The Grand Traverse Steward Initiative (GTSI) is hosted at Inland Seas and is part of the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative (GLSI) network. The program is focused on connecting teachers and community partners, providing professional development and support to educators, and facilitating classroom projects. These are done through a place-based lens. As a GTSI volunteer, you…
Inland Seas would like to maintain a professional image for those visiting Suttons Bay. In order to do so, the grass should be cut regularly, the grounds kept clean, and the building well-maintained. Days and times to accomplish these tasks are flexible. As a building and grounds volunteer, you may: mow the lawn, rake and…
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) are underwater robots that enable researchers and industry professionals to visually assess underwater areas that were once unreachable or too dangerous for human access. When classes come to participate in our ROV Engineer and Explore Program, students learn to collaborate in teams to design and build an ROV to complete specific…
Sail the Great Lakes as a volunteer crew member aboard our 77’ schooner Inland Seas. Crew members are needed for Spring and Fall Schoolship programs as well as our general public programming during the summer. Programs range from two to four hours each and vary throughout the day. Training will begin in spring for interested…
ISEA’s Schoolship program is for students from 4th–12th grade. Students come onboard and participate in a three and a half (3.5) hour hands-on Great Lakes ecology experience, designed to promote stewardship of the Great Lakes. Our Schoolship instructors are trained by ISEA staff and become proficient in a learning station (no experience is necessary). Instructors…
Volunteer opportunities are available in the ISEA office on an on-going basis and for specific projects. Volunteers are needed to assist with office tasks and help promote Inland Seas and our programs. As an office volunteer, you may: answer phones; prepare mailings; research and prepare reports; input data; distribute rack cards; take photos and videos…
Programs include young students working alongside experienced boat shop instructors to construct Optimist sailing prams, Viewing Boxes, and Solar Boats. Boat shop volunteers also assist with ship and facility maintenance projects. No experience is necessary. As a boat shop volunteer, you may: receive safety training on all of the equipment; observe veteran volunteers in action…
Ship Ambassador volunteers are needed for tasks aboard either of the schooners that are not assigned to instructors or crew. As a Ship Ambassador Volunteer, you may: assist the cook on a Breakfast sail, share information about Inland Seas in a variety of settings, and provide support on chartered program sails.
The mission of ISEA is to inspire a lifetime of Great Lakes curiosity, stewardship, and passion in people of all ages.
Explore SWMLC’s preserves while indulging an interest in native plants — become a Seed Collector!