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Crisp air and snowy landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for meaningful experiences outside of the classroom. From winter walks and nature journaling to planning cold-weather field studies or future outdoor lessons, this season offers a unique chance to connect learning with the natural world and spark curiosity in both teachers and students alike!
We believe that every child deserves the chance to explore nature. That's why every fourth grade class in Michigan is invited to take part in a hands-on field trip to select Michigan state parks through our Nature Awaits program.
Each field trip is a free, 90-minute educational adventure that includes additional lesson plans and resources for students, teachers and families. Plus, up to $1,000 in transportation grants are also available to help cover transportation costs for public schools.
Registration is open for winter and spring field trips, with an optional pre-field trip classroom visit also available. Of participating teachers, 99% said they would recommend this program, so be sure to reserve your trip today!
Questions? Email DNR-NatureAwaits@Michigan.gov.
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Our Nature at School program brings Michigan’s great outdoors right into your classroom with free, live, interactive virtual lessons led by DNR educators.
We have 20-plus sessions to choose from, with each one designed to connect students to real-world science in a way that’s engaging, memorable and curriculum-friendly.
Booking a live session is completely free, and we even have a back catalog of prerecorded, on-demand options that you can pick from to give you even more freedom with your lesson plans.
Interested? Head over to Michigan.gov/NatureAtSchool to browse your options and to reserve your free session today!
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 Looking for some outdoor education resources for yourself, your classroom or your students? We have you covered!
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Our Salmon in the Classroom program helps hundreds of third through 12th grade classrooms across the state to raise, learn from and release young Chinook salmon in approved waterways. Find out more about the program and apply for the 2026-2027 school year at Michigan.gov/SIC.
- Designed for students in grades six through 12, each Nature Glance features a brief article, discussion questions and various hands-on activities. Our latest lesson focuses on the reintroduction of the Arctic grayling to Michigan, but you can find additional lessons online.
- Who doesn't love a free coloring page? Check out our state symbol collection, with pages about white-tailed deer and brook trout.
- Explore Michigan with our curated collection of free nature books and field guides. Topics range from local wildlife to native plants and outdoor adventures!
- The Michigan Activity Pass program allows you to use your public library card to "check out" free or discounted passes to hundreds of cultural destinations, parks, campgrounds and recreation areas.
- The Michigan Student Sustainability Summit is an opportunity for middle and high school students across Michigan to connect with peers, learn about the state’s environmental sustainability efforts, network with state leaders and community partners, and celebrate the impact of youth-led stewardship projects. Through interactive breakout sessions, field experiences and exhibits, participants will explore environmental career pathways, develop place-based projects and engage with experts on Michigan’s air, water, land, energy and ecosystem services. Space is limited and registration opens Jan. 19, 2026.
- The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy invites students in kindergarten through 5th grade to enter the annual Michigan Earth Day Poster Contest! Prizes are awarded for first and second place winners in each grade. Use the online submission form to submit posters by March 16, 2026.
Nature Center Summit - Jan. 30, 2026
Our annual summit features sessions designed to inform educators at nature centers, zoos, conservation districts and universities about the latest science and policies governing natural resource management. This year's summit will be on Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon. The cost for the event is $25, with registration available online. For those looking to extend their learning, be sure to check out the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE)'s Wildlife Weekend, which begins after the summit.
Wildlife Weekend - Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2026
Whether you choose to cozy up or brave the cold, MAEOE's Wildlife Weekend has something for everyone! Indoor sessions this year range from the traditional skill of flint knapping to building bat houses and fly-tying, while outdoor sessions range from snowshoeing to winter tree identification and winter orienteering. Running from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, the weekend costs $295 for MAEOE members and $345 for nonmembers if registered by Jan. 1. Find more details and register at MAEOE.com/Wildlife-Weekend.
Michigan Science Teacher Association Conference - March 5-7, 2026
The Michigan Science Teacher Association will be hosting its annual conference March 5-7 in Kalamazoo. The event offers workshops, keynote speakers, networking, exhibitor displays and sponsorship opportunities, along with special features like field trips, an awards dinner and multiple session tracks for science educators. Each educator can receive SCECH credit for continuing education hours for an additional $25 fee. Early bird registration is now open.
Volunteer Recreational Safety Instructor - ongoing
Educators in Michigan need 150 education-related professional learning hours to renew their certificates and licenses. A great way to earn these hours is to become a volunteer recreational safety instructor. Learn more about this opportunity and apply by visiting our Volunteer Recreational Safety Instructor website.
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Share your love of the outdoors with others as a seasonal explorer guide or nature educator! In these positions, you will have the opportunity to connect people to nature by leading field trips and educational programs highlighting Michigan’s natural resources.
These roles are great for college students, teachers and retired folks with an interest in educating others about parks, natural resources and outdoor activities.
Ready to take the next step? Find out more and apply online.
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Several of our visitor centers have been renovated or are being improved to better support outdoor learning and field trips.
The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Visitor Center has reopened with additional hands-on exhibits, a new park film, upgraded restrooms, public Wi-Fi and an improved layout for field trips and learning.
The Hartwick Pines Visitor Center will reopen Jan. 17, 2026, following renovations that include a new roof and a redesigned auditorium with usable classroom space.
The Gillette Visitor Center is expected to reopen in early 2026 after safety and facility upgrades, and the Eddy Discovery Center will reopen in spring 2026 with new exhibits, upgraded restrooms and expanded classroom space.
Thank you for your patience as we create better spaces for environmental education and field trips!
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