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July & August: 2013 Summer Discovery Cruises
Do you want to learn about the Great Lakes by being on the Great Lakes? If so, you will want to learn more about our 2013 Summer Discovery Cruises (www.discoverycruises.org
) season!
For the twelfth summer, Michigan Sea Grant Extension will provide Michiganders (and visitors to Michigan) with the opportunity to learn about the Great Lakes by being on the Great Lakes. Cruises depart from Lake Erie Metropark, with cruises on the lower Detroit River and Lake Erie, and Lake St. Clair Metropark, cruising Lake St. Clair.
The 2013 season offers more than 25 educational cruises around themes such as Fisheries, Wildlife, Wetlands, Shipwrecks, Lighthouses, Weather, Shipping and more. Cruises for educators wanting to enhance the use of Great Lakes content in their teaching are also provided, with stipends.
Some of the exciting cruises for the 2013 season include:
Lake St. Clair Fisheries - This is not a fishing cruise, but it definitely is a “fishy” cruise! Learn first-hand about the fish that are found in Lake St. Clair, many of which are available for hands-on examination during the cruise. We will be joined by a Michigan DNR Fisheries Biologist and rendezvous with their research vessel while out on the lake to observe fish tagging, measuring and other research operations.
Warfare on the Waterfront - The War of 1812, World War II, and even the American Civil War have all shaped the Detroit River and western Lake Erie. Long after the end of hostilities, remnants of this military presence can still be found. Join an Interpreter for an in-depth look at these conflicts, their sites and stories, and see how they impacted the region and the world.
Shipwreck at Sugar - Just under the waves off a crumbling Sugar Island dock lie the remains of a vessel sank in 1945. Travel with our resident historian to the wreck site to learn about the S.S. Seabreeze, the story of how it got there and the circumstances surrounding its mysterious sinking.
Eco-Art - Join us as we explore the Great Lakes in a great new way – through Eco-Art! Learn about the Great Lakes ecosystem and combine elements of it with your own imagination to create a unique work of art to take home. Both fun and educational, you will translate what you see and learn into an amazing Great Lakes Eco-Art piece! No prior art experience needed. All materials provided. Wear clothes that allow you to get messy.
Birds, Boats & Booze (4 hour history cruise) - Many things brought people to the St. Clair River Delta Flats area. The abundant wetlands brought duck hunters and fishing. Wood boats and passenger steamers brought tourism and recreation, and Prohibition brought rumrunners and speakeasies to the region. Spend a little more time in "the flats" with us as we cruise farther up the South Channel and share a little of the past including stories of the big hotels, Tashmoo Park, Chris Craft boat building and more.
All Aboard Kids Cruise - Learn some sailor talk (the good kind!), rope work, a few pirate skills, anchor haulin’, deck swabbing and depth sounding. You’ll even get a chance to pull up some of the finest bottom muck you’ve ever laid eyes on. Aye, it’s a fun and educational journey through time and place. Parents are welcome — if they behave.
To learn about the Great Lakes by being on the Great Lakes, visit the Summer Discovery Cruises web site at www.discoverycruises.org for complete cruise descriptions, locations, dates and times, as well as directions on how to register for your 2013 Summer Discovery Cruises. Don’t miss the boat! Registration is now open.
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