Extended Conservation Stewards Program

February to October 2026

We’re excited to introduce a new pilot version of the Conservation Stewards Program: the Extended Conservation Stewards Program (ECSP). This pilot keeps the same high-quality, hybrid curriculum and hands-on learning experiences as the original program, but with an extended timeline. The additional time allows participants to engage more deeply with the material, connect with peers, and apply their skills in real-world conservation projects.

The ECSP is being offered exclusively in the Tri-County Area (Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham) during this pilot phase. By extending the program’s duration, we aim to provide participants with greater flexibility and more opportunities for meaningful stewardship work—while maintaining the core principles and objectives of the original program. The cohort will be instructed and organized by MSU Extension in collaboration with local conservation organizations and experts.

This hybrid educational program is designed for adults who are enthusiastic about learning science-based ecosystem management principles and sharing this knowledge to improve their local communities. Participants will gain essential strategies to understand, restore, and conserve ecosystems in Michigan. This program includes field experiences to explore area natural communities, online learning, and indoor classes held in unique places. Participants also put their learning into action by working directly with local conservation groups. 

For complete program details and cohort information, please visit the Extended Conservation Stewards Program webpage. - UPDATE URL

Program Components
     - Virtual Lessons
          + Online course content to review and complete on-your-own via the course website prior to each session.
     - In-person Sessions
          + Up to three hours of lecture and field instruction at various locations within your cohort's region. Date, time and location information can be found on the ECSP webpage. - UPDATE URL
          + 8 total sessions
     - Capstone (Applied) Project related to restoring and conserving Michigan’s ecosystem, with guidance provided by local instructors

Program Topics
     - Foundations of Conservation
          + Ecological Foundations & Michigan Natural Communities
          + Michigan Conservation Heritage
          + Society & Conservation
     - Terrestrial, Wetland and Aquatic Ecosystems

Certification Requirements
     - Full attendance at in-person sessions
          + 2 excused absences are allowed. 
     - Completion of online content with 80% or above on all online quizzes
     - Completion of Capstone Project

Program Requirements 
     - This program is for adults (18+) only.
     - The sessions will be at various locations throughout the tri-county area. Please review the locations listed on the ECSP webpage - UPDATE WITH URL to ensure the travel distance is practical for you for all sessions. Attendance is critical to the learning experience, and required for a program certificate.

Program Fee: $250
     - Registration includes a copy of a "Field Guide to the Natural Communities of Michigan" which will be provided to each participant at the first session of the course. 

Cancellation Policy
All cancellation requests on or before Jan. 21, 2026, will be refunded in full less a $25 administrative fee. Cancellations received on or after Jan. 22, 2026, will not be refunded.

Scholarships
Scholarships are available for all and help offset the program registration fee. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, first complete the scholarship application below (“Application for an ECSP Scholarship” button). Do not complete the participant registration until you receive an email with details regarding your scholarship application. This email will provide instructions on how to complete your registration for ECSP.