​Why the Great Lakes National Park Sites Are Vital to Our Ecosystem!

The Great Lakes are often referred to as one of Earth's most precious ecosystems. Spanning five vast freshwater lakes, they contain 84% of North America's surface freshwater and offer an intricate web of life that supports not only wildlife but also the millions of people who rely on these waters. In our upcoming 19-day adventure, known as the Great Lakes Odyssey, we will visit several national park sites that are pivotal to the health of these lakes. As we travel to each park, we will collaborate with rangers, scientists, and local community groups to introduce students across the country to the rich ecosystems of the Great Lakes and the incredible stories of these places and their people.

Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial (PEVI)
Our first stop is Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial on South Bass Island in Lake Erie. While most people associate this site with the War of 1812, its role in our environmental history is just as significant. Lake Erie, once plagued by severe pollution, is now the focus of massive restoration efforts. From harmful algal blooms (HABs) to invasive species, this park serves as a real-world classroom for students and scientists alike. We’re excited to film water quality testing with high school students, showcasing how citizen science contributes to the health of this critical waterway.

Indiana Dunes National Park (INDU)
The second stop on our journey is Indiana Dunes National Park, a place where the natural beauty of sand dunes meets the challenges of industrial encroachment. The Great Marsh Trail will be our classroom as we film with students learning about ecosystem services and how the park restores native species in the face of pollution and invasive plants. Indiana Dunes highlights the delicate balance between conservation and human impact, reminding us of our responsibility to protect our natural resources.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (PIRO)
Next, we’ll venture to the rugged shores of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where Lake Superior’s powerful waves have sculpted some of the most stunning landscapes in the region. Pictured Rocks is also an essential part of freshwater biodiversity, serving as a habitat for a wide array of species. Students will explore the science behind erosion, water quality, and wilderness restoration. The wild beauty of this park reminds us why wilderness matters—and why we must be vigilant stewards of these environments.

Keweenaw National Historical Park (KEWE)
Keweenaw National Historical Park offers a unique blend of human history and ecological preservation. This site preserves the story of the copper mining boom, but it also asks important questions about how past human activities have shaped the land. We’ll guide students through lessons about stamp sands and their impact on water quality and fish populations, with an engineering challenge that encourages them to think creatively about solutions. This park shows how history, science, and environmental stewardship are intertwined.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (SLBE)
On the shores of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes offers another lens into the interconnectedness of ecosystems. The quagga mussel, an invasive species, has led to a chain reaction in the lake's ecosystem, resulting in avian botulism outbreaks that threaten bird populations. During our time at Sleeping Bear Dunes, we’ll focus on educating students about the impacts of invasive species and the power of community science in addressing these challenges. We’ll explore the importance of stewardship and invite students to become part of the solution.

Voyageurs National Park (VOYA)
Finally, we’ll end our adventure at Voyageurs National Park, where water is the central theme. This park offers a pristine example of interior lakes that remain untouched by pollution, yet still face challenges from climate change and species monitoring. Our students will learn about fish surveys and the importance of maintaining water quality through innovative testing techniques. By exploring these lakes with scientists, we’ll discover how essential it is to safeguard our aquatic ecosystems for future generations.

The Great Lakes Odyssey: A Call to Action
As we embark on this 19-day Great Lakes Odyssey, we are excited to not only visit these breathtaking parks but also to work closely with park rangers, scientists, and local community groups who are dedicating their lives to protecting these fragile ecosystems. Through live streams, educational content, and hands-on activities, we will bring these parks into classrooms across the nation. Together, we will inspire students to appreciate the interconnectedness of the natural world and empower them to become active participants in preserving it.

The Great Lakes are not just a regional treasure—they are a global resource. We are thrilled to introduce students around the country to their importance, helping them understand that each of us has a role to play in ensuring their health and longevity for generations to come.

Stay tuned as we dive deep into the waters, explore the land, and share the stories of the people and places that make the Great Lakes such an extraordinary part of our planet. This is more than just a journey—it’s a mission to inspire the next generation of stewards for one of the world’s most vital ecosystems.