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Climate can't wait sign.

Climate Change Theatre Action brings art and ecology to MSU

MSU hosted a two-day Climate Change Theatre Action event at Beal Botanical Garden and the Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center. It combined performance, ecological learning, and community dialogue as a way to confront climate change.
Glen Haven Beach in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

How MiNet is Safeguarding Michigan’s Water Year-Round

For public health officials, researchers, and community leaders, the end of swim season signals the start of another cycle. The work of testing water quality and tracking contamination continues well into the fall.
Attendees connect during the 75th Anniversary Symposium Poster & Networking Session.

MSU Fisheries and Wildlife celebrates 75 years of water science and stewardship

MSU’s Department of Fisheries and Wildlife (FW) marked its 75th anniversary with a two-day program Sept. 12-13, 2025, highlighting the department’s many impacts, including long-standing ties to water.
Person pipetting in the lab.

Wastewater Monitoring: Inside the Rose Lab

When a virus spreads through a community, the first warning sign is often in the sewer. Step inside MSU’s Water Quality and Environmental Microbiology Lab, also known as the Rose Lab, where scientists use wastewater to track viruses and protect public health.
Water pooling in a yard.

Septic System Pollution

This 2-minute informational video explains how septic systems work and what happens if they fail. Hear from MSU researchers and community experts about how better maintenance and monitoring can help protect Michigan’s water.
Shipboard Science Immersion on Lake Michigan

Michigan educators bring back rich memories, experiences from Shipboard Science Immersion on Lake Michigan

As summer fades away, the memories of being on board the RV Lake Guardian remain strong for two Michigan educators.
Flipping your kayak or paddleboard

Flipping your kayak or paddleboard in open water not always a laughing matter

Do you know what to do if your kayak or paddleboard flips while you’re out on the water? Reduce the stress of that moment and learn how to have a safe kayak trip by checking out some of the free or low-cost resources now available. 
Running sink faucet.

Spartans Making a Difference: Hidden Illnesses and Household Water Gaps

This week’s articles by MSU faculty and collaborators making a difference feature wastewater tracking of underreported illness in Detroit and household surveys revealing water insecurity across the U.S.
Duck drinking water at Tollgate.

Lansing Poet Laureate Ruelaine Stokes launches ‘We Are Water’ poetry contest

The Tollgate Drain Wetlands in Lansing Township are part of the region’s stormwater system, designed to collect and filter runoff before it reaches the Grand River. But next spring, visitors will find something new at the water’s edge: poetry.
Xray of someone's chest.

MSU expert warns of the rising risk of Legionnaires’ disease

Joan Rose, director of the Water Alliance and the Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research at MSU discusses Legionnaires' disease during an interview with CBC Listen.
A person holding a small clear plastic bag containing a goldfish in water.

Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species in Michigan through retailer education

Learn more about the Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes (RIPPLE) program, a partnership between MSU Extension and the Michigan Departments of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy; Natural Resources; and Agriculture and Rural Development.
A drainage channel runs through farmland with text reading “Controlled Drainage Beyond Flat Fields.”

Controlled drainage isn’t just for flat fields anymore

New research from Michigan State University shows controlled drainage can reduce nitrate loss even on sloped fields, challenging long-standing recommendations.