Explore Local Natural Resources and Resource Management Issues at Conservation Stewards Program

Kalamazoo, Mich.- People interested in the outdoors, natural resources, conservation and local environmental issues are invited to attend the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, Sept. 8 through Oct. 30.

The 40-hour course will begin Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a look at conservation heritage and an overview of the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program. It will continue with evening sessions on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m., beginning Sept. 11 and ending Oct. 30.

The sessions offer hands-on learning opportunities focused on ecological foundations, making decisions for natural resources, forests, grasslands, stream ecosystems and management, wetlands, agriculture and land use. There will also be a volunteer expo highlighting conservation opportunities available in southwestern Michigan.

Saturday sessions are also set for Oct. 6 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Oct. 6 event, set at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, will include hands-on field experiences in forest ecology, prairies and invasive species. The Oct. 20 session will be held at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek and feature wetlands including one that is rare in southwestern Michigan, and a study of stream aquatic life.

“Conservation Stewards gives people the chance to learn from local and statewide experts about local natural resources and efforts to protect them,” says Shari Dann, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension conservation specialist. “Participants don’t need to have a background in conservation, just an interest in our great Michigan natural resources and in having fun learning more about the environment with others who share that interest.”

Instructors include MSU faculty and Extension staff members, representatives from the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, naturalists and scientists from Kalamazoo Nature Center and Binder Park Zoo, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources biologists. Additional presenters include conservation-minded people from various organizations in southwest Michigan.

Modeled after the MSU Extension Master Gardener program, the Conservation Stewards Program starts with 40 hours of educational sessions. Those who complete the coursework are then asked to donate 40 hours of volunteer conservation service to receive their final certificate of completion as Conservation Stewards.

The $225 registration fee is due Aug. 15. Space is limited to 30 registrants.

For questions about registration, contact Mark Williams at the Hillsdale County MSU Extension office at 517-439-9301. For more information about the learning experiences planned for the sessions, call Haley Breniser at 269-381-1574 (ext. 18) or Sarah Reding at 269-381-1574 (ext. 17), both at the Kalamazoo Nature Center.

The Conservation Stewards Program is sponsored by MSU Extension in partnership with the Kalamazoo Nature Center, Binder Park Zoo, other local conservation groups, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Natural Features Inventory and the MSU Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies.

###

MSU Extension is an Affirmative-Action Equal-Opportunity Institution. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.

Back to News Releases