Skip To Content

 Michigan State University Logo

Michigan State University
ANR Events Management System
Image of an inland lake shoreline.

Michigan Certified Natural Shoreline Professional Training and Certification Program

When:
Two days of in-class instruction: March 12 - March 13, 2024
One field day: June 12, 2024
Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day


Where:
Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center
4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Township MI  48316

The Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership is pleased to offer the 2024 Michigan Certified Natural Shoreline Professional Training and Certification Program. There will be two days of classroom instruction and one-day field exercise for professional landscape, natural resource, and marine contractors to design, implement and maintain natural shoreline landscapes on inland lakes. 

Classroom instruction includes topics on:
  • Introduction to inland lake shoreline ecology and development
  • Characteristics and benefits of natural shorelines
  • Shoreline landscaping with native plants
  • Methods, techniques and design of bioengineered shoreline erosion control
  • Designing, monitoring and maintaining a natural shoreline landscape
  • Water law and shoreline project permits
In addition to instruction, the program includes park entry, lunch, snacks and a copy of the Certified Natural Shoreline Professional Training manual.

There is also a one day field exercise that will be held on June 12, 2024, in which participants will install a natural shoreline landscape on an inland lake property.

Certification: Participants must complete both the two-day classroom training (March 12-13), pass the exam, and participate in the hands-on field day (June 12) 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: $395

Seating is limited to 30 participants. Deadline to register is March 1, 2024.

Individuals that register and pay for the class and later find they are unable to attend the training may request a refund of fees by notifying Cathy Morris at morri735@msu.edu or at 248-858-1639. 
  • You will get a full refund if cancelling on or before March 1, 2024. 
  • There will be a $100 cancellation fee if requesting a refund on or after March 2, 2024

Accommodations

Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Contact Information

For information about this event, contact Erick Elgin, at 218-340-5731 or elgineri@msu.edu.
For questions about and/or assistance with registering, contact Cathy Morris at 248-858-1639 or morri735@msu.edu.