Connecting With Nature on World Lake Day: Michigan Groups Highlight Lakes, Biodiversity, and Citizen Science

MICHIGAN – As the world marks the first annual World Lake Day, Michigan residents are being encouraged to connect with nature, explore local waters, and join community efforts to safeguard lakes from pollution, invasive species, and climate impacts.

Citizen Science Through iNaturalist

One way people are participating is through iNaturalist, a free smartphone app that lets users photograph plants, animals, and other organisms and upload their findings for identification by artificial intelligence tools or scientific experts.

With more than 7 million monthly users and over 260 million verified observations of nearly 528,000 species, iNaturalist has already played a role in rediscovering rare species and even identifying organisms new to science. It also serves as an early warning system for detecting invasive species, including those threatening aquatic ecosystems in Michigan.

“Don’t be afraid to be curious about something you’ve seen a million times,” said Arya Natarajan of iNaturalist. “You just never know what’s out there, and the more people taking photos and contributing, the better we can protect nature.”

Bioblitzes and Community Events

Another way residents are engaging is through bioblitzes, short-term events where people team up to document as many species as possible in a given area.

In 2025, the Great Lakes BioBlitz covered all eight U.S. states bordering the lakes, plus Ontario, with participants recording hundreds of species observations.

Closer to home, the University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens hosted its second “Moth Night” this July, where citizen scientists recorded 187 species across 700 observations. Meanwhile, the Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) launched its first Aquatic Invasive Species Detection Blitz, documenting 18 invasive species across Michigan waterways, including phragmites, Eurasian watermilfoil, and zebra mussels.

Why World Lake Day Matters

The United Nations General Assembly established World Lake Day to recognize the critical role lakes play in ecosystems and human life. Lakes provide habitat for fish, plants, and wildlife; regulate climate; absorb floodwaters; store carbon; and offer recreation and economic opportunities.

The U.N. has urged communities worldwide to use the day to focus on preservation, conservation, and restoration of lake ecosystems. In Michigan, where the Great Lakes define the landscape, such calls hold particular importance.

How Residents Can Get Involved

Michigan residents can participate in World Lake Day and beyond by:

• Exploring nearby lakes and photographing nature with iNaturalist.
• Joining local bioblitzes or community science projects.
• Learning how to identify and report invasive species.
• Supporting conservation programs through state agencies and nonprofits.

Even small steps, such as avoiding harmful lawn chemicals that run off into waterways or helping clean up shorelines, can make a meaningful impact.

Does World Lake Day inspire you to get more involved in protecting Michigan’s lakes and wildlife? What local steps do you think communities should prioritize to balance recreation with conservation? Share your thoughts, tips, or concerns in the comments below and join the conversation with FatCityFeed.com.