Conservation District Education Newsletter - October 2024
Quarterly Updates, funding, highlights, and classroom-ready activities connecting Michigan Conservation District educators with resources and community.
Welcome to the new Conservation District Education Newsletter! Developed by the MACD Education Committee to connect district educators with outdoor and environmental education tools, updates, and partners across Michigan. Share your ideas, stories, and wins—contact info below.
Program Spotlight
Envirothon Returns
Michigan Envirothon is back—a team-based environmental education competition using the outdoors as the classroom. Congratulations to participants including Vandercook Lake, KRESA/Kzoo Nature Center, and Cass City FFA. Special thanks to Steve Schaub and Patty McNinch and all who make this program possible.
Funding Opportunities
MAEOE Grants
Grants for formal & non-formal educators through the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education.
Michigan Nature Association
$500 field trip grants for K-12 teachers visiting natural areas.
MAEP Grants
Support for individual Conservation Districts; over $76,000 awarded since FY2020.
Friends of NACD — District Grants
Funding for schools & community orgs; typically $10k–$15k per year across multiple small awards.
CD Educator & District Highlights
Aspen Schupbach — Grand Traverse CD
Education Specialist supporting Nature Day Camp, NEST field trips, and more—12,000+ visitors hosted this year at the Natural Education Reserve.
Sarah Schroeder — Kalkaska CD
Community Engagement Specialist leading canoe trips on the Upper Manistee with the Substance Free Coalition, youth hiking camps, and weeknight hikes for families.
Genesee Conservation District — Tree Planting
On April 26, 2024, partners and volunteers planted 500 trees at Broome Park (Flint, MI). Collaborators included Earth Scouts, Keep Genesee County Beautiful, Consumers Energy, Carman-Ainsworth HS Garden Club, City of Flint, and Delta Kappa Gamma Mu Chapter.
Featured Activity
Every Tree for Itself — Project Learning Tree (PreK–8)
Active modeling lesson where learners embody trees competing for sunlight, water, space, and nutrients. Extend with variables like invasive species, fire, or pesticides to simulate a “classroom forest.” Missaukee CD recently ran this lesson—students were “planted” with paper-plate roots and collected resources before reflecting on how their tree felt.
Announcements & Reminders — Oct–Dec
- 10/26 — National Make a Difference Day
- 10/31 — State Poster Contest Deadline
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