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As we transition from summer into fall, we have several updates for you. This issue will cover Nature Awaits, staff transitions, Becoming an Outdoors Woman programs and professional growth opportunities.
Want to get your fourth graders to a state park for a day of fun and learning? The Nature Awaits program is waiting for your registration! The program allows fourth grade students to visit a Michigan state park and take part in an experience aligned to state learning standards. The field trip is FREE, and transportation costs are covered for public and charter schools that submit a request for reimbursement.
Join us during the 2026-2027 school year by reserving your fall field trip today! Teachers can choose the date, time and park that suits their students best. If you don’t see a date or location that works for your class, reach out to us at DNR-NatureAwaits@Michigan.gov or call 1-833-660-6300.
Why visit a state park with your students?
Unlike many traditional field trip locations, our state parks feature green and blue spaces like woods and water. Studies have shown that exercise in green and blue spaces can promote an array of health benefits for both body and mind, including:
- Improves attention and mood.
- Increases cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal health.
This educational field trip aligns with state education standards and includes science, social studies, physical education and language arts components. We also have pre- and post-visit lessons, activities and resources to extend your students' learning beyond their time at the park. In addition, students will get a Junior Ranger Guidebook that teachers can use within their classroom for additional hands-on learning.
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Over the summer, a few staff changes have occurred in the Department of Natural Resources Education Services Section. With the retirement of former Education Services manager Kevin Frailey last October, we have gained one new face and have shuffled a couple of familiar faces. In May, Tracy Page, former aquatic education coordinator, was promoted to the Education Services manager position. She now takes over the section of 25-plus full-time staffers. In August, Katie McGlashen was announced as the new aquatic education coordinator. She takes over this role after working the last three years as the Nature Awaits coordinator and, before that, for more than a decade as the lead interpreter at the Eddy Discovery Center in Waterloo Recreation Area. Finally, a new face to the section, Tamara Jorkasky, is taking over as the Nature Awaits specialist. She joins the section from the DNR Executive Division.
They have each shared a bit about what they are looking forward to in their new roles. Be sure to welcome or congratulate them if you see them in the field this fall.
Tracy Page
I’m excited to grow into the Education Services manager role and work alongside a team I’ve known and respected for many years. At the heart of it, our goal is simple: connect people with Michigan’s outdoors in ways that inspire curiosity, create lasting memories and build a lifelong connection to our natural resources. I’m looking forward to helping our staff find new ways to grow our programs and connect with more people.
Katie McGlashen
My goal is to continue getting as many students as possible raising salmon in their classroom, while also growing the sport of fishing through events and classes that share in the fun of learning – maybe even reintroducing it to those who haven’t fished in a while. Fishing helps Michiganders connect to the DNR’s conservation goals and can be a fulfilling and lifelong hobby.
Tamara Jorkasky
I am proud to support the Nature Awaits program and the DNR Education Services team. Combining my experience in project management, process improvement and grant administration with a genuine passion for nature and helping people, I look forward to helping our educational programs thrive.
More and more women are learning about the benefits of outdoor recreation by enjoying hunting, fishing, backpacking, shooting sports, kayaking and other activities. The DNR's Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, also known as BOW, is a great way to learn the outdoor skills needed to enjoy these activities. Beginners are our specialty, but anyone can join.
A successful summer BOW workshop was held at the Ralph A. MacMullan Center on Higgins Lake this summer. The program hosted 52 participants led by 14 volunteer instructors and featured fly fishing, archery, survival skills, backpacking instruction and a variety of outdoor skill-building activities. The first-ever fall BOW weekend is being held in the Pigeon River Country State Forest this weekend. Classes include a grouse/woodcock hunt, fly fishing and elk viewing with a DNR biologist. We would like to thank our volunteer instructors for making these events possible.
Our winter workshop will be held Feb. 19-21, 2027, at Bay Cliff Health Camp near Marquette. Our summer workshop will be held June 11-13, 2027, at the RAM Center on Higgins Lake.
Beyond BOW workshops
There are several workshops with room to join this fall. Whether you are looking to learn to hunt deer or possibly improve your foraging skills, check out the opportunities below.
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Join us in Flint
The DNR team will be at the annual Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education conference in Flint Oct. 2-4. We hope to see you or your colleagues at the conference – drop by our booth or attend one of our presentations and say hello.
Fall MAEOE grant Cycle now open
Current MAEOE members can apply for up to $1,000 to support environmental and outdoor education projects. These grants provide an opportunity to bring innovative ideas, programs and educational initiatives to life across Michigan.
Application deadline: Oct. 15.
Ready to get started? Review application requirements and apply on the MAEOE grants page.
Sturgeon Palooza
The Black River Lake Sturgeon Hatchery and Research Center is celebrating 25 years of conservation, research and education dedicated to the recovery of Michigan’s lake sturgeon. Join Michigan State University in celebrating this milestone during Sturgeon Palooza! It's Sept. 25 from 3–6:30 p.m. at the MSU Molecular Plant Sciences Building Atrium, located at 612 Wilson Road in East Lansing.
Registration is free but required. Register for Sturgeon Palooza.
Project Learning Tree and Project Wild trainings
There are several opportunities this fall to earn a new certification in Project Learning Tree or Project WILD. Engage in hands-on workshops where educators can investigate environmental topics with both indoor and outdoor topics.
Find training opportunities near you.
Michigan Green Schools
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's Michigan Green Schools program supports and celebrates the achievements of PreK-12 schools in protecting the state's air, land, water and ecosystems through their commitments to environmental education and stewardship actions. If your school is interested in participating, head over to the Michigan Green Schools webpage to learn more. If you have additional questions, please reach out to your county coordinator or the EGLE team at EGLE-MI-Green-Schools@Michigan.gov.
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