Debra Oosterhart

AmeriCorps Member

Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program

 

 

Debra joined the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program (MGSP) in October 2007. For the past fourteen years Debra has taught elementary school with the last six of those years in Ontonagon, Michigan. Since her move to Mason county Debra has been a substitute teacher for Mason and Manistee counties.

 

As the new AmeriCorps Member for the MGSP, her job is to educate people about groundwater. Debra conducts presentations at schools for all grades using a groundwater flow model. Which is a three dimensional representation of the earth’s surface and below to show how water moves thru the soil and how surface water and groundwater are connected. This presentation is available to schools, youth groups, garden clubs, Lake Associations and others.

 

The MGSP’s mission is to provide information and assessment tools for pesticide and nitrogen fertilizer users. There is a book for homeowners called Home*A*Syst which is a home assessment for environmental protection. This program is a confidential free program that helps homeowners reduce their risk of groundwater contamination. There is also a Lawn*A*Syst and a Lake*A*Syst.

 

Call or email Debra Oosterhart for more information on any of these programs or to schedule a presentation or Home*A*Syst. Call the Manistee Conservation District at (231) 889-4761 or email Debra at: OosterhartD@michigan.gov

 

 

Programs Offered:

 

         Groundwater Education including a flow model demonstration for k-12.

 

            Septic tank model demonstration for all groups

 

            Groundwater presentations for (but not limited to):

                 Lake Associations

                 Rock & Mineral Groups

                                Garden Clubs

                                4-H Groups

                                Town Hall meetings

                                VFW meetings

                                Campgrounds

                                Scouts

                                Special interest groups

          

             Home*A*Systs for private home owners to better manage

                           their groundwater resources.

 

Improving the Health of Your Lake:

 

Dear Lake Association members and neighbors,

Living next to a lake can be a rewarding experience in a multitude of ways, but this privilege comes with responsibilities as well. Once developed, many Michigan lakes begin to suffer from weed and algae invasion, cloudy water, increasingly poor fishing, sinking water levels, and coliform bacterial presence.

By being proactive about lakeshore protection, residents can improve the health of their lake through simple activities, such as lakescaping and lawn care, septic maintenance, and stormwater management.

Learn more about shoreline management and water quality by scheduling a FREE Lake*A*Syst presentation at your convenience. The presentation includes interactive demonstrations, and gives lake residents the tools they need to make informed decisions about what kind of fertilizer to use on their lawn, erosion control and buffer strips, environmentally friendly patio design, and much more. Each participant will receive a free booklet and supplemental educational materials, specifically addressing lakeside residents’ concerns and questions.

There is no time like the present for you and your neighbors to begin improving your lake’s quality, beauty, and the health of its many residents, both human and animal. It’s up to you!

 

Sincerely,                                               

Debra Oosterhart                                             

AmeriCorps Environmental Educator

Link for Water Presentation Application in pdf format