Integrative Studies class studies wicked water problems during immersive week in Traverse City

An integrative studies class took advantage of Traverse City's natural resources during a week of activities to study the area's water issues.

From kayaking on the Boardman River to sailing on a schooner while conducting experiments, Kate Fairman's "Wicked Problems in Sustainability" class researched issues with stormwater, dam remediation on a river, wastewater and freshwater.

Fairman, affiliate faculty of integrative, religious and intercultural studies, said it was the first time she planned an immersive field week for students in the hybrid course. She added that a mix of majors, including allied health sciences, brought different perspectives to the class.

"The environmental curriculum for this class fits so well with a place-based week of activities, this felt like a great opportunity," Fairman said.

Fairman worked closely with Shannon Owen and Jacquelyn Abeyta, from the GVSU Traverse City Regional Center, to plan activities and connect with area water experts, including Native American perspectives on water issues.

"In northern Michigan, it is so important to talk about water and the environment," Owen said. "We emphasize a blue-green economy in this region and it's important for students to meet the stakeholders and understand the issues associated with water quality."

A schooner operated by the Inland Seas Educational Association served as a classroom May 17. Based in Suttons Bay, the schoolship's instructors led students through four experiments, including trawling for microplastics and searching for invasive species, during a four-hour trip.

Ivy Baillie, ’21, earned a bachelor's degree in integrative studies and led an experiment in her role as a schoolship instructor. Baillie lives in Suttons Bay and said it was her first sail as an instructor.

"We usually lead these trips for school kids, it's nice to open this up to young adults. I was excited to see some people who I know," Baillie said.

Following the schoolship tour and days spent kayaking and biking in the Boardman Lake area, students gave presentations on a wicked water issue to community stakeholders.

Fairman called the schooner trip and the immersive week successful and said she hopes to offer a similar program next year.

"By doing all these activities, we are giving students a big picture of the Great Lakes," Fairman said. "These types of hands-on experiences are great for students to build their intrigue for water. The heart will then motivate them to take action on environmental issues and develop a love for this type of work."