretch the pleasure into two bites of those odd shapes, the result of coagulating casein protein in milk and the separation of the milk into solid curds and liquid whey. Curds are part of the cheesemaking process and Read more about Pair Wisconsin fish with Wisconsin cheese curds on Oct. 15, national day to celebrate the squeaky delicacy[…]

Plastic identification activity wows educators

Educators who participated in a recent six-week online workshop series about the Great Lakes and inland waters, “Trimming our Sails” were especially wowed by one presentation. “Plastic Debris Identification” was offered by Daniela Leon, an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Superior who is majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry.

One intern’s reflection

Our summer Coastal Science Communications Intern Elise Ertl describes her learning experience.

Lota facts about the Lota lota, a counter-Shark-Week tale

Shark Week, Aug. 9 -16, is a cherished annual tradition. Communications Coordinator, Moira Harrington, presents a counter-Shark-Week look at a denizen of the sweetwater seas. This Shark Week 2020 edition offers five facts about the burbot.

Sea Grant learning programs help environmental educator put students in touch with Lake Michigan

Sarah DeZwarte, education director at YMCA Camp Y-Koda in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, had the opportunity to, not only once, but to twice take part in the Lake Guardian teacher cruise and Shipboard Science Workshop. While each trip entailed a different experience, both provided fundamental learning and education that DeZwarte was able to carry on to the students and residents of the Lake Michigan coastal area.