About the CLWA

Benzie area students join 26th annual Walkabout in the watershed

On October 9 the CLWA conducted its 26th annual experiential educational project for middle school students, the Crystal Lake Walkabout. Sixth grade classes from Benzie Central and Frankfort/Elberta public schools visited locations around Crystal Lake to learn about the ecology of the watershed and the ways its qualities can be threatened. One aim is to foster appreciation for the important role that the watershed plays for the whole community, and to foster a sense of responsibility for its preservation. Some of the topics covered were water chemistry, invasive species, and swimmer’s itch. A new feature this year was the participation of an aerial drone from Zero Gravity Aerial, which demonstrated how aerial photography is assisting the CLWA aquatic plant survey of Crystal Lake. Experts from the Benzie Conservation District and the NW Michigan Invasive Species Network led the students through hands-on exercises with the support of the Crystal Lake Walkabout Field Notebook, a specially designed workbook that each student received. Two dozen volunteers from the local community, including a large contingent from the Benzie Sunrise Rotary, helped the day move smoothly.

For more information, see the main Walkabout web page.