Building Stronger Conservation Networks With MACD
Quarterly Education Newsletter — Issue #4
MACD Education Newsletter — June 2025
Bring on the sunshine! This summer edition features Envirothon results, funding leads, educator highlights, a classroom-ready activity, and June reminders.
Funding Opportunities — Solutions Project Environment Grants
Ecosystems Projects
Support to improve or protect ecosystems and endangered species, tackle invasive species threats, and advance ecosystem-related research initiatives.
Water Projects
Preserve, improve, or restore critical water resources; fund sound water-quality/quantity research that informs watershed stakeholders and communities. Visit the Solutions Project →
Program Spotlight — Envirothon
Twelve teams competed at Western Michigan University. St. Clair RESA – Pine River Nature Center “Clever Coyotes” earned top honors and will represent Michigan at the NCF Envirothon International Competition. Kudos to all students and volunteers!
Cool Things — Check Them Out!
2024 NACD Poster Contest Winner
National Winner from Michigan! Chase Parker (Tuscola County) won the new Braille category, expanding accessibility for blind and low-vision students. Tuscola CD Info • NACD Contest
Edible Soil: 9 Recipes
Engage learners with edible “soil layers” paired with PLT’s Soil Builders (K–8). Get the recipes →
CD Educator & District Highlights
Aspen Schupbach — Grand Traverse Conservation District
Since 2023, Aspen has welcomed and inspired 5,000+ students through year-round field trips (including adaptive rec like snowshoeing) and community programs. Thank you, Aspen!
Featured Activity — NACD Poster Contest Outreach
Theme: “Home is where the habitat is.” Encourage K–12 students to create posters that reflect conservation stewardship. Local judging occurs in October (five grade categories). Winners advance to state and then national levels with cash prizes.
Make It Accessible in Your District
- Schedule classroom visits and bring poster paper.
- Host a family workshop event.
- Share on social media and at community booths.
More info: NACD Poster Contest
Announcements & Reminders — June
Key Dates
- 06/10 — National Herbs & Spices Day; National Black Cow Day
- 06/11 — National Making Life Beautiful Day; National Corn on the Cob Day
- 06/13 — National Weed Your Garden Day
- 06/14 — Flag Day; National Dragonfly Day
- 06/15 — Nature Photography Day; Father’s Day
- 06/17 — National Eat Your Vegetables Day
- 06/20 — National American Eagle Day
- 06/21 — National Selfie Day
- 06/22 — International Being YOU Day
- 06/27 — National Onion Day
- 06/30 — National Meteor Watch Day
Subscribe / Share Updates
Rachel Straughen — rstraughen@gtcd.org
Erin Horton — erin.horton@macd.org
Thank you for all you do for Michigan’s learners and communities.