Participants in the 2024 Conservation Stewards Program in Marquette. (Photo courtesy of Anna Ellis)

MARQUETTE — Michigan State University Extension’s Conservation Stewards Program is returning this fall for its 20th year across the state and for a second year in the Upper Peninsula.

The Michigan Conservation Stewards Program is an educational program for adults age 18 and older, offered by Michigan State University Extension and collaboratively planned with many diverse partner organizations.

CSP is geared toward those who are enthusiastic about learning science-based ecosystem management principles, getting involved in on-the-ground stewardship efforts, sharing their knowledge and experiences with the public and empowering others to get engaged in improving their local area.

The program spans eight weeks, from Aug. 26 through Oct. 21, and includes virtual, self-paced lessons, weekly in-person evening sessions at various indoor and outdoor locations, a Saturday in-person field trip to the Yellow Dog Watershed and an applied capstone project related to restoring and conserving Michgan’s ecosystems, with guidance provided by a local mentor.

Marquette County’s program will meet from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern time Wednesdays. Some of the weekly topics include “Foundations of Conservation: Society & Conservation/Conservation Heritage”; “Indigenous Perspectives on Conservation,” past and current, led by Alisha Autio-Wiitala and Craig Aho of the Natural Resources Conservation Service; “Terrestrial Ecosystems: Grasslands,” led by Caleb Eckloff of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources; and “Aquatic Ecosystems: Inland and Great Lakes,” led by Elliot Nelson of the Michigan Sea Grant; plus many more.

Participants in the 2024 Conservation Stewards Program in Marquette. (Photo courtesy of Anna Ellis)

The last date to register will be Aug. 9. The cost of the class is $250, but scholarships are available. For additional information about the program, scholarships and registration, go online to canr.msu.edu/csp.

Additional information can also be obtained by contacting Marquette CSP lead planner Anna Ellis at ellisan9@msu.edu.

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Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.