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This week is Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week!

Each year, Michigan proclaims this week to raise awareness of the Great Lakes and Michigan?s inland waterways and groundwater. It?s a time to reflect on the importance of these water bodies and their immeasurable value to wellness for people and nature throughout the state.

Whether we?re drinking from the tap or drinking in a lake view, water and wellness go hand in hand in Michigan. That?s the message of this year?s Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week. The week will highlight ways everyone can engage with Michigan waters for their well-being: through responsible exploration and enjoyment, learning about freshwater systems and how our actions affect them, and prepping for rewarding careers in Michigan?s water-centered blue economy.

Continue reading for some ideas on how to make the water-wellness connection and protect Michigan?s Great Lakes and fresh water:

• Get out and enjoy Michigan?s waterways! Will you paddle along a water trail or join an Adopt-a-Beach team for a local cleanup? Maybe you can collect plastics as you stroll along the shore, or clear litter from storm catch basins in your neighborhood.
• Join us during this week to participate in webinars?at 1 p.m. June 4, providing a tribal perspective on the importance and history of Nibi (water) and Manoomin (wild rice) in the Great Lakes region, and?at 11:30 a.m. June 6, focused on the links between improved mental health and access to nature and water resources and the ways Michigan is working to expand access to these resources for people of all abilities.
• Enjoying a water-wellness moment? Share your photos, actions, and stories on social media with #MIGreatLakesWeek. By raising awareness, we will inspire people to protect and be champions of the Great Lakes and fresh water. Our call to action is for residents around the state to learn about, enjoy, appreciate, and safeguard this vital resource for current and future generations.??
• Michiganders also may?go fishing or take to the trails for free?Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9. On these two days, the DNR will waive the need for a fishing license, off-road vehicle license, trail permit, and the Recreation Passport requirement for admission to Michigan state parks and boating access sites.

Learn more on the Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week website and by following EGLE on social media.

Questions? Concerns?

Send an email to [email protected]