The Black River Lake Sturgeon Hatchery and Research Center is celebrating 25 years of conservation, research, and education dedicated to the recovery of Michigan’s lake sturgeon. This important work would not have been possible without support from the Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State University, Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership, Great Lakes Fishery Trust, Sturgeon for Tomorrow and many others.
Join us in celebrating this milestone!
When:September 25, 2026, 3–6:30 p.m. Where: MSU Molecular Plant Sciences Building Atrium, 612 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
Program of events
Sturgeon Palooza will feature a reception, along with two showings of the Dinosaur Fish documentary followed by panel discussions.
3 p.m. – Dinosaur Fish first showing
3:30 p.m. – Student/alumni panel discussion
4–5:30 p.m. – Reception with displays from partners, light refreshments and an opportunity to meet this year’s Black River sturgeon
5:30 p.m. – Dinosaur Fish second showing
6 p.m. – Expert panel discussion
The 23-minute documentary Dinosaur Fish tells the story of the ongoing effort to restore the lake sturgeon population in the Saginaw Bay system. Since 2017 more than 7,000 sturgeon have been released into the Shiawassee, Flint, Tittabawassee and Cass rivers. Segments of the documentary were filmed at the Black River Hatchery and feature MSU staff and undergraduate research technicians!
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested!
Sturgeon Palooza is sponsored by the MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan Sea Grant, The Conservation Fund, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, MSUFCU and Great Lakes Fishery Trust.
