Obtain hands-on experience in environmental science while giving back to the community. Every summer the Three Lakes Association chooses one or more water quality projects that will provide students a rich experience with data collection and water body stewardship as we preserve and protect Torch Lake, Lake Bellaire and Clam Lake.
Past projects have included:
- Investigation of snail diets to determine their role in Golden Brown algae control
- qPCR testing to assess the risk of swimmer’s itch and E. coli
- Large woody debris installation for habitat improvement
- Removal of sediment from the Grass River
- Golden brown algae study on lake floors
- E. coli and macroinvertebrate monitoring
- Fish assessments
- Shoreline survey
- Lake water quality testing
Students who are selected for the internship will be expected to:
- Be a student in the Bellaire, Central Lake, Elk Rapids, Kalkaska or Mancelona School district
- Spend at least 45 hours of time involved in various scientific activities
- Prepare a presentation of the project that will be presented to the TLA Board of Directors on August 24 at 9AM, and posted on the TLA website
- Make a presentation about their experience to their school board
- Attend an organization meeting May 30, 4-5 pm, location TBD
- Attend a training seminar June 1, 4-7 PM, location TBD This will be scheduled at a time that works for everyone.
- Be ready to start on Thursday morning, June 13, 8am
In addition to a great experience, students will receive:
- Some Schools offer ½ credit on their school transcript for environmental science
- A $550 award after completion of the internship requirements
- A letter from TLA acknowledging the student’s participation