On this new section of the MI EnviroLearning Hub, students can learn about Michigan’s ecosystems by examining what makes Michigan’s ecology special and how organisms interact with their environment. You’ll find maps, data, and engaging activities that align with our MEECS Ecosystems and Biodiversity series or that can be incorporated into existing lessons.

The EGLE Atlas is your go-to hub for exploring EGLE’s public geographic data through curated maps and datasets. This easy-to‑use tool empowers educators of all skill levels to explore EGLE’s data and create custom maps that bring projects, lessons, and data stories to life.

EGLE Classroom’s new Youth Sustainability Project Showcase highlights creative, youth‑led sustainability projects that connect directly to Michigan environmental education programs. Use the showcase to spark fresh ideas for your own classroom or Michigan Green Schools projects this year. Did your students complete an exciting environmental project? Share it here to inspire others!

With more than 11,000 lakes in our midst and four of the Great Lakes surrounding us, you could say every day is “Lake Day” in Michigan, but Wednesday, August 27, was officially the first World Lake Day, declared by the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly. The day is dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sustainably managing the world’s lakes. Learn how you can celebrate World Lake Day!   

The Place-Based Educator Institute benefits K-12 teachers who are interested in beginning place-based teaching and student learning. With a cohort of passionate educators, learn how to use your own community to spark inquiry, amplify student voice, and build authentic connections between curriculum and community.  

Educators who are experienced in place-based education are invited to apply for the 2026-27 Place-Based Educator Fellowship, a year-long professional learning experience to deepen your place-based education practice, develop as a leader, and collaborate with peer educators throughout Michigan.  

Apply for non-competitive grants of up to $1,000 to support transportation expenses for field trips to freshwater locations in Michigan through the From Students to Stewards Initiative. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Teachers who have a clean water project seeking financial assistance are invited to apply for the Dan Wolz Clean Water Education Grant, sponsored by the Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA) and the Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA). Recipients will receive complimentary registration to the MSTA Annual Conference, registration, and accommodations for the MWEA Annual Conference the year following award, and $1,500 for classroom and project supplies. Apply by October 30, 2026.  

The Michigan Green Ribbon Schools program recognizes schools that make significant progress toward reducing environmental impacts and operating costs, while improving the health and wellness of students and staff. It recognizes projects like waste reduction and other environmental efforts. If your school has been making major strides in this area, consider applying for recognition. Contact Leanne Weber at MDE-ED-GRS@michigan.gov for more information and application materials.   

Encourage your families to check their cupboards for simple school supplies like scissors and folders that they may already have before heading out to purchase new materials this year! This is a simple, sustainable way to stretch budgets and make the most of what they already have. Teachers can also team up to share unused or leftover supplies hiding in their classrooms. Reduce school supply waste, consumption, and cost by “shopping your cupboard”!

In Michigan, schools must dispose of old medications like expired epi-pens, and electronics such as confiscated vape pens and other items with batteries, in a safe way. These items contain harmful toxins and materials with the potential to be reused. In 2008, Michigan passed an electronics recycling law to reduce harmful toxins in waterways, reduce the harvesting of virgin materials, to divert commodities from landfills and encourage recycling. Find out more by visiting EGLE’s Electronic Waste page. 

Every year, between 30-40 percent of the food supply is wasted according to the USDA. Cutting food waste in half by 2030 is a key goal in the MI Healthy Climate Plan and is a powerful way to positively impact the environment and make our communities more sustainable. The Michigan Food Waste Roadmap and the Michigan Green School Guide to identify strategies that schools can employ to make a huge impact in the state.