Conservation Stewards Program Volunteer Training

The Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (MCSP) is a volunteer training program that teaches individuals about all aspects of ecosystem management.  Through this program participants learn how to understand, promote, support, actively contribute to and/or lead significant volunteer conservation management activities on public and private lands.

Classroom and field-based sessions offer hands-on learning opportunities focused on ecological foundations, natural resource decision-making, forestlands, grasslands, wetlands, lakes, streams, agriculture, land use and volunteer opportunities.  Instructors include MSU faculty and MSU Extension staff, representatives from the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and a variety of instructors from local organizations.

Requirements for becoming a Conservation Steward:

• completion of the core curriculum (40+ hours of in-class learning and field training)
• 40 hours of volunteer conservation service within one year
• 8 hours of advanced training and an additional 40 hours of volunteer conservation service are required for annual recertification

Examples of volunteer service:

• mapping and monitoring invasive species on public lands
• designing and installing a rain garden at a school to help manage stormwater
• educating individuals on strategies to manage invasive species (ex. phragmites, garlic mustard)

The Oakland County Conservation Stewards Program (file size 229k) will be offered in Oakland County during Fall 2012.  The program is scheduled to begin on Saturday, September 8 and end on Saturday, November 10, 2012.  Weekday classes will be held on Wednesday nights from 6-9 pm.  Please contact Linda Smith at 248-858-0887 if you would like to be notified about this program when registration materials become available.  The Conservation Stewards Program is also offered in other counties. 

For further information, please contact Linda Smith, 248-858-0887.

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