<![CDATA[Expeditions in Education - Great Lakes Odyssey Travel Blog]]>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:36:16 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[​Great Lakes Odyssey 2: What We Learned Along the Way]]>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:46:02 GMThttps://www.expeditionsineducation.org/greatlakesblog/great-lakes-odyssey-2-what-we-learned-along-the-wayThere’s something really special about taking a journey with thousands of students at the same time.
Even though we were spread out across the country—in classrooms, at kitchen tables, gathered around screens—we were all asking the same questions together.
That’s what Great Lakes Odyssey 2 became.
Not just a series of livestreams. Not just three incredible national park sites. But a shared experience of curiosity, wonder, and learning—together.
Over the course of this journey, we found ourselves returning to three big questions:
What threatens an ecosystem? What holds it together? And what happens when nature reshapes it entirely?

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: The Things We Cannot Yet See
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
At Pictured Rocks, the story started quietly.
With something so small you could easily miss it.
The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.
And almost immediately, the questions started coming in:
* How can something so tiny cause such a big problem?
* If it’s not even here yet, how do we prepare for it?
* What happens to everything else if the hemlock trees disappear?
It felt a little like being let in on a secret.
That science isn’t always about reacting. Sometimes, it’s about noticing early. About paying attention. About protecting something before it’s even in danger.
One student said, “This is like being a forest detective.”
Yes. Exactly that.
We were reminded that healthy forests don’t just happen. They are cared for. Studied. Protected.
And maybe most importantly—shared.
Because even if a student never steps foot in Pictured Rocks, the work happening there still matters to them.
To all of us.

Indiana Dunes National Park: What Holds It All Together
Indiana Dunes National Park
Then we traveled south, where the story shifted beneath our feet.
At Indiana Dunes, everything looked simple at first.
Sand. Wind. Water.
But then came the questions:
* How do dunes actually move?
* What keeps all that sand from blowing away?
* Are dunes alive?
And then—marram grass.
The quiet hero of the dunes.
The more we talked, the more it clicked:
This isn’t just sand. This is a system.
One student said, “Wait… grass can stop a whole dune from moving?!”
Another: “So the grass is basically the hero here.”
Honestly… yes.
We talked about roots holding the sand in place. About how where you step matters. About how one small plant can support an entire landscape.
And it turned into something bigger than science.
It became a conversation about responsibility.
About how small actions—like staying on a trail—can protect something much larger than ourselves.
At Indiana Dunes, we didn’t just learn what holds an ecosystem together.
We realized that we are part of that system too.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park: When Nature Takes the Lead
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
And then came the beavers.
And honestly… they stole the show.
At Cuyahoga Valley, the question changed again:
* Why are beavers called ecosystem engineers?
* Are they helping… or causing problems?
* What happens when nature doesn’t follow human plans?
We watched what happens when water slows down. When wetlands form. When an entire landscape begins to shift.
And it wasn’t always neat.
It wasn’t always convenient.
But it was real.
One student said, “So… they’re basically builders with teeth.”
Another said, “I think I’m team beaver.”
Same.
Because what we saw was something powerful:
Beavers don’t just live in ecosystems. They build them.
And with that comes both beauty and challenge.
Flooded trails. Changed waterways. New habitats.
It sparked one of the most important conversations of the entire Odyssey:
What do we do when a healthy ecosystem doesn’t fit neatly into our plans?
And maybe the answer is…
We learn to live with it. We learn to adjust. We learn to see the value in something bigger than convenience.

What We’re Taking With Us
Across three parks, thousands of students, and countless questions, one thing became clear:
Every ecosystem tells a story.
At Pictured Rocks, we learned to notice what we cannot yet see. At Indiana Dunes, we learned what holds everything together. At Cuyahoga Valley, we learned what happens when nature reshapes the world around us.
And somewhere along the way, we were reminded of something even more important:
We all have a role in this.
Whether it’s cleaning our boots. Staying on a trail. Asking better questions. Or simply paying attention.
These places belong to all of us.
And so does the responsibility to care for them.

To everyone who joined us on this journey—students, teachers, rangers, partners, and friends’ groups--
Thank you.
You made this more than a program. You made it a shared experience.
And if you’re reading this and thinking about your own park, your own story, your own Odyssey…
Reach out.
We’re ready when you are.

Check out our LiveStreams, archives, lesson plans and more! 
https://www.expeditionsineducation.org/gettingstartedglo2.html]]><![CDATA[​Day 10 — Great Lakes Odyssey 2 at Cuyahoga Valley National Park]]>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 01:13:14 GMThttps://www.expeditionsineducation.org/greatlakesblog/day-10-great-lakes-odyssey-2-at-cuyahoga-valley-national-parkToday was all about beavers!

We spent time with Rangers Mariamar and Grant traveling through the park, exploring wetlands, streams, and quiet corners where beavers have been hard at work. Everywhere we turned, there were signs of their impact—dams slowing the flow of water, lodges tucked along the edges, and trees marked with those unmistakable chew patterns.

We captured some incredible b-roll that tells the story of what beavers do for the environment—creating wetlands, improving water quality, and building habitats for other species. But we also saw where their work creates challenges—flooded trails, altered waterways, and moments where natural systems and human systems don’t always align. A little beaver mischief along the way.

That balance is what makes this story so meaningful. Beavers are constantly shaping the landscape—sometimes in ways that help, sometimes in ways that challenge—but always in ways that matter.

We can’t wait to bring this story to life tomorrow during our FINAL Great Lakes Odyssey 2 LiveStream.

It’s going to be a special way to wrap up this journey.]]><![CDATA[​Day 6 – Great Lakes Odyssey 2]]>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:00:18 GMThttps://www.expeditionsineducation.org/greatlakesblog/day-6-great-lakes-odyssey-2Day 6 brought us to one of the most dynamic places along Lake Michigan—Mount Baldy and the Portage Lakefront at Indiana Dunes National Park.

We spent the day capturing b-roll at Mount Baldy, and it’s hard to put into words just how alive this landscape feels. The dune is constantly moving, shifting with the wind, and changing in ways that remind you this isn’t just a pile of sand—it’s an active system.

There’s a lot of thoughtful work happening here right now led by the National Park Service, alongside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and researchers like Dr. Ethan Theuerkauf from Michigan State University. We even got to watch a drone flight out on the dunes today—real-time science in action.

The focus of the project is simple but important: keep people safe while still honoring the natural movement of the dune. Some of the sand is being carefully relocated and reused to nourish a nearby beach, keeping it within the system and supporting the long-term health of the shoreline.

It’s the kind of work you might not notice right away—but it matters over time. It’s stewardship done right.

We wrapped up the day at the Portage Lakefront, where everything connects—wind, water, and sand. Standing there, watching Lake Michigan roll in, you can really see how all of it works together.

See you tomorrow for Great Lakes Odyssey 2 at Indiana Dunes National Park—we’ll be back on LiveStream with Dr. Erin again!
Picture
]]><![CDATA[Day 4 of the Great Lakes Odyssey 2!]]>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:44:55 GMThttps://www.expeditionsineducation.org/greatlakesblog/day-4-of-the-great-lakes-odyssey-2It was a wonderful day at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore—and we knew it would be the moment we met their team. The connection between interpretation, education, and resource management isn’t just professional… it’s a true community. The kind where people genuinely enjoy working together, support each other, and show up fully for students.

Today’s LiveStream was such a great example of that.

We had the absolute privilege of being joined by the Chief of Interpretation & Education and Resources (yes… both!), along with a biological technician, a park guide, multiple education technicians and specialists, and Ranger Erin from the Great Lakes Research and Education Center. Just an incredible lineup of people who care deeply about this place and the work they do.

Our big focus was the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid—tiny, but mighty in impact. While it hasn’t been found at Pictured Rocks (👏), the team is working hard to keep it that way. Monitoring, educating, preparing… doing everything they can to protect these forests before it ever becomes an issue. That kind of proactive care is powerful—and such an important story for students to hear.

And the best part?
They did all of this while being fun, flexible, and yes… a little silly with us. Because that’s how learning sticks. That’s how students connect. And today, students all across the country got to see scientists and rangers as real people doing really important work.

We’re so grateful for this team. Truly.

Next up—travel day! And then we head to Indiana Dunes National Park for the next big chapter of our Great Lakes Odyssey 2.

Let’s go.
]]><![CDATA[​Day 3 of Great Lakes Odyssey 2!]]>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:40:57 GMThttps://www.expeditionsineducation.org/greatlakesblog/day-3-of-great-lakes-odyssey-2We met up with our incredible ranger team to get everything ready for today’s LiveStream from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. There’s something about being on-site, with the people who know and love these places so deeply, that just brings everything to life.

One of the highlights of the day was getting to observe Mrs. Webber’s 4th graders as they experienced Pictured Rocks. Watching their reactions, their questions, their curiosity—it’s the reminder every single time of why this work matters. You can see it happening in real time… that moment when a place becomes real to them, when learning clicks in a way that no textbook ever could.

We walked through our full run of show, fine-tuned the flow, captured all of our b-roll, and made sure every piece was ready to go. It’s always a mix of logistics, problem-solving, and a little bit of “let’s make this magic.”

And somewhere in between all of that, standing there together, surrounded by snow and towering forests… we had one of those quiet moments where we just looked at each other and said, “We really love what we get to do.”

Because we do.

Tomorrow, we go live—and we can’t wait to bring it all to your classrooms.
]]><![CDATA[​Day 2 in Munising was… honestly just a really good, easy day.]]>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:54:23 GMThttps://www.expeditionsineducation.org/greatlakesblog/day-2-in-munising-was-honestly-just-a-really-good-easy-dayNot every day on an adventure has to be big and packed—and today was one of those behind-the-scenes days that we actually needed. We spent most of it doing all the technical stuff: writing, organizing, testing equipment, making sure everything is working before things get real tomorrow.

We did head out for a quick site visit just to get our bearings, and WOW… winter is not messing around here. Snow drifts are easily up to 7 feet in some places. It feels like you’re walking through walls of snow.

And the town? Basically shut down. Munising is definitely in its slow season right now. It’s quiet in a way that feels kind of peaceful… like everything is just taking a pause.

But the deer.

Oh my goodness—the deer are everywhere. Just hanging out in the woods like it’s no big deal, completely unfazed by the snow. They’re beautiful, and honestly, we kept stopping just to watch them.

We wrapped up the day with great food, good laughs, and some basketball—which felt like the perfect mix after a slower day.

Nothing flashy.
Just steady, productive, and kind of exactly what we needed.

Because tomorrow is a FULL day—students, filming, B-roll, all of it.

Let’s go.
Photo Cred: Dave
]]><![CDATA[​On the Road to Munising, Michigan- Day 1]]>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:30:00 GMThttps://www.expeditionsineducation.org/greatlakesblog/on-the-road-to-munising-michigan-day-1We are BACK!
​
​There’s something special about the moment an adventure officially begins. For us, Great Lakes Odyssey 2 started not just with packed bags—but with a detour east to Jenison, Michigan to pick up the man, the myth, the legend… Dave. Every great expedition needs its people, and pulling up to his home felt like the official kickoff. Gear was shifted, bags were rearranged, and just like that, our team was complete.

Of course, no true road trip begins without a proper stop—and for us, that meant Tim Hortons. Steve grabbed his favorite coffee, and Dave hopped out to make sure I had my Diet Dr Pepper. Priorities. But the moment Dave stepped out and shut the door… click. The car locked. There I was—locked inside, and Dave was locked outside. For just a moment, my claustrophobic self kicked in enough to feel that little wave of panic rise. Nothing overwhelming, but enough to make me very aware of being sealed in. Dave stood outside, equally stuck, trying to figure out how we had managed this. And then, just as quickly as it happened, it was over—doors unlocked, a deep breath, a few laughs, and back on the road. Adventure, officially underway.

From there, we turned north. The drive from the Chicago area to Munising is about 6 to 7 hours, but with our Jenison stop, it became a full day on the road—and honestly, that’s part of the magic. There’s a rhythm to these drives, and in our car it always looks the same. Up front, Steve and Dave settle into conversations about what we lovingly call “guy things”—logistics, stories, ideas, pieces of the work always moving forward. And then there’s me, tucked into my little “hidey-holey” in the back seat. It’s my space—where I write, where I listen, where I create, and where I take it all in.

This time, I worked nearly the entire drive. Typing, planning, building, thinking. And every time I looked up, there was more snow. More on the trees. More along the roadside. More falling from the sky. It felt like we were slowly driving deeper into winter instead of out of it. Somewhere between the hum of the road and the quiet of heading north, ideas began to take shape. Notes turned into something more. That in-between space—the movement, the stillness, the distance from everything else—is where so much of this work begins.

As we moved farther north, everything shifted. Cities gave way to small towns, then forests, then long stretches of open road. By the time we reached the Upper Peninsula, it felt like we had crossed into a different world—quiet, still, and beautifully frozen in time. We rolled into Munising ready to land for a few days. Sitting along Lake Superior, the town carries a different kind of beauty in late March. Snow piles line the streets, ice edges the harbor, and the lake stretches out cold and steady, like it’s holding something vast and powerful just beneath the surface.

After a full day of travel, we checked into our hotel, unpacked our gear, and began that familiar transition from travel mode to field mode. Batteries charging, cameras out, plans being reviewed. There’s always a quiet shift in that moment—a grounding. Tomorrow, it begins.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stretches for more than 40 miles along Lake Superior, and in winter, it feels almost otherworldly. The sandstone cliffs—already known for their sweeping mineral colors—are framed with ice formations and frozen waterfalls. Water that once moved freely down the rock face is now suspended in place, forming curtains of blue and white. The same forces that shape this landscape in summer—wind, water, and time—are still at work here, just quieter, slower, more subtle.

This place tells powerful stories. The force of Lake Superior, even in freezing temperatures. The rhythm of freshwater ecosystems across seasons. The resilience of life in cold environments. The importance of protecting and understanding systems that are constantly changing, even when they appear still. Even in winter, this landscape is alive.

Over the next few days, we’ll work alongside rangers, scientists, and students to bring this place into classrooms across the country. Not just what makes it beautiful—but what makes it matter.

Day one is always about the journey. And maybe that’s the part I’m learning to notice most—the space in between. The quiet hum of the road. The laughter after small moments of panic. The steady rhythm of snow falling outside the window while ideas come to life inside. Somewhere between where we started and where we’re going, something begins to take shape—not just the work, but us, too.

And tomorrow, we step out into it.]]><![CDATA[It's our FINAL DAY of the Great Lakes Odyssey!]]>Sat, 12 Oct 2024 02:52:44 GMThttps://www.expeditionsineducation.org/greatlakesblog/october-11th-2024Since September 23rd, we've been on an incredible journey, exploring the beauty and challenges of national park sites around the Great Lakes. Today, we wrapped up our adventure at Voyageurs National Park, and what a day it’s been!

We had some amazing conversations with Ranger James and Voyageurs Field Fellows, Whitney and Connor. Connor shared his vital work in decontaminating boats to combat invasive zebra mussels, while Whitney wowed us with her discovery of a new fish species! Ranger James, who leads the aquatics team, gave us incredible insights into fish surveys, water quality monitoring, and the importance of the park’s interior lakes.

Our Engineering Design Challenge focused on developing new methods for collecting fish to improve surveys and protect these ecosystems. From designing tools that can handle different water conditions to ensuring they are environmentally friendly, we encouraged students to think big and propose innovative solutions.

For the first time ever, I put on waders...and let’s just say I ended up pretty much stuck in the sand while standing in the water! 😂 What an experience to cap off an amazing journey.

We are also incredibly thankful to our teachers, Colleen and Rodney, for joining us on this journey and being part of our LiveStream today.

This LiveStream was dedicated to the memory of Voyageurs Park Ranger, Kevin Grossheim, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty this week. Our hearts are with his family, colleagues, and the entire Voyageurs community during this difficult time.

This trip has been incredible in so many ways, but what you didn’t see was all the hard work behind the scenes. Steve and I are beyond grateful for our good friend and Expeditions in Education partner, Dave, who has been by our side, making it all happen.
We’re thrilled with how Season 1 of the Great Lakes Odyssey turned out and can’t wait to bring you Season 2 next year! 🌟
​
Until next time—this is the Great Lakes Odyssey, signing off. 🌿
#GreatLakesOdyssey #Season1Complete
]]><![CDATA[Day 17 of the Great Lakes Odyssey: LiveStream #5 from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore!]]>Wed, 09 Oct 2024 19:36:18 GMThttps://www.expeditionsineducation.org/greatlakesblog/day-17-of-the-great-lakes-odyssey-livestream-5-from-sleeping-bear-dunes-national-lakeshoreWhat an awesome, windy day for our LiveStream, exploring the wonders of Lake Michigan with Rangers Dave and Vincent and Dr. Erin. Lake Michigan really showed off its beautiful blue hues today!

We kicked off with a warm welcome and dove right into our Engineering Design Challenge: Build an Aquatic Food Web Model for Sleeping Bear Dunes. We explored how invasive species like quagga mussels disrupt the delicate food web and what we can do to help.

Ranger Erin shared some eye-opening insights on how quagga mussels have rapidly spread through the Great Lakes, creating dangerous conditions for avian botulism. Thank you, Erin, for all your amazing contributions throughout the Odyssey!

Ranger Dave took us deeper into how quagga mussels contribute to avian botulism outbreaks. We learned how these tiny invaders create the perfect conditions for algae growth, leading to botulism outbreaks that affect birds and other wildlife.

Next, we launched into our Engineering Design Challenge! Students learned how to build a model of the aquatic food web, identify disruptions caused by quagga mussels, and consider solutions for managing these invasive species. Should we remove the quagga mussels or leave them alone? Students were challenged to make decisions based on their research. Our team even recreated an aquatic food web in order to better understand it.

Ranger Vince highlighted the lasting impact of these invasive species on the ecosystem—everything from the fish to the birds, right down to how it affects local communities and the park economy. We explored how park staff and volunteers are actively working to monitor and protect Sleeping Bear Dunes. Dr. Erin even became an honorary member of the "Bot Squad".

To wrap up, we discussed the importance of stewardship and simple actions that everyone can take to help protect these incredible ecosystems. From cleaning boats to being mindful when visiting the beaches, there’s so much we can do to make a positive impact!

We couldn’t miss out on sharing our Piping Plover dance with you all—it was so much fun; however, I don’t believe “Dancing with the Stars” will be calling any of us anytime soon!

A special thanks to Laurie and Tonya for joining us behind the scenes today. Your help made everything run smoothly, and we appreciate you both so much!

Today was also bittersweet as we said goodbye to Dr. Erin, who has been an integral part of this Odyssey. She’s heading back to the Great Lakes Research and Education Center, but her influence will stay with us. We’ll miss her at Voyageurs (VOYA), but we’re excited for future adventures together!

Speaking of VOYA... we’re hitting the road now! Only a 12-hour drive ahead!

#GreatLakesOdyssey #SleepingBearDunes #InvasiveSpecies
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]]><![CDATA[​Day 16 of the Great Lakes Odyssey]]>Tue, 08 Oct 2024 19:45:36 GMThttps://www.expeditionsineducation.org/greatlakesblog/day-16-of-the-great-lakes-odysseyToday, we had an inspiring day learning from Park Biologist Lori and Ranger Erika, two dedicated professionals who are leading important conservation efforts at Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Lori works tirelessly to organize volunteers who paddle the shores of Lake Michigan from June through September, keeping an eye out for both invasive and native aquatic plants. Invasive species like Eurasian Watermilfoil and Curly-Leaf Pondweed can wreak havoc on the lake’s ecosystem, and thanks to Lori’s team, these invaders are spotted early so actions can be taken to protect the delicate balance of the lake. Their work is essential in keeping Lake Michigan healthy and resilient.

Next, we spoke with Ranger Erika, who works exclusively on the avian botulism team. You might be wondering, what’s a “bot walk”? In the world of avian botulism, it’s a patrol where rangers identify dead and living birds along the beaches. Back in 2007, there was a tragic die-off of birds at Sleeping Bear Dunes due to botulism, and since then, Erika and her team have been working to understand why. During bot walks, they collect dead birds for testing at the USGS, or, if necessary, bury them to prevent the spread of disease. They also document living birds to track any potential impacts. This work isn’t glamorous, but it’s crucial for protecting our wildlife and understanding the larger environmental issues facing the Great Lakes.

After a busy morning, we teamed up with Rangers Dave and Vince to finalize details for tomorrow's LiveStream #5! It’s hard to believe we’re already on our fifth one, and we’re so excited to introduce students across the country to these beautiful parks and show them how they can get involved in protecting these ecosystems. 

Afterward, we took some time to explore the Scenic Park Drive, one of Sleeping Bear Dunes’ most beautiful features. This 7.4-mile loop was originally designed in the 1930s as part of a larger movement to bring people closer to nature. The drive offers stunning overlooks, perfect for taking in views of the dunes and Lake Michigan. It’s truly a breathtaking way to end a busy day!

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s LiveStream—we can’t wait to share more of these incredible parks with all of you! 

#GreatLakesOdyssey #InvasiveSpecies #AvianBotulism 

[Photos by Dave & Dacia]
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