Outreach Programs

MSU Initiatives

Michigan Network for Environmental Health & Technologoy (MiNet)

The Michigan Network for Environmental Health & Technology (MiNet) is a statewide network of laboratories that use advanced PCR-based methods to assess recreational water quality, identify sources of fecal contamination in surface water, and monitor SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater.

three IWR scientists conducting fieldwork in a rangeland.

Institute of Water Research

The IWR is one of 54 federally designated water institutes created under the Water Resources Research Act of 1964, and is supported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The IWR also receives ongoing support from MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension, and is a member of the National Institutes for Water Resources.

Center for PFAS Research

The MSU Center for PFAS Research works to quantify and communicate PFAS risks and mitigate the impacts on human health, agriculture and natural resources.

MSU Enviroweather

To develop and deliver a sustainable weather-based information system that helps users make pest, plant production, and natural resource management decisions in Michigan.

Quantitative Fisheries Center

The Quantitative Fisheries Center aims to enhance fishery management by improving quantitative methods for stock assessment and decision-making. It also focuses on understanding fish community and population dynamics.

A sheet of ice frozen over rocks on a shoreline

Center for Intelligence Water Resources Engineering

The Center for Intelligent Water Resources Engineering uses advanced technologies to tackle 21st-century water challenges, balancing conservation with usage by considering both human and natural water resources.

MSU Extension

Lake in autumn with trees with colorful leaves

Lakes, Streams & Waterbeds

MSU Extension teams with local, state, regional and federal agencies and stakeholder organizations to protect and promote the sustainable use of the state’s distinctive aquatic resources.

Centers for Lakes and Streams

The mission of the MSU Extension Center for Lakes and Streams is to advance the conservation and stewardship of Michigan’s inland lakes and streams through engagement, education, and research.

Angela De Palma-Dow in the field with volunteers helping to identify some plants and record their findings

Natural Resources

Our natural resources programs improve public understanding, help landowners and communities use those assets for sustainable long-term social and economic development and conserve natural resources for future generations.

Our Additional Partners

Sea Grant

Michigan Sea Grant is committed to diverse and inclusive engagement to facilitate research, education, and outreach through partnerships with people and organizations to foster healthy Great Lakes coastal ecosystems, communities, and economies.

They envision healthy, sustainable, and accessible Great Lakes ecosystems with equitable, inclusive, just, and diverse communities that depend upon them.

panelists at a recent Society of Environmental Journalists conference

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo is produced by the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism at Michigan State University. Original content is produced by students, faculty, professional journalists and Capital News Service.

Great Lakes Echo fosters and serves a news community defined by proximity to and interest in the environment of the Great Lakes watershed. They use traditional reporting methods and push the frontiers of journalism while remaining rooted in the values of accuracy and fairness and while harnessing the knowledge, interests, skills and energy of that community.

MSU Agricultural Water Management Programs

Outlet Pipe of a Subsurface Drainage System