Guest column: Five ways to be a Great Lakes ‘steward’

By Patty Birkholz/Office of the Great Lakes

In today’s technological age, there is a documented societal disconnect from nature known as the "nature deficit." As a result, this disconnect has the potential for unfortunate and adverse effects on the Great Lakes, both from an environmental and societal standpoint. In order to counteract these adverse effects, it has become vital to build new collaborations to "create a culture of environmental stewardship by providing people of all ages, especially our young people, with relevant knowledge that builds excitement for learning and instills a commitment to improving local communities."

Through the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative, we need to prepare current and future generations, leaders and decision-makers to become Great Lakes stewards.

The Great Lakes are socially, economically and environmentally critical to the region, the nation and the planet. Therefore, it only follows that public agencies, private and nonprofit organizations, and local communities have a vested interest in fostering an environmental stewardship ethic to preserve this unparalleled resource.

These are our Great Lakes; they belong to us. We have a responsibility to be their stewards. There are five simple things that anyone can do to be a Great Lakes steward:

It is important to understand the characteristics, function and value of the Great Lakes. This understanding enables people to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the Great Lakes and the resources in their local watershed.

2. Connect with nature. Experience a connection to nature in your local community. Visit or, better yet, take a child to a lake, river, park or natural area. People who experience nature at a young age have been shown to be more likely to appreciate the natural environment and become future stewards.

3. Make wise choices in your landscape. What we do on the land affects the lakes and our future is intertwined with that of the lakes. Plant buffer strips along streams and lake shores to control runoff of nutrients. Minimize use of non-porous surfaces like pavement. We all have a duty to act responsibly. Our ability to effectively balance protection and wise use of our Great Lakes resources is key.

4. Be a part of the solution. Become empowered and take action.

Take steps to protect the quality of our air, land and water. When recreating on Michigan waters: clean, drain and dry all recreational equipment to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species. Dispose of unwanted pharmaceuticals at a collection facility or in the trash. Reduce energy and water use to reduce the impacts on the environment. Recycle.

5. Get involved in your community to protect and restore natural places. People care most about the places where they live and the destinations that they love. There are many organized programs (e.g., Clean Boats, Clean Waters; Cooperative Lake and Stream Monitoring Program; Adopt a Beach, etc.) that provide volunteer opportunities to meet individual interests and can also be fun. Organizations like The Stewardship Network help to develop local leaders to facilitate community conservation.

We have a huge responsibility to create and continuously promote an enhanced awareness of the critical role the Great Lakes and our coastal resources play in our social well-being and economic prosperity. We always should remember: "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."