More than 20 young scientists and their families climbed aboard the W.G. Jackson research vessel July 11 to learn how to collect and analyze data from Lake Michigan. Organized by the Waukegan Public Library, the expedition provided families with a hands-on learning experience relating to one of the library’s current exhibits, “Lake Michigan—A Great Lake!”
“Because our exhibit showcases the Waukegan River watershed, we tapped into the Waukegan Harbor Citizens’ Advisory Group for curriculum ideas,” said Elizabeth Stearns, assistant director of community services. “When they suggested this field trip, we jumped on board!”
The crew spent the afternoon sailing around the lake and conducting research to determine the water’s turbidity or cloudiness, its pH, oxygen levels and other parameters. Grand Valley State University designed the program as part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, funded by a grant awarded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency through the Great Lakes National Program Office.
“We’re passionate about keeping the Great Lakes clean,” said Dr. Janet Vail, program coordinator. She says her research team is dedicated to educating youth groups about their role in the stewardship of the Great Lakes, especially Lake Michigan. “These Great Lakes hold 92 percent of all the fresh water in the continental United States, so we have a lot at stake,” said Vail.
Susie Schreiber, chair of the Waukegan Harbor Citizens’ Advisory Group, also talked to the group about water quality. The Waukegan Harbor is one of 43 “Areas of Concern” the United States and Canadian governments have identified in the Great Lakes, she says. The designation stems from the harbor’s high concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), originating from a decades-old spill by the Outboard Marine Corporation.
“All of our many partners, from local to federal, are working cooperatively together now to both clean and officially delist Waukegan Harbor as an Area of Concern on the Great Lakes,” said Schreiber.
“Lake Michigan—A Great Lake!” will remain on display in the children’s department at the Waukegan Public Library through November.
Sponsored by the Harold M. and Adeline S. Morrison Foundation, the library’s new “Bus to Us!” program also provides free field trips to Waukegan School District 60 classes interested in seeing the exhibit and learning more about the science of Lake Michigan. To inquire about field trip openings this fall, call (847) 623-2041.
