DNR's Academy of Natural Resources returns for 8th year

Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 01/28/2015 10:35 AM EST

Helping teachers learn new ways to work natural resources into their curricula.
Bookmark and Share
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
facebook twitter youtube email


Department of Natural Resources’ teachers academy returns for 8th year

Academy of Natural Resources participants getting a lesson on treesThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources is accepting registrations for its summer Academy of Natural Resources, a program for educators who help connect students to the outdoors through curriculum choices. This year the weeklong program begins July 19 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, on the northern shores of Higgins Lake in Roscommon County.

“Our program is six months away but we already have 16 teachers who have applied for our scholarships,” said academy coordinator Kevin Frailey. “It’s exciting to have this early interest. We may be headed for a record year in attendance.”

Teachers may choose from one of three weeklong courses, each enabling Michigan educators to better infuse natural resources into their curricula. 

  • STEM from Nature (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) returns for a repeat performance after its initial appearance and great reviews last summer. This track explores new ways to tie natural resources concepts to these four curriculum areas.

  • NatureQuest is back this year, giving Michigan educators an introduction to Michigan’s flora and fauna. “NatureQuest is one of our most popular courses,” said Frailey. “It enables teachers to feel much more comfortable both in and out of the classroom talking and teaching about plants, bugs, birds, mammals and more.”

  • Forests, Field and Fins is ANR’s core class, drawing heavily from the experiences of DNR biologists, foresters and conservation officers who treat teacher participants to a typical day of protecting and managing the state’s resources in Michigan’s woods and waters. 

The Academy of Natural Resources will run July 19-24, 2015. The $395 fee includes five nights’ lodging and 15 meals at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center. The Novi Chapter of Safari Club International is offering $100 scholarships to help offset the cost for participants.

For more information about available credit options, scholarship forms and registration, visit the DNR website www.michigan.gov/anr