Aquatic Plant ID Workshop

What to expect:

Explore the rarely seen world of freshwater plants!

Join us at the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) for a two-day workshop covering Michigan’s aquatic plants, focusing on plant morphology, identification, and field-based species identification. This immersive workshop runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and combines fieldwork, lab sessions, and expert instruction.

About the workshop:

Michigan’s inland lakes host a wide variety of native and invasive aquatic plants. Accurate identification is essential for conservation professionals, resource managers, and anyone working with aquatic ecosystems.

This workshop is led by Erick Elgin, MSU Extension, Dr. Jo Latimore, and Dr. Jeremy Hartsock, MSU Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Workshop Focus:

• Identification of submerged and emergent plants in the littoral zone (shallow water)
• Hands-on exploration of lake and pond species
• Species-level determination using lab and field specimens
• Field visits to sites in the greater Kalamazoo and Barry County area
• Laboratory examination and guided identification

Participants Will Learn:

• Aquatic plant morphology and terminology
• Michigan aquatic plant identification
• The ecological role of aquatic plants in Michigan waterbodies

Registration Includes:

• Instruction from MSU Extension specialists
• Lab and field identification sessions
• Morning coffee, lunch, and afternoon refreshments
• Aquatic Plants of the Upper Midwest field guide (3rd ed., $45 value)

Event Information:

• Dates: Wednesday, June 17 & Thursday, June 18, 2026
• Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Location: KBS Academic Building, room#145
• Address: 3700 E. Gull Lake Dr., Hickory Corners MI 49060
• Audience: Adults
• Cost: $250 for Sanctuary members; $300 for non-members
  
• Registration is required

Register by March 27, 2026. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Lodging Information:

Traveling from out of the area? Overnight accommodations are available through the KBS Conference Center. To make a reservation, contact:

• Email: conference@kbs.msu.edu
• Phone: 269-671-2160

Cancellation Policy for Events Requiring Registration:
If a program is cancelled due to weather or other circumstances by the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, a full refund will be issued. If a registrant must cancel before the event’s registration deadline, a full refund will be issued. No refunds the day of an event or after. For events that require prepayment, no space will be held without
full payment. Registrations can be transferred at any time.

Questions? Please email communityrelations@kbs.msu.edu.