esc 2024 mosaic

The EEGS Department and Seaborg Mathematics and Science Center co-hosted the 2024 Summer Environmental Science Camp. Nineteen high school students from the region (and one from Florida) joined the week-long camp in mid-July. The students, with academic interests ranging from art to zoology—including environmental science, sustainability, earth science, GIS, conservation, ecology, forestry, and wildlife management—immersed themselves in the college experience, living in The Woods and eating meals at Northern Lights Dining. The campers visited sites around the Marquette area to learn about local forest and stream ecology, geology, watershed science, sustainability and local food systems, conservation, and restoration.

The first morning of camp, Dr. Adam Naito led the group in a forest ecology exercise in the Longyear Tract. They collected data on the species and sizes of trees to estimate forest biomass and carbon storage. The afternoon’s topic was stream ecology. Science educator Ms. Karen Bacula demonstrated where aquatic macroinvertebrates live and how they can indicate water quality. Students analyzed water samples collected from Whetstone Brook where it flows into Lake Superior cataloged a high diversity of tiny creatures.

On Tuesday Richard Ziegler led a tour of the area’s amazing geology. They explored rocks that are billions of years old, including sites with hematite, magnetite, and pillow basalts. After stops at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum, Jasper Knob (with Irontown Pasties for lunch at the top), and Deer Lake the group ended the day checking out the local meteorite impact site.

The next day Ms. Bacula and Mr. Ziegler led a paddle down the Au Train River to the mouth at Lake Superior. First the campers read topographic maps and measured how far they would paddle along the meandering stream. Then they enjoyed the day on the water, stopping for a picnic and a lesson on watershed science.

The focus of Thursday’s activities was local—literally using a hand lens to examine close-up details in nature, and then thinking more broadly about sustainability of food systems and energy. Dr. Susy Ziegler and counselor Becky introduced the group to the NMU Hoop House. Campers then chose from ten different activities that included watering the garden beds, tending to the composting worms, harvesting lavender, potatoes, cucumbers, and nasturtiums, weeding the pollinator garden, and painting colorful signs and plant labels. This relaxing time at the Hoop House prepared them for an inspiring tour of regional food for sale at the Lakeshore Depot—with a musical interlude at the community piano. After lunch Dr. Jes Thompson and SHINE Communication & Outreach Intern Mack Geary documented NMU’s sustainability success, plans, and aspirations during a walking tour across campus. Then Outdoor Recreation and Leadership Management senior Leevy Matthews shared an activity in which the participants engaged all five of their senses in the Outdoor Learning Area.

On the final full day, Kathleen Henry ('16, BS Environmental Studies and Sustainability) taught about the efforts of Superior Watershed Partnership to promote coastal resilience as the climate changes. The campers helped plant beach grass and then toured the Eagle’s Nest Community Forest. After lunch it was time to meet the Wildpups and friends from Superiorland Pet Partners for some fuzz therapy and relaxation.

Throughout the week students recorded their observations in handmade journals and created posters highlighting their endeavors and favorite lessons. To wrap up the week the campers presented these posters and shared their experiences to their friends and family at a Showcase of Learning in The Lodge. We look forward to seeing these future Wildcats back on campus when it’s time for college.

The success of this camp was also possible because of the following dedicated individuals:

  • The six amazing college students and recent graduates who served as enthusiastic counselors, including Environmental Studies and Sustainability majors Becky and Dayna, Environmental Science major Jillian, recent Earth Science graduate Kyle, Delaney, and Timothy. The counselors participated in activities with the campers throughout the week and led enjoyable evening activities;
  • Seaborg staff Chris StanderfordRenee Jewett, and Lisa Mattson;
  • Senior Success Advisor Kelsey Avey who helped prepare for and co-direct the camp;
  • EEGS Administrative Assistant Jana Nicholls who assisted behind the scenes;
  • The Wildpups and their handlers, plus several dogs and handlers from Superiorland Pet Partners who visited the camp and helped everyone chill and appreciate life one afternoon between academic activities;
  • Kari Garcia, Director of Admissions, who presented the campers with a certificate of completion and conditional admission to NMU. Go 'Cats!