Racine students work to clean up Lake Michigan, learn "what they do matters"

RACINE -- It's a beautiful body of water in our own backyard, but parts of Lake Michigan need a little help.

After noticing an increase of algae on the shores in Racine, Scott Dizack joined the Water Action Volunteers and began testing the quality of the water. Both of Dizack's children became interested in their dad's mission and that's when Prairie School gave him a call.

"I think it's helped them understand what they do matters, it's not just taking a test on something," said Prairie School 3rd Grade Teacher Mari Grobschmidt.

Dizack began teaching 3rd graders how to test water quality and record the information in the DNR's database.

"They can use that data to help implement some regulations or remedies to clean the water up," said Dizack.

"If we can make a change that will really set a good example for the younger kids," said 3rd grader Shritha Reddy.

They discovered phosphorus, which can be found in fertilizer and pet waste, was getting into streams that flow into the lake causing algae damaging this habitat.

This has become a family affair for Scott as his daughter Maya was able to secure a $4,300 grant to install these Biohavens or floating islands that absorb some of the phosphorus in the water that flows into Lake Michigan.

Although Dizack says the water quality has improved, he has no plans of slowing down.

"It's our intention to get it very clean," said Dizack.

Dizack's work with the students was so successful it's been adopted into the Prairie School curriculum.

To learn more about becoming a Water Action Volunteer, CLICK HERE.