The colors are changing and the buses are running. Fall is one of the busiest times at DNR visitor centers as Michiganders take advantage of the fall colors, bugless trail hikes and special events. The annual Halloween Trail at Bay City State Park, picture above, is a great example. So visit Michigan DNR visitor centers to arrange a visit and read below about grants that can help you pay for a bus if a forest is your destination.

Michigan Educators Make Fall Conference a Success

The Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) celebrated 30 years with a well-attended conference in Mount Pleasant, Michigan on October 6-8, 2017. Incoming president, Cindy Fitzwilliams-Heck, of Ferris State University, was pleased with the turnout. “It was a wonderful event to celebrate 30 years of MAEOE contributions to Michigan environmental education. The sessions were diverse, the field trips popular and networking opportunities plentiful. We had 14 MAEOE past presidents attend to show their support as well.” It’s not too early to mark your calendar for next year’s event in Port Huron, October 5-7, 2017. To learn more about Michigan’s premier association for environmental and outdoor educators, visit the MAEOE website.

More Professional Development Opportunities on the Horizon

The Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative (GLSI) is holding their annual Placed-based Education Conference November 9-11, 2017, at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.  The GLSI program is funded through the Great Lakes Fishery Trust and, since 2007, has worked with more than 1,000 educators statewide. Michigan has nine associated hubs working with schools across the state. For more information about the GLSI program, or the upcoming conference, go to Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative.

If you are looking for only a one-day commitment, there is no better choice than the annual Metro Detroit Science Teachers Conference, November 11, 2017, at Warren Cousino High School.  Hundreds of Metro Detroit science and math teachers will descend on Warren Cousino to take in high quality workshops and sessions along with a gymnasium full of educational vendors. For more details, go to Metropolitan Detroit Science Teachers Association.

DNR Offers Wildlife Programs to K-12 Teachers

DNR’s popular Deer Camp Educational materials are available for second - fourth grades across Michigan but, the registration deadline is fast approaching. If you would like to participate, please register online at DNR Deer Camp Registration by November 7, 2017.

High School Grants Available for Journalism and Environmental Science

Michigan State University’s Knight Center for Environmental Journalism is awarding $2,000 grants to up to three high schools for collaboration projects involving environmental science and journalism. The concept is meant to help young prospective journalists better understand and explain how science is done and explain their work to the public using various media. For more details, visit the open call for proposals page.

Field Trip Grants Available Again in 2017-18

Wheels to Woods provides funding to Pre K-12 schools and other youth groups to pay for transportation costs for an educational field trip to a nearby forest or forest products company.  Any Pre K-12 school in Michigan is eligible to apply for funds to go on a field trip to a school forest, private forest, public forest or forest products company.  Wheels to Woods reimburses actual transportation costs up to $350 per bus and $1,000 per school.  Applications can be submitted any time by visiting the Wheels to Woods website.