The Michigan Clean Water Corps announced on Apr. 7 that it is now accepting enrollments for the 2026 Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program season, with training opportunities available both in person and online.
The program gives residents a chance to help monitor water quality, invasive species, and habitat conditions across Michigan’s inland lakes. Data collected by volunteers are used by local communities, researchers, and state agencies to better protect the state’s approximately 11,000 inland lakes and the wildlife that depend on them.
Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to sign up early since some options have spring deadlines while others remain open into May or later in the summer. Information about enrolling can be found on the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program enrollment webpage.
Official training sessions will be held in Muskegon from May 1-2 and online via Zoom on May 7 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration is required but there is no cost to attend either session. Training is mandatory for new volunteers; experienced participants are also encouraged to join. The program welcomes anyone interested in learning more about lake monitoring regardless of their intent to enroll this year.
Questions about the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program can be directed to Erick Elgin at Michigan State University Extension or Tamara Lipsey at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). MiCorps operates under EGLE sponsorship with support from several partners including Michigan State University Extension, the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association, and the Huron River Watershed Council.
