Michigan Naturalist Statewide Digital Overflow

2024 Program

This program is open to adults who have an interest in the great outdoors! Participants in the Michigan Naturalist program will gain a greater understanding of the natural environment and conservation techniques while learning about the flora native to Michigan. Participants can take an active role in implementing what they have learned throughout their neighborhoods and in their own backyards. Throughout the program, local interpretive and volunteer opportunities may become apparent to those seeking to become active in their community.

Locations

This is an online version of the Michigan Naturalist program (formerly the Michigan Master Naturalist program) with two optional in-person outdoor opportunities planned. Seven live Zoom sessions will be taught in conjunction with using the MSU Extension Desire to Learn (D2L) classroom platform. There will be required assignments, reading requirements and knowledge check quizzes. The assigned outdoor experiences will send you independently (or as a group opportunity) to a wide variety of recommended locations including well-known (or somewhat secretive) parks, native preserves, and bogs. Be aware that some locations may have steep or rough terrain or may require a state or local park pass to enter or park.

This online training requires access to the internet and is best viewed via a computer or tablet. Access to the MSU D2L classroom platform requires an MSU Guest ID. If you already have one, please register using the same email log in as your D2L account. If you do not have a MSU Guest ID you may get one at https://tech.msu.edu/msu-guest-account/. Open in a new tab or window to stay on this page. Please be sure to use the same email address for both processes.

Note: We have added an optional orientation this year on Thursday evening before classes begin.

Sessions are slated to run one Saturday a month through three of Michigan's seasons of Spring - Fall

April 11 - 6 p.m. ET	Orientation Zoom Meeting
April 13 - 9 a.m. ET	Introduction, Michigan’s Geology
May 11 - 9 a.m. ET	Spatial Ecology/Entomology
June 8 - 9 a.m. ET	Herpetology
July 13 - 9 a.m. ET	Lowlands Waterbodies/ Fish
August 10 - 9 a.m. ET	Birds/Mammals
September 14 - 9 a.m. ET	Indigenous Peoples, TEK/Interpretation
October 12 - 9 a.m. ET	Upland Forests/Grasslands

Please download the flyer below for a table of monthly times and dates

(Note: Like nature, sometimes we are required to adapt. Be prepared that times, dates, and locations are subject to change.)
Access to the internet and a MSU Guest ID are required.
Automobile or other transportation may be required to reach various learning locations.
A Michigan State Park Recreation Passport is necessary to access State parks. Carpooling can be coordinated as needed.

What to Expect

Participants are responsible for obtaining their own required books:

Tallamy,D.W., Bringing Nature Home. Timber Press.
Kaufman, Kenn, Jeff Sayre & Kimberly Kaufman, Kaufman Field Guide to Nature of the Midwest. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Managing Michigan's Wildlife: A Landowners Guide a downloadable PDF from the DNR and available in the D2L classroom

Trainees should plan to wear appropriate clothing for the weather and terrain during the suggested self-guided outdoor experiences.
A camera, hand lens, field guides, and binoculars may also prove helpful on learning walks.

All classes with this host will be held virtually in a blended classroom in 2024

Final Exam removed and replaced with smaller periodic knowledge check and several assignments.
At the completion of each unit an open book knowledge check quiz and short assignment will be required.
You need to pass all the knowledge checks collectively by 80% and upload assignments to earn your certification.
This can be done in any order and at anytime you are comfortable performing that task.
Participants will need to earn 80% or better to be certified as a Michigan Naturalist.

Attendance
Each Michigan Naturalist trainee is expected to attend every session.
If a participant misses multiple sessions, or fails to complete the requirements, then the participant may not become a certified Michigan Naturalist.

Costs

$200 per person includes all sessions.
Trainees are responsible for obtaining their own required books.
Limited Scholarships are available. There is a check box to request an application for a scholarship.
Cancellations received within 5 days of class will incur a $100 cancellation fee.
Cancellations after classes have started will not be refunded.

This training qualifies for SCECH credits.

If you are a K-12 educator and would like credit for this training be sure to select the corresponding box on the registration form.

Note: Registration will close on APRIL 6, 2024, one week before the start date.

If class registration is closed, you may register on a waiting list for early notification for the next class at:

Wait List Registration

Download Event Flyer

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, contact Nancy Hostetler at nancy.hostetler@affiliate.msu.edu or Beth Clawson at clawsonb@msu.edu or 269-330-5554.