The Center for Freshwater Research and Education

An image of the Great Lakes with the text, "inspire our community, sustain our great lakes."

Learn about freshwater science. Become an advocate for the Great Lakes.

Welcome to LSSU’s Richard and Theresa Barch Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE)!

Explore the links below to learn how we are partnering to sustain the Great Lakes’ resources through education, research, and community engagement.

CFRE is Making an Impact

Click the images below to learn more about our involvement in freshwater research, undergraduate education, community and k-12 education, and the USCG Center of Expertise.

Visit the Great Lakes Discovery Center at CFRE

The GLDC is open to the public and is free of charge.

Fall Hours:
Friday – 3 PM to 6 PM
Saturday – 10 AM to 2 PM

Summer Hours:
Thursday through Saturday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Sunday – 12 PM to 4 PM

GLDC Photo Gallery

Check out the images in our gallery to see what the GLDC offers to the public – for free!

The FishCam

Click the image below to watch a live, underwater feed from the north side of the Cloverland hydroelectric plant.

CFRE Fishcam Image

Follow Us on Social Media

Click the icons below to visit our Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram profiles.