January 12-15, 2009
Led by Tom Vawter, Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies

For humans and for most other species that live outside the world’s oceans, fresh water is the
most precious commodity, and yet fresh water is not abundant nor evenly distributed on the Earth’s
land surface. In fact, at any one time, well over half of the Earth’s fresh water resides in a handful of
great lakes. While some areas—like upstate New York —are blessed with an abundance of lakes and
their connecting streams, much of the Earth is dry.

This Winter Institute program will examine the natural history of lakes and lake districts. We’ll learn
how lakes are formed and how they are distributed, often clustered in so-called lake districts.
(New York ’s Finger Lakes lie in one such district.) We’ll learn how lakes work, what forces drive their natural processes, and what life inhabits them. We’ll learn that many lakes are threatened by human activities, and we’ll learn what we might do to preserve them. In the process we’ll visit some lakes, especially the shores of our own Cayuga Lake , and enjoy the scenic beauty they provide.

In addition to our own Cayuga, we'll visit Green Lake, Onondaga Lake (described as the most polluted
lake in the United States) and Skaneateles Lake.

Note: A textbook is recommended at additional cost for this program. Prior to your program, please
purchase The Natural History of Lakes, by Burgis and Morris (available on amazon.com for $65).

View detailed schedule