Date: Saturday, September 8 from 9am-4pm
Location: E.L. Johnson Nature Center (Bloomfield Hills)
Registration: Deadline to register is August 31. To register click here

Michigan State University Extension will offer a Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (CSP) in Oakland County 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, environmental issues and challenges affecting the region and strategies to help restore and conserve ecosystems in Oakland County. Topics include conservation heritage, ecological foundations, making choices to manage natural resources, emerging ecosystem issues, and managing forestlands, grasslands, wetlands, and lake and stream ecosystems. There will also be a volunteer expo highlighting conservation opportunities available in southeastern Michigan. The series of classes, led by experts in various fields of conservation and natural resources, will include lectures, interactive learning and field experiences.

The intensive 10-week program consists of eight evening classes held on Wednesday evenings (September 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24; and November 7) and one Tuesday evening (October 30). All classes take place from 6pm-9pm at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center in Waterford. Three all-day Saturday field sessions take place from 9am-4pm on September 8 at the E.L. Johnson Nature Center in Bloomfield Hills; October 6 at Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston; and November 10 at Indian Springs Metropark in White Lake.

Cost to attend is $275 per participant if application packet and payment are received on or before August 10, 2012 ($300 after August 10). The deadline to register is August 31 and space is limited. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited scholarships may be available. To register and learn more, visit Michigan Conservation Stewards Program. For questions about CSP, contact Linda Smith at smithlin@oakgov.com or call 248.858.0887.