October 1, 2025 | 9:00am-4:30pm
Emergency Operations Room (EOC) in Washburn, WI
What’s this training?
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, were once rare in Lake Superior’s nearshore and estuaries but have become more frequent in the past decade. These green-streaked blooms raise concerns about toxicity and health risks, making it essential to develop skills for identifying and assessing harmful algal blooms along the Lake Superior waterfront and adjoining waterbodies.
This training was developed in 2025 to help local waterfront professionals confidently identify cyanobacterial blooms, practice testing and observation skills, and become proficient in methods that help us understand and quickly respond to bloom events when they happen. This course is a good fit for those who manage local waterfront access, monitor water changes or water quality, steward public health and safety, and/or do water outreach. No prior experience in algal identification is required.
At this hands-on one-day training, you can expect to:
- Learn and apply bloom field observation methods 👁;
- Be guided in microscopy practice with samples of common local toxin-producing cyanobacteria 🔬;
- Engage in a lab-format toxin testing session exploring different types of test strips with test and live cultures 🦠;
- Consider applications of these skills and tools in your practice 👍.
Participation is limited to 20 attendees, and registration is required. Registration closes September 24, or when we reach maximum capacity. Registered attendees will receive lunch, and a custom workbook designed to facilitate learning during and after the training event. This training is developed and offered by the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Cost: There is a $25 charge for this training, charged to credit card at the time of registration.
- Please contact us if you would like to participate in this training but have barriers preventing you from paying the course fee. We have a limited number of no-cost spots available upon request.
- We strive to keep our class full, and appreciate early notice if you need to cancel your registration. Cancellations requests received after September 24 will not receive a refund.
Location:
Emergency Operations Room (EOC)
Bayfield County Annex
117 E 6th Street
Washburn, WI 54891
Questions? Please reach out to Karina Heim at karina.heim@wisc.edu.
You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language and/or format, and/or other services to make this event more accessible. Contact Karina Heim, Coastal Training Program Coordinator, at karina.heim@wisc.edu or by calling 715-399-4089. It takes time to make arrangements. Make your request by September 5, 2025 so there is enough time to make sure everything is ready for you. There is no added cost to you for these services.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.