The Great Lakes are known for their beauty and the wealth of resources within and around them. The combined lakes contain the largest supply of fresh water on earth; 20% or one fifth of the earth's total fresh water, with more than 3,000 miles of shoreline, the Great Lakes not only form Michigan's geography, but also shape our economy, society, and environment.
The Great Lakes face threats including invasive species, urban and rural runoff, historical as well as new sources of contamination, and changes in climate. You can help protect our Great Lakes and all of Michigan’s rivers, lakes and streams and even groundwater! Ensuring the health of our water resources for generations to come depends on stewardship and education about water. Just like every drop of water matters, every effort does, too!
Become a water steward and Great Lakes champion!
Help protect the Great Lakes - Join an Adopt-a-Beach event or start your own!
Whether it's a clean-up project or installing a rain barrel, there are many ways to connect with efforts that benefit Michigan's lakes, rivers and streams.
Two days twice a year, families and friends can enjoy one of Michigan's premiere outdoor activities, Michigan fishing, for FREE!
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) ensures that Michigan's water resources are protected and remain clean and abundant.
The Michigan Water School educates local officials to increase their knowledge about water management and access tools and resources for sound decision-making regarding water resources.
Michigan's natural areas are under threat from invasive species. You can help protect our land and water resources.
Proper drug disposal is important because it helps protect human health and our environment.
The Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) is a network of volunteer water quality monitoring programs in Michigan.
Having fun in the sun comes with its safety concerns. Before going to the beach to swim, make sure you are prepared and aware of water hazards.
Whether you are boating on the Great Lakes, kayaking on a river, or stand-up paddle boarding on an inland lake, it is important to be prepared and safe. Doing so will allow you to enjoy your trip and recreate responsibly.
Before casting your line, make sure you are prepared for your fishing trip and have a firm understanding of safety tips.
The Great Lakes basin is a 295,200 square mile area within which all surface area drains into the Great Lakes. It includes parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ontario, and Quebec. All together, the Great Lakes contain the 9,402 miles of shoreline and 94,710 total square miles of surface area (about the size of Texas).
The From Students to Stewards initiative teaches elementary through high school students about the Great Lakes, Michigan watersheds, and the impact people have on water resources across the state. The current phase includes two funding opportunities supporting freshwater-focused field experiences and place-based, problem-based, and project-based (3P) approaches to engage students in learning about the importance of Michigan’s Great Lakes and water resources and prepare them for careers in STEM fields. The program also includes posting and maintaining an interactive, online table of Michigan-based freshwater education resources for schools and communities interested in implementing 3P education. The current phase of this grant program is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. This initiative began as a multi-agency collaboration among EGLE’s Office of the Great Lakes, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's MiSTEM Network, and the Michigan Department of Education.
Stay tuned here for the release of these new funding opportunities in early 2026.
Our lakes define us. Michigan is the steward of over two thirds of the Great Lakes coastline – we are truly the Great Lakes State! Take the next step to coastal resilience and learn how to develop resilient master plans and policies that best fit your coastal community.
Watch a playlist of short educational videos about various topics.
Learn about what EGLE's doing for Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week through this video playlist.
Learn how to protect Michigan inland lakes.
The Shoreland Stewards Program was created to recognize inland lake property owners who are maintaining their property in a way that reduces negative impacts that development can have on inland lakes to ensure healthy lakes for future generations for both people and fish and wildlife.
