Become a Michigan Conservation Steward!

The Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (CSP) explores the foundations of conservation in Michigan and its diverse ecosystems. It helps participants gain the skills needed to contribute to land and water stewardship and educational efforts in their local communities. CSP also empowers participants to build their own networks with other like-minded individuals and local conservation organizations.

In-person classroom and online sessions are combined with local field experiences that guide students through forestland, grassland, wetland, lake, and stream environments. Participants also work on capstone projects with other students to help them apply what they learn to real-world conservation needs in their own communities. Professional-level instruction is provided by Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, and experts from local conservation organizations.

For more information about CSP, including how to sign up to receive program updates, visit: www.canr.msu.edu/csp

Now Enrolling for Fall 2024 Cohorts

The Michigan State University Extension’s Conservation Stewards Program (CSP) returns this fall across (4) new location cohorts throughout Michigan, including: 

• Berrien County: Thursday nights, 6-9 p.m.
• Macomb County: Wednesday nights, 6-9 p.m.
• Marquette County: Wednesday nights, 6-9 p.m.
• Newaygo County: Monday nights, 6-8:30 p.m.

CSP is now enrolling participants in the 8-week, hybrid program beginning the week of Sept. 9, 2024, and running through the week of Nov. 11, 2024, consisting of:

• Virtual, self-paced lessons;
• Weekly in-person evening sessions at various locations within your cohort’s region;
• 2 Saturday in-person field trips at a location within your cohort’s region; and a
• Capstone (Applied) Project related to restoring and conserving Michigan’s ecosystem, with guidance provided by a local mentor.

The last date to register will be Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, with scholarship opportunities available for all. For additional details of the 2024 Conservation Stewards Program and to register, please visit events.anr.msu.edu/micsp2024.