A watershed is an area of land that channels rainfall and snowmelt to a common water body.

We all live in a watershed, and our daily actions have a direct impact on the health of neighboring water bodies.  Click the link above to learn more about the major watersheds of Michigan and how water travels to reach the Great Lakes and beyond.

Events

February 18, 2025

2025 Invasive Species Forum

The virtual Invasive Species Forum is an annual event that brings attention to invasive species issues, research, and advances in prevention and management occurring across Canada,...

February 18, 2025

Monitoring and Controlling Invasive Species in the Great Lakes

What do sea lamprey, zebra and quagga mussels, round goby, and phragmites all have in common? They have invaded the Great Lakes and are changing...

Featured Partner

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Huron River Watershed Council

HRWC  is a nonprofit coalition of residents, businesses, and local governments. HRWC bridges political boundaries by building partnerships between and among communities, community leaders, residents, and commercial enterprises. HRWC monitors the Huron River, its tributaries, lakes, and groundwater, and leads programs on pollution prevention and abatement, wetland and floodplain protection, public education, and natural resource and land-use planning.

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News

Community Data Improves Great Lakes Ice Prediction Models

The Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) has launched a community program asking ice fishing anglers and others on the Great Lakes to measure and report ice thickness and other conditions […]

Geese Populations Impact Michigan Water Quality

Canada geese populations in Michigan have increased significantly after being nearly extinct in the mid-20th century. The state now has around 280,000 geese. While they were once migratory, climate change […]

Toolkit

In Your Home

The decisions we make in our homes can affect our water resources.  Learn tips to minimize your impact on Michigan’s waterways by making small changes in the appliances you use, how you store and dispose of chemicals, how you do your laundry, and more!

In Your Yard

Yard care is a huge responsibility, especially when you consider how your choices impact local waterways.  By selecting greener options for landscaping, maintenance of your septic system, application of lawn chemicals, and other yardwork, you can better protect your water resources.

In Your Community

Enjoying Michigan’s wide variety of recreational opportunities in the outdoors brings added responsibilities to protect our natural resources.  Learn how to minimize plastic pollution in our waterways, prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, and other tips to keep our shared outdoor spaces healthy and clean!

Resources

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Lesson Plans

Check out these free lesson plans on water conservation and other science topics organized by grade level.

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Videos

Browse environmental videos on a variety of topics like agriculture, the Great Lakes, the water cycle, wildlife, and more!

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Reading Material

Here you’ll find free books, magazines, and online library collections to read up on your favorite conservation topics.

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We’re all connected by water.