By Emma Waatti
Oceana Conservation District
Stewardship Coordinator
Building upon findings from the 2023 Pentwater Watershed Planning Survey, it has been announced that Oceana Conservation District was awarded a $29,237 grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Grant funds will be used to create a "Watershed Awareness Days" educational course for the Pentwater Watershed in 2027. In addition to the in-person workshops and field days, participants will receive a watershed pamphlet and information about zoning ordinances comparing the Pentwater River to existing natural rivers.
The goal of this program is to equip homeowners, landowners, local leaders and regional business operators with a deep, actionable knowledge of watershed function, local pollution prevention and cold-water habitat conservation. Rather than limiting instruction to traditional lecture halls, "Watershed Awareness Days" integrates hands-on outdoor field experiences across the Pentwater watershed. The dynamic five-part series will feature:
• Introduction to Watersheds: A kickoff lecture detailing fundamental watershed processes.
• A Watershed Tour: A guided exploration of regional stream crossings and watershed infrastructure.
• Pentwater Lake Pontoon Tour: An on-the-water class focusing on limnology and aquatic plant health.
• Pentwater River Kayak Trip: An active journey demonstrating proper waterway stewardship and shoreline restoration.
• Stream Quality Education: An interactive, field-based session demonstrating stream health indicators using macroinvertebrate sampling.
This program will bring together a massive coalition of local and state environmental entities each playing a key part with expertise and logical support. Partners will include: The Pentwater Lake Association, the Friends of the Pentwater River Watershed, Michigan State University Extension, Trout Unlimited, MI Paddle Stewards and the GVSU Annis Water Resources Institute.
Healthy watersheds are an integral part of healthy communities.
