An educational program designed for those interested in science-based ecosystem management principles and sharing this knowledge with others to help restore and conserve ecosystems throughout Michigan communities.

Registration for Michigan Conservation Stewards Program 2024 is now closed.

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Participate in the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (CSP) and explore the foundations of conservation in Michigan and its diverse terrestrial, wetland and aquatic ecosystems. Learn how you can apply your knowledge at the local community conservation level.

2024 Hybrid Program

  • 8 weeks of instruction delivered between September – November 2024 consisting of the following components: 
    • Weekly online course content to review and complete on-your-own via the course web site
    • Up to three hours of weekly, in-person lecture and field instruction with local cohort
    • 1 – 2 Saturday field experiences to explore ecologically diverse natural communities with local cohort
  • Selection of a Capstone (Applied) Project related to restoring and conserving Michigan’s ecosystem, completed with guidance provided by a local mentor

  • Certification of Completion

2024 Cohort Regions

  • Berrien County
  • Macomb County
  • Marquette County
  • Newaygo County 

The weekly sessions and field trips will be at various locations within the cohort region. Please review the locations listed on the cohort pages to ensure the travel distance is pratical for all sessions. Attendance is critical to the learning experience, and required for a program certificate.

Michigan Conservation Stewards Program Topics

  • Foundations of Conservation
    • Ecological Foundations & Michigan Natural Communities
    • Michigan Conservation Heritage
    • Society & Conservation
  • Terrestrial, Wetland and Aquatic Ecosystems 

View and Download CSP Flyer

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Reporting Volunteer Hours

The Michigan Conservation Stewards Program no longer requires Conservation Stewards to complete and report their volunteer service or advanced training hours.

Existing Michigan Conservation Stewards who have previously completed the program are encouraged to continue submitting their volunteer service and advanced training hours monthly or annually to MSU Extension via this reporting form. Hours are due by December 31 of each calendar year.