The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary we believe has exceeded everyone’s expectations as a quality feature of our community.

Evidence of that was again on display this week as 15 teachers from across the state spent time in Alpena Monday to learn more about the Great Lakes and its ecosystem. The group was teamed with scientists and others who were conducting workshops through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Michigan Sea Grant program. The group was aboard the research vessel Lake Guardian, which was stopping at various Lake Huron ports, conducting lessons, workshops and training seminars at each stop.

The hope is that the teachers will then take what they are learning back into their classrooms next school year, and make teaching even more pertinent and exciting for students.

We appreciate that kind of experience, which is unique and different.

Imagine the potential reach within a school from a teacher who is excited and innovative in their lesson preparations based on the experiences they have learned from this program.

And just think, before the sanctuary designation this probably would not have taken place locally.