Great Lakes Stewardship
Forecasted
Great Lakes Stewardship supports Michigan residents through place-based education, fishing education, and youth leadership to build ecological understanding and encourage stewardship of the lakes and fisheries.
Funder: Great Lakes Fishery Trust
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000 total for the 2025 place-based stewardship education RFP
Summary: Supports education that helps residents understand Great Lakes ecology and take action to sustain the lakes and their fisheries.
Key Information: Projects must educate Michigan residents, with priority given to Lake Michigan stewardship.
Description
The Great Lakes Fishery Trust’s Great Lakes Stewardship program supports education that increases residents’ understanding of Great Lakes ecology and helps them become active stewards and advocates for sustainable fisheries. Its investments encompass place-based stewardship education in communities and preK–12 settings, fishing education, and youth leadership programs, including camps.
The program emphasizes understanding ecosystems and watersheds, translating knowledge into action, and providing direct experiences with natural resources. Place-based stewardship education uses hands-on learning in local communities and landscapes. Fishing education connects angling participation with broader environmental stewardship. Lake Michigan and its stewardship by Michigan residents are priorities, although projects may operate outside Michigan when they have a strong connection to the Great Lakes Basin.
