CSP consists of the following components, totaling approximately 45+ hours of instruction:

Seven in-person sessions will be held on one evening a week from 6 - 9 p.m.  (21 hours of instruction):

• Program Overview
• Michigan Conservation Heritage
• Ecological Foundations and Ecoregions
• Terrestrial Ecosystems : Grasslands
• Invasive Species/Climate Change
• Aquatic Ecosystems: Streams
• Capstone Projects and Commencement

Two full-day Saturday field sessions will be held on Saturdays from approximately 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (14 hours of instruction):

• Terrestrial Field Experience
• Aquatic Field Experience

Self-paced online learning modules will cover the following content (approximately 10-12 hours):

• Michigan’s Unique Conservation Heritage and Making Choices for Natural Resources Management
• Ecology 101
• Forests and Forest Ecosystems and Management 101
• Lakes Ecosystems and Management
• Wetland Ecosystems and Management
• Climate Change/Invasive Species

Initial CSP requirements consist of:

• 45+ hours of basic ecological training (including attendance at in-person sessions as well as completion of online learning modules, and completion of required assignments, activities, learning reflections and program evaluations).
• 40 hours of conservation service annually (opportunities will be shared by the local office of MSU Extension and local partners as they become available). An in-class Capstone Project must also be completed, and counts toward your initial 40-hour service requirement.
• In subsequent years, 8 hours of advanced training plus 20 hours of volunteer service are for annual recertification (as selected by the individual conservation steward).

Fall 2018 Course Offering Information

Kalamazoo County: September 10th - October 22nd

• Seven weeknight sessions on Mondays (6 - 9 p.m.) and two Saturday field sessions (September 22 & October 13, 9-5 pm). Registration fee is $250/person.
• For more information, contact Anna Kornoelje (akornoelje@naturecenter.org), Beth Clawson (clawsonb@anr.msu.edu) or Misty Klotz (klotzmis@msu.edu).
• Register here

St. Clair County: September 11th - October 23rd

• Seven weeknight sessions held on Tuesdays (6 - 9 p.m.) and two Saturday field sessions (Sept. 22 & Sept. 29, 9 - 5 p.m.). Limited partial scholarships are available.
• For more information, contact Kirsten Lyons (stewardship@scriver.org or 810-294-4965).
• Register here

Oakland County: September 15th - October 24th 

• Six weeknight sessions held on Wednesdays (6 - 9 p.m.) and three Saturday field sessions (Sept. 15, Sept. 29, October 20, 9 - 5 p.m.). Registration fee is $250/person. Limited partial scholarships are available.
• For more information, contact Bindu Bhakta (bhaktabi@anr.msu.edu) or Cathy Morris (248-858-1639).
• Register here