“When I looked outside my window before, it just looked lame,” said Leo, a fourth grader from Lake Orion. “I look closer now after this field trip. It was the coolest thing I have ever experienced in my nine years I’ve been alive.”

Sometimes, as Leo found on his field trip to Bald Mountain Recreation Area, the best classrooms aren’t bound by four walls.

In case you missed it, a recent Showcasing the DNR story highlights Nature Awaits, a DNR program that invites fourth grade classes, at no charge to them, to a hands-on field trip at select Michigan state parks. 

In the program's first two years, Nature Awaits has helped 60,000-plus students get more comfortable outdoors, supported their academic engagement and, hopefully, sparked a lifelong love for our lands, waters, fish and wildlife. For many students, especially those from urban and low-income communities, it's their first visit to public lands or one of the Great Lakes. 

Read the full story: Expanding fourth-grade classrooms, one state park field trip at a time. If you're looking to get involved with the program, spring field trip registration is open, with dozen of host sites available throughout the state. 

Planning a spring field trip to one of our visitor centers? Take a look at the latest updates on construction progress!

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Visitor Center reopened in July 2025 after renovations, featuring upgraded restrooms, new exhibits, a park film and public Wi-Fi. Hartwick Pines Visitor Center closed for summer 2025 renovations, including a new roof and auditorium upgrades, and reopened in January 2026. The Gillette Visitor Center at Hoffmaster State Park was closed for most of 2025 for facility improvements, but is now open for guests. The Eddy Discovery Center at Waterloo State Recreation Area remains under construction until spring 2026, with major upgrades including new exhibits, restrooms and classroom space.

To see a full list of our visitor centers, visit Michigan.gov/DNRVisitorCenters. 

Want fresh, hands-on ideas to get students learning outside and connecting with the environment this spring? We’ve got just what you need!

Geochaching

Geocaching blends outdoor exploration, technology and hands-on learning in a fun, game-like experience. We have seven adventure labs that help you explore Michigan's waterways and maritime heritage and three geotours that highlight our state parks. Visit our website to learn more! 

Salmon in the Classroom

Our Salmon in the Classroom program connects students with Michigan’s natural resources through hands-on learning. Educators receive training, guides and resources to support the program. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are due by April 15.

MI Green Schools

Michigan schools can use green planning to support health, academics, environmental quality and school operations. This comprehensive toolkit is designed to help your students, staff and school community through the planning and decision-making process, making it easier to design impactful activities and achieve MI Green Schools certification.

Arbor Day activities

Arbor Day is April 24, and you can share events on the statewide map to help spread the word. You can also find resources, including a read-aloud story from the U.S. Forest Service, on our Arbor Day webpage.

If you're planning on planting a tree this spring, add your project to the Mi Trees map and help grow Michigan’s tree canopy!

Share your love of the outdoors with others as a seasonal explorer guide! In this position, 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. Applicants must have a high school diploma. College coursework in natural sciences, education, or parks and recreation is strongly recommended.

Learn more about our educator roles and apply online today!

Have an idea for a classroom activity, but lack the funding for it? Here are some grants to help make your ideas come to life!

From Students to Stewards Grant Opportunity

K-12 schools are encouraged to apply for this competitive grant (between $5,000 and $10,000) to support student community-based water stewardship projects, addressing local water issues, completed during the 2026-27 school year. Applications are due by April 13. 

Wheels to Water Grant Opportunity

This funding opportunity may provide up to $1,000 per Michigan-based school to reimburse transportation-related expenses for field trips to freshwater ecosystems in Michigan that are connected to learning opportunities that expand students’ Great Lakes and freshwater literacy. This opportunity is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Field trips must occur between August 2026 and May 2027. Funding will be available until all funds are allocated.