About Us

Mission

The mission of the Michigan Naturalist Program is to educate and involve a diverse community of individuals in environmental and conservation issues in Michigan. As a certified Michigan Naturalist, program alumni will be encouraged to share their knowledge gained through outreach activities in their home communities.

History

Originally, Naturalist style classes were individually hosted by a few counties. These proved to be wildly successful with growing requests for more to be offered across the state. In 2018, the program was reorganized through MSU Extension with a new statewide coordinator. It began with a pilot training in 2019, while at the same time, developing the current program. The program is physiographic in its educational design. Michigan-specific curriculum is still under development as we successfully expand to new areas across the state.

Statewide Development and Advisory Partners

As a statewide offering many folks are imparting their expertise to provide guidance and to contribute to content during the creation process to ensure success and a robust program filled with all the rich diversity that is Michigan. These past and present Statewide Development and Advisory Partners include representatives and developers from:

  • Michigan State University
  • Michigan State University Extension
  • Michigan State University Arborist
  • Michigan Sea Grant
  • Western Michigan University
  • Albion College
  • University of Michigan - Dearborn
  • United States Geological Survey
  • Washtenaw County Parks
  • Great Lakes Science Center
  • Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum
  • Southwest x Southwest CISMA
  • Kent County Parks Department
  • Michigan DNR
  • Past MI Naturalists
 
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

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