The Connection Beer Garden & Taproom, East Channel Brewing Company’s newest venue, is offering more than just a place to sip local craft beer. It’s becoming a hub for stimulating conversations through its Science on Tap series.
This monthly event, produced by Lara Bender, an environmental protection specialist, invites the community to explore fascinating scientific topics while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere at the brewery, which has quickly become a beloved fixture in Munising.
The next Science on Tap event, taking place on Friday, Nov. 22, will feature Dr. James DeDecker, director of Michigan State University’s Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC), who will present “No Barley, No Beer: The Science Behind Malting Barley’s Comeback in Michigan.”
This presentation will explore the growing importance of local barley farming and its role in Michigan’s craft beer industry, focusing on UPREC’s efforts to support local agriculture and craft beer production.
DeDecker, who has been working on agricultural research and outreach for nearly a decade, will provide attendees with a deep dive into the science behind malting barley.
“When people think about craft beer, they often assume that the ingredients are sourced locally,” he said. “But in reality, many breweries use ingredients that come from all over the country, or even internationally. Our work at UPREC is all about making local beer a truly local product. We’re researching how to grow and malt barley here in Michigan, and we’re collaborating with local farmers and maltsters to ensure the barley used in craft beer is sourced from our own backyard.”
DeDecker’s expertise lies in soil health, integrated pest management and community food systems. He and his team have been instrumental in helping farmers grow malting barley, a crop that has been difficult to cultivate in Michigan’s challenging climate.
“Barley is the key ingredient that gives beer its sugars, which are then fermented by yeast to create alcohol,” DeDecker said. “Without barley, there’s no beer. But it’s not just about growing barley — it’s about malting it. Malting is the process of soaking the barley in water to allow it to germinate and then drying it to stop the germination. This process unlocks the starches in the grain and converts them into sugars, making them available for fermentation.”
While many brewers use ingredients sourced from around the globe, DeDecker notes the importance of sourcing locally. “Local malting barley not only benefits the environment by reducing transportation emissions but also supports Michigan’s farmers and local economies,” he said. “The value of using local ingredients goes beyond the brewery. It impacts everyone in the community. When we grow barley locally, it gives us the opportunity to strengthen our agricultural economy and create a more sustainable future for craft beer in Michigan.”
The Science on Tap series, which was launched by Bender in 2018, provides a platform for local residents to engage with science and learn about the research happening right in our area.
“I had the idea for Science on Tap after attending a similar event in Ashland, Wisconsin,” Bender said. “I thought it was a fantastic way to bring science into the community, especially during the long winters when there’s not much to do or learn. Munising is a small town, and we don’t always have the same opportunities to learn about scientific topics. This series is a great way to bring interesting and accessible science to our community in a relaxed, fun environment.”
Bender’s academic journey includes a degree in environmental engineering from Michigan Technological University and a master’s degree in ocean engineering from the University of Hawaii.
Before starting Science on Tap, Bender spent years focusing on environmental education and outreach. She has always been passionate about science and education, and that passion has driven her to bring Science on Tap to Munising.
“I wanted to create a space where people could learn something new and ask questions in a relaxed setting,” she said. “It’s been amazing to see how the community has embraced it.”
Joe DesJardins, co-owner of East Channel Brewing Company, has been a strong supporter of the series from the beginning. “It’s been incredible to see how Science on Tap has taken off,” he said. “Lara does an amazing job of finding interesting topics, especially during quieter times when there’s not much else happening. She’s really brought it all together, and the community has responded so positively. It’s been a great way to attract people to the brewery who might not have otherwise come in, and it gives them something fun and educational to look forward to.”
His sister, Amy DesJardins, also plays an active role in making the event a success. “Lara and my sister Amy work together on organizing the events,” he said. “Lara handles the logistics — finding speakers and organizing the presentations — while Amy and I help with the venue and make sure everything runs smoothly. It’s been a great partnership, and I’m excited to see how Science on Tap will continue to grow.”
The monthly event is designed to be both informative and interactive, encouraging attendees to ask questions and engage with the speaker. Bender noted that this conversational format is key to the series’ success.
“We really want to make it a two-way dialogue. It’s not just a lecture,” she said. “We want the audience to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their thoughts. It’s about creating an environment where people can have a meaningful conversation and learn from one another.”
Past Science on Tap events have covered a wide range of topics, from the science of weather patterns to the ecology of sea lampreys to the process of making maple syrup. Bender and her team are already planning future events, with more talks scheduled for the coming months.
“We’re always looking for new topics and speakers,” Bender said. “The goal is to keep things fresh and exciting and to cover a wide variety of scientific fields so there’s something for everyone.”
The next Science on Tap event at The Connection Beer Garden & Taproom is free to attend, and all are welcome to join in the discussion. The event is a great opportunity to learn more about local agriculture, craft beer and the ongoing research happening in the Upper Peninsula.
For more information about Science on Tap, visit East Channel Brewing Company’s Facebook page, or check out the brewery’s website for upcoming events.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Munising or just visiting, Science on Tap offers an engaging way to connect with science, community and a great pint of beer.
