Michigan Certified Natural Shoreline Professional Training and Certification Program
March 11, 2026 - March 12, 2026
Registration Deadline: February 25, 2026 - 12:00AM
Lake St. Clair Metropark Thomas Welsh Activity Center, 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township, MI 48045
Contact: Bindu Bhakta , Erick Elgin
The Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership is pleased to offer the 2026 Michigan Certified Natural Shoreline Professional Training and Certification Program.
This training is designed specifically for professional landscape, natural resource, and marine contractors to design, implement and maintain natural shoreline landscapes on inland lakes.
When:
Two days of in-class instruction: March 11 - March 12, 2026
One field day: Either June 4, 2026 or October 14, 2026 (participants choose one)
Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day
Where:
The two-day in class instruction will be held at the Lake St. Clair Metropark Thomas Welsh Activity Center, 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township, MI 48045.
In 2025 there will be two field day options for participants to choose from:
- Field Day Option #1- June 4: Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Rd, Shelby Township MI 48316.
- Field Day option #2- October 14: Mullett Lake, Aloha State Park, 4347 3rd St, Cheboygan, MI 49721.
Registration includes:
- Two days of classroom sessions on March 11 and 12, 2026 at Lake St. Clair Metropark, Harrison Township, MI
- One day in the field for natural shoreline installation on either June 4, 2026 at Stony Creek Metropark OR October 14 at Aloha State Park, Cheboygan, MI
- An online certification exam
- A natural shoreline manual
- Lunch, snacks, and park entry fees are included each day of the program
Certification: Participants must complete both the two-day classroom training (March 11-12), pass the exam, and participate in the hands-on field day (June 4 or October 14) to become certified. Certification is valid for three years. Recertification requires a recertification fee.
Benefits of becoming an MCNSP:
- Michigan Certified Natural Shoreline Professional identifies you as professional trained in the use of "green" landscaping technologies and bioengineered erosion control for the protection of Michigan inland lakes. MCNSP is approved by the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership and recognized by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
- Your name and contact information can be posted on the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership website for clients to locate a certified contractor.
- You will receive in-depth training on the State of Michigan's permit requirements and process for soft shoreline construction.
Cost: $425
Seating is limited to 60 participants. Deadline to register is February 25, 2026.
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