May 5

Great Lakes Awareness Day

Dive into Great Lakes Awareness Day! Uncover the beauty, importance, and need for conservation of these vast freshwater treasures.

Yearly Date

First Monday of the First Full Week in May

Observed

Internationally

Introduction

Get ready to dive in to Great Lakes Awareness Day on May 6! This is a truly special day devoted to the vast and incredible bodies of freshwater known as the Great Lakes. Covering a whopping 94,250 square miles, these lakes, Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, collectively house 21% of the world's surface freshwater. First recognized in 2006 by a small group of Michigan educators to increase awareness about the lakes' importance and benefits, the day has since grown in reach and significance. Today is all about gaining more knowledge, appreciating the beauty and immeasurable value of our Great Lakes, and understanding the need to preserve them for future generations.

Great Lakes Awareness Day Timeline

1800s

Great Lakes Exploration

In the 19th century, explorers and settlers charted the Great Lakes, leading to increased awareness of their size and importance.

1968

Water Quality Act

The US Congress passed the Federal Water Quality Act in response to water pollution in bodies such as the Great Lakes.

1972

Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement

The United States and Canada signed the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement aiming to protect the water quality in the Great Lakes.

1987

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative was launched to accelerate efforts to protect and restore the lakes.

2006

First Great Lakes Awareness Day

Great Lakes Awareness Day is first recognized by a small group of Michigan educators to increase awareness about the importance of the lakes.

2019

Expansion of Restoration Efforts

Government and private funds increased, expanding restoration efforts and studies on the impact of climate change on the Great Lakes.

How to Celebrate Great Lakes Awareness Day

1 Organize a beach cleanup

Get a group together and head to one of the many beautiful beaches along the Great Lakes for a cleanup day. Not only is it a great way to appreciate the lakes, but it's also a hands-on way of preserving them.

2 Take a boat tour

Board a guided boat tour to get up close and personal with these majestic lakes. The tour guide will likely offer interesting facts and stories about the historical significance, ecology, and geology of the lakes.

3 Attend a lecture or workshop

Look for events at local educational institutions or nature centers that offer further learning about this precious ecosystem. This could be a lecture, workshop, or even a documentary screening. Knowledge is power!

4 Create art inspired by the Great Lakes

Indulge your artistic side by making something beautiful inspired by the Great Lakes. This could be painting, photography, sculpting or even writing a poem or song. Share it online to spread the love.

5 Go bird watching

The Great Lakes region is a major flyway for migratory birds, providing fantastic opportunities for birding. Spend the day bird-watching and appreciate another aspect of the ecosystem that relies on these great bodies of water.

Why Great Lakes Awareness Day is Important

Fosters a Connection with Nature

Great Lakes Awareness Day brings attention to the natural majesty of the Great Lakes, encouraging people to engage with the environment in meaningful ways such as beach cleanups, bird-watching or creating art inspired by the lakes' beauty. This fosters a greater appreciation for and connection to the natural world.

Encourages Learning

With opportunities to attend educational workshops or lectures and going on guided boat tours, Great Lakes Awareness Day encourages learning about the historical, ecological, and geological significance of the lakes. This kind of learning helps in understanding and appreciating the importance of preserving such ecosystems.

Promotes Conservation Efforts

Great Lakes Awareness Day not only spotlights the stunning beauty of these bodies of freshwater but also their fragility. By participating in direct conservation efforts such as organizing a beach cleanup, we can play a role in protecting these vital ecosystems for future generations. This day promotes the importance of individual and collective efforts in environmental conservation.