Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum Support brings its full complement of activities and materials to DNR’s Academy of Natural Resources this July 9-14. Even more exciting is the fact that many of these materials have been recently updated to align with Michigan’s Next Generation Science Standards.

EGLE’s MEECS program has long been the most complete set of activities and information that centers on Michigan’s environment. Units on water quality, biodiversity, ecosystems, energy, air quality, land use and climate change have been developed and updated over the years. Individual workshops on these focus areas are offered statewide. But it is only at the Academy of Natural resources where you can receive training in all the units at one place at one time.

Eileen Boekestein, EGLE’s EE Coordinator says, ”Several of our most popular MEECS units have undergone major revisions to promote three-dimensional learning that aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards. We’re thrilled to debut brand new Water Quality, Ecosystems & Biodiversity, and Climate Change units at this year’s ANR, and we’re excited for MEECS Week participants to be among the first in the state to access to these excellent resources.”

ANR is one of Michigan’s most popular professional development programs which welcomes both formal and nonformal educators. ANR “Headmaster” Kevin Frailey adds “I’m excited to have MEECS return. We have offered eight different EE/OE based courses since 2008 at the RAM Center and 3 in the U.P. With all the interest in ANR, we rotate courses in and out. MEECS hasn’t been on our slate since 2017 so we look forward to this unique opportunity.

The ANR Classic program at the RAM offers two more sessions, Forests, Fields and Fins and Teachers into the Wild both of which are nearly closed to enrollment.  ANR North, held at Michigan Tech’s Ford Center west of Marquette, is debuting a brand-new course in 2023: Forest Frenzy.

Look for information on scholarships and registration at www.michigan.gov/anr

• Climate change;
• Environmental justice;
• Water infrastructure;
• Lead in drinking water;
• Reducing contributions to ocean and marine litter;
• Solutions in recycling;
• Using science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to teach environmental education;
• Environmental sustainability and agricultural practices;
• Healthy school environments; and
• Reducing food waste and loss and excess food recovery efforts.