Extended version of MSU Extension’s popular Conservation Stewards Program coming to capital region in 2026
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EmailThe Extended Conservation Stewards Program keeps the same high-quality, hybrid curriculum and hands-on learning experiences as the original program, but with an extended timeline for deeper participant engagement.
Michigan State University Extension is now enrolling participants for its extended, pilot version of the popular Conservation Stewards Program (CSP) beginning in 2026 for the Tri-County Area, including Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties.
With the same high-quality, hybrid curriculum and hands-on learning experiences as the original CSP program, the Extended Conservation Stewards Program (ECSP) pilot provides participants with an extended timeline that allows for deeper engagement with the material, their cohort peers, and when applying their skills to real-world conservation projects.
Participants will gain essential strategies to understand, restore, and conserve ecosystems in Michigan through field experiences in various natural areas, paired with online learning and indoor classes. Participants also put their learning into action by working directly with local conservation groups.
The ECSP in the Tri-County Area will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays throughout February, March, April, September, and October 2026. Please note that class will not be held from May to August 2026. The last date to register will be 11:59 p.m. ET on January 18, 2026, with scholarship opportunities available for all.
For additional details of the 2026 Extended Conservation Stewards Program pilot and to register, please visit canr.msu.edu/CSP.
About the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program
The Michigan Conservation Stewards Program is an educational program for adult learners 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.
Through the Conservation Stewards Program, participants learn essential strategies to understand and help restore and conserve ecosystems in Michigan communities.
To learn more about CSP and ECSP, please visit the website at canr.msu.edu/csp.
