Saturday through this coming Sunday is Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week, according to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent proclamation.

Michigan is home to more than 11,000 inland lakes, tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams, 6.5 million acres of wetlands, 3,200 miles of shoreline along the Great Lakes, 230,000 acres of coastal dunes, and vast groundwater resources, according to the proclamation.

Freshwater is the state’s most significant natural resource, especially since the Great Lakes hold 84% of North America’s surface freshwater and about 21% of the world’s supply of surface freshwater, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The state’s freshwater supplies drinking water and supports state industries such as recreation, tourism, fishing, manufacturing, transportation and agriculture.

Not only are the Great Lakes and other inland lakes great natural resources, but they also add to the beauty that is Michigan and the outdoor recreational joys the state provides. Whether it’s fishing, swimming, boating, paddleboarding or simply watching the sunrise or sunset, they offer so much to see and do.

Michigan’s water connects Michiganders to the world, as well, through commerce, industry and recreation. The Great Lakes touch eight U.S. states, and four of the five lakes also border Canada.

According to an article from Hour Detroit, the fishing industry in the Great Lakes brings in about $7 billion every year and provides more than 75,000 jobs annually. Also, there are 139 fish species native to the Great Lakes.

There are many other wonderful things to learn about the Great Lakes and Michigan’s freshwater. And, as Whitmer’s proclamation reads, “… during this week, we encourage Michiganders to connect with our freshwater resources and learn more about their unique wonders and vital importance to Michigan’s future.”

It can be easy for us Michiganders to take the lakes and freshwater for granted, but taking the time to recognize how important and captivating they truly are is what Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week is all about.

Do your part in taking care of the Great Lakes and freshwater resources provided to us, and appreciate the beauty they depict. They are what make Michigan, Michigan.