Michigan Conservation Stewards Program Volunteer Training This Fall

WATERFORD TOWNSHIP -- Oakland County Economic Development & Community Affairs, in conjunction with Michigan State University Extension-Oakland County, will present Michigan Conservation Stewards Program training this fall.

This volunteer training and leadership program is designed for individuals who are interested in natural resource conservation and ecosystem management, natural history, outdoor recreation, natural areas, the region's environmental issues and challenges, and strategies to help restore and conserve ecosystems in Oakland County. Participants learn how to understand, promote, support, actively contribute and lead significant volunteer management activities on public and private lands.

This 10-week volunteer training program, held from Sept. 8 to Nov. 10, consists of eight classes held on Wednesday evenings (Sept. 12, 19, 26; Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24; and Nov. 7) and one Tuesday evening (Oct. 30) from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford.

The program also includes three all-day Saturday field sessions from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 8 at the E.L. Johnson Nature Center, Bloomfield Hills; Oct. 6 at Independence Oaks County Park, Clarkston; and Nov. 10 at Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake.

Early registration fee is $275 per participant. Payment and application must be received on or before Aug. 10. Late registration fee is $300 per participant on or after Aug. 11.  The final deadline to register is Aug. 31. Limited scholarships are available.

Program partners include ITC, Michigan State University, the Michigan Chapter of the North American Lake Management Society, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Oakland County Parks and Recreation, Oakland County Planning and Economic Development Services, Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, and Clinton River Watershed Council.

For more information, contact Linda Smith at 248-858-0887 or see www.oakgov.com/msu/Pages/program_service/natural_resources_environment/csp.aspx.