CHARLEVOIX — Three hundred sixth graders from Charlevoix County participated in the annual "Students Experience Lake Charlevoix" event on May 14 and 15.
The excursion is organized by the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council and supported by the Lake Charlevoix Association, the Beaver Island Boat Company and the Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company.
On May 15, the students embarked on an educational field trip aboard the Harbor Princess ferry, exploring the west bay of Lake Charlevoix.
The Harbor Princess ferry is a historic vessel, which docked in Charlevoix for the first time since 1962 as part of the experience.
"Harbor Princess is the original 'Emerald Isle,' and was the first ferry built for the Charlevoix to Beaver Island run in 1955,” said Captain Chris Chamberlain in a press release. “This historic 65-foot vessel can hold up to 149 passengers. We are honored to continue the 25-year tradition of Experience Lake Charlevoix, where students dive into environmental stewardship and learn to protect our waterways.”
The students engaged in a variety of hands-on activities focused on topics such as water quality testing, watershed conservation, identifying invasive species and learning about water safety.
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During the morning of May 15, homeschoolers along with students from Concord Boyne Academy rotated through seven educational stations on the boat, each managed by Watershed Council staff and volunteers, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard Station Charlevoix.
After having the students put oil, sludge and other pollutants on a model city, a volunteer offered spray bottles to simulate a rainstorm and show how pollutants from one area can impact a large piece of land.
When asked, "How can we prevent pollution?" some students suggested grates on sewer drains and limiting the use of harmful pesticides on farms.
At the learning station about the lake’s pH levels, a Watershed Council staff member asked the students, “What happens when the water is too acidic?”
One student quickly responded that “The fish can’t live.”
This initiative is part of a broader effort by Tip of the Mitt to enhance environmental awareness among the youth of Charlevoix County, highlighting the impact of the local watershed on their community and environment.
— Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231) 675-0099 and adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com
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