After cancellation of three separate ANR programs last summer, the Academy of Natural Resources returns in July and August at the DNR’s RAM Center (on Higgins Lake in Roscommon) and the Ford Center in the western U.P.

“Our plans are moving forward,” said program director Kevin Frailey. “We have had a lot of interest from teachers wanting to get back in the field, learn exciting new skills and network with their colleagues. As vaccinations increase, we hope to offer our own variance of ANR following any pertinent health and safety guidelines.”

Single rooms will be available at no extra cost in 2021, and only $50 is needed to hold a spot. It is also fully refundable. For more information, go to the Academy of Natural Resources webpage.

When DNR education staffers did a “virtual” 180 last fall, their programs were popular and effective. As the school year trends toward conclusion, there are still opportunities to schedule any of 18 separate program topics. The programs are free.

Tracy Page, DNR aquatic education coordinator, closely monitors the registrations. “Nearly 200 programs were conducted between late September and mid-December,” Page said. “Since 2021 began, we have had about another 200 scheduled. There are some slots still available.” 

Go to the Nature at School webpage for more details and to register.

After a crushing cancelation of the state’s 2020 annual environmental education conference on Beaver Island (now postponed until fall of 2022), the Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education is busy planning its fall 2021 conference in the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor area Oct. 1-3.  MAEOE President Bridget Booth is optimistic and excited. “With a venue in and around Ann Arbor mixed with post-COVID conviction, I anticipate a lot of interest. Anyone with a presentation idea should submit a proposal idea soon,” she said.

The conference hub will be at Eastern Michigan University, while some activities and field trips will be planned in nearby Ann Arbor. To keep up with conference planning or to submit a proposal, go to the MAEOE 2021 Conference webpage.

Nearly 300 Michigan educators were raising Chinook salmon in their classroom before COVID-19. The spring of 2020 created organized chaos as most of these teachers hurriedly released their salmon as schools closed. This year about half of those educators continued the program with “live” fish, while the others took the year off or taught the program virtually. Tracy Page, who coordinates the program, has created nearly 100 videos to assist those educators. “Any teachers who want to join the program next school year (2021/2022) need to apply by April 15. We really hope things return to normal next fall.” For more information, go to the Salmon in the Classroom webpage.

With a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Michigan DNR is offering a series of free virtual workshops. “These professional development trainings are place-based and watershed-focused. They are also free and have been extremely popular,” Project WILD coordinator Natalie Elkins said. This training qualifies for three SCECH credits and Strand 2 for those taking their Michigan Environmental Education Certification. For more information, go to the Project WILD workshops webpage.

Earth Day, April 22

In 1970, an idea was born – set aside one day a year to celebrate our planet. This April we celebrate the 51st Earth Day, which gives us the opportunity to inform our students about relevant current events and things kids can do improve the health of the planet. To celebrate last year’s 50th Earth Day anniversary, the Michigan DNR education team created a brief video for each day of the week. Revisit and share them with your students on our Earth Day videos YouTube playlist.

DNR centennial

It was 1921 when the Michigan Department of Conservation was established. Its earliest role was to protect our wildlife, waters and forests after years of exploitation and neglect. “Conservation” became America’s buzzword, and the patriotism for our resources was profound. Our name has changed but our mission has not: to protect and manage Michigan’s incredible natural resources for the people they belong to. For more information about this celebration of 100 years of conservation, go to Michigan.gov/DNRCentennial.

National Association of Interpretation award

The National Association of Interpretation’s Great Lakes Region recently selected the DNR’s Theresa Neal for its prestigious Master Front Line Interpreter. Theresa, the park interpreter at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, has been sharing her love and knowledge of the outdoors with thousands of visitors and students for nearly two decades. Her acceptance video is poignant and relevant – see the video we’re calling “Neal Nails It”. We are proud to call her a colleague.

June 5-13: Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week

Led by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, this collaboration of many Michigan partners hopes to raise Michigan citizens’ awareness about these magnificent public resources. For more information, go to the Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week webpage.

July 5 -12:  Isle Royale Moosewatch

Michigan Technological University and the Isle Royale Institute still have a handful of openings for “Moosewatch for Educators” this summer. Participants will receive instruction in field research methods, backcountry navigation, general ecology and wilderness living skills. For more information and an application, email Ken Vrana at kjvrana@mtu.edu.

Aug. 15-18: Great Lakes Watershed Field Course

The Inland Seas Education Association is offering a free field course in the Traverse City area this summer. The four-day course includes time on the tall ship schooner, data gathering and observation of nearby conservation projects. To apply by the April 30 deadline, go to the Great Lakes Watershed Field Course webpage.