The state’s largest gathering of environmental and outdoor educators head to Sault Ste.Marie

The Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) will host its Annual Conference at Lake Superior State University October 9, 10 and 11, 2015. The conference draws hundreds of environmental and outdoor education professionals from around the state to share best practices and increase impact of environmental and outdoor education throughout the state.

Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Terry Sharik, Dean, School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University. Dr. Sharik has contributed significantly to research, teaching, and outreach in the natural resources profession through his leadership at the national and international levels. He is the author of over a hundred publications in more than thirty journals in the areas of forest ecology and the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Other highlights from this year’s conference include:

• Environmental Education Certification – The MAEOE education committee presents requirements for earning an accredited Environmental Educator Certification for the State of Michigan
• Field Trips – Join expert leaders as they guide you on a tour of some of the Upper Peninsula’s amazing features: The Soo Locks, Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Seney National Wildlife Refuge, and Tahquamenon Falls are just a few of the destinations.
• Project Wild Aquatic Certification– the DNR’s award winning educator, Natalie Elkins, will provide a FREE workshop for Project Wild Aquatic certification.
• Bridging the Gap between In School and Out of School Experiences- Ruth Ann Hodges from the Michigan Department of Education will discuss school standards, legislation, and building competencies through out of school experiences.

See the full MAEOE conference program.

Nominate a deserving educator for an MAEOE Award

The Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) will host their annual awards banquet at the conference, October 10th, 2015. The awards program gives Michigan professionals in the fields of environmental and outdoor education the opportunity to nominate a peer for their dedication and commitment. Dead line to make nominations is August 31, 2015. Nominate a deserving educator.

The 28th annual MAEOE conference is a great opportunity for educators to connect students to the environment and great outdoors. We hope to see you in Sault Ste. Marie in October! 

About MAEOE

The mission of the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) is to serve as the statewide network and advocate for professionals who are educating Michigan citizens toward environmental literacy, stewardship and outdoor recreation. MAEOE’s annual conference, now in its 28th year, convenes the front runners in environmental and outdoor education, from private and public sectors, to advance the field. 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.